Every year, the world produces over 380 million tonnes of plastic. To put this into perspective, that's roughly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. In just one month, we generate about 32 million tonnes of plastic waste. Imagine filling a football stadium with plastic waste every single day – that's the staggering scale of our plastic production.
The Reality of Recycling
Despite the massive amounts of plastic produced, only about 9% of it is actually recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment, polluting our oceans and harming wildlife. For example, a plastic bottle discarded today will take about 450 years to decompose, affecting countless generations of marine life.
Practical Comparisons
To visualize this, think of a stack of plastic bottles reaching from the Earth to the moon and back nearly 10 times. Every year, enough plastic is thrown away to circle the Earth four times.
The Alternatives to Plastic
There are promising alternatives to traditional plastics, including biodegradable materials like polylactic acid (PLA), made from fermented plant starch. Companies are also exploring innovative solutions like mushroom packaging, which is entirely compostable and can decompose in your garden in just a few weeks.
A Success Story: LEGO’s Commitment to Sustainability
LEGO, the iconic toy company, is a prime example of a successful transition from plastic. In 2018, LEGO announced its commitment to producing sustainable products, aiming to manufacture all core products from sustainable materials by 2030. They have since introduced LEGO pieces made from sugarcane-based polyethylene, demonstrating that even the most iconic plastic products can be reimagined.
A Call to Action for Businesses
For companies using plastic in their production chain, now is the time to rethink and innovate. Transitioning to sustainable materials not only helps the environment but can also enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. At Eco-G, we specialise in helping businesses find eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Our team of experts can guide you through the transition, providing practical solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Join the Movement
The fight against plastic waste requires collective action. By choosing sustainable alternatives, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and create a healthier planet for future generations. Let’s work together to make a difference. Contact Eco-G today to start your journey towards a plastic-free production process.