Our use of plastic is increasing, and across the world, it is predicted to double by 2040. The current rate of plastic recycling in Australia is approximately 13 per cent, which means more than 85 per cent is ending up in landfill and generating plastic waste. Consumers and small-business owners alike are feeling guilt-ridden about the amount of plastic waste in their daily lives, knowing it is just ending up in landfill. At the same time, we have seen a rising demand in brands and consumers looking for more eco-friendly and plastic-smart alternatives to combat packaging waste.
The Federal Government recognises that the plastic lifecycle needs an overhaul, introducing the National Plastic Plan, Single Use Plastic Ban and National Packaging Targets, where all packaging needs to be 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable. This means it’s a critical time for organisations, regardless of size, to start thinking now about their packaging and plastic needs so they can start planning and switching to alternatives that will meet government standards.
Small businesses also need to start to use more eco-friendly plastic and packaging in their operations to be innovative, competitive, and forward-thinking in the industry. Gen Z and Millennials are now starting to overlook products if they don’t comply with their own ‘zero-waste’ lifestyle and environmental standards, extending to packaging and waste. Youngsters are also more favoured to brands that make products our of recyclable or sustainable materials, so brands can remain more competitive if they help contribute to a circular economy.
So, all things considered, it could be time to assess how is your small business tracking when it comes to packaging and plastic waste. For businesses wanting to amplify their sustainable plastic and packaging efforts, assessing your current actions then making small transitions is key.
- Start by assessing what you are currently doing in your small business operations. What can be improved? How can your resources be used more efficiently to avoid or reduce waste during the manufacturing stage, packaging, transport, office use? What can be recycled and what is to be disposed? Many workplaces just find this too hard, but perseverance by a few will go a long way to educate the whole office.
- Set sustainable packaging goals that are in line with the National Packaging Targets, ensuring your plastic usage is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
- Research more sustainable alternatives. Find out what like-minded businesses are doing, research alternative materials that can be reused, recycled, and are naturally biodegradable, that meet government standards (if they apply).
- Make the switch to more eco-friendly plastic packaging alternatives. Biogone aims to help businesses make the switch offering a wide range of cost-effective landfill-biodegradable and home-compostable everyday plastic products such as packing tape, pallet stretch wrap, mailing satchels and much more.
- Promote your sustainability efforts to your customers, and spread the word – so it inspires more businesses and individuals to take sustainable action of their own!
