What are some ways to reduce your company's reliance on single-use plastics?

It is first of all important to figure out different formats of plastics in your packaging . Then narrowing down your approach to identifying alternatives to it . If alternatives are not available the work on how to down gauge the existing formats.

Check if your plastic waste is mechanically or chemically recyclable by consulting an expert. Mono-polymer plastics are usually mechanically recyclable, while multi-polymer/multi-material plastics are mechanically non-recyclable. Over 90% of plastic waste is mechanically non-recyclable and can be recycled via pyrolysis-based chemical recycling. Separate mechanically-recyclable plastics from non-recyclable ones through a multi-step process: manual sorting, automated sorting (near-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, air classifiers), and density separation. Consult local authorities for specific recycling guidelines in your area.

When choosing biodegradable products or bioplastics over normal plastics, exercise caution with biodegradable plastics. Many so-called biodegradable plastics do not fully degrade 100%, leaving behind harmful Microplastic Pollution. Ensure the biodegradable product is authentically certified to degrade completely under specific conditions (e.g., industrial composting facilities) without releasing microplastics. Consult reliable sources or experts to verify the product's true biodegradability and environmental impact before making a purchase decision.

One should also note that there is a difference between biodegradable and compostable plastics. One should follow proper ISO standards to verify biodegradation. Also to note that biodegradable in which type of environment is necessary before putting material in the market.

Add some extra recycling bins to your staff room. Allocate rotating teams to be responsible for drop-off. EG, single-use coffee cups, lids and plastic straws can be recycled through Simply Cups drop off locations. Save those plastic bottles and donate them to a local community group recycling collection for raising funds. Someone in the office has chooks or a compost bin? Save that food waste for them, or donate it to a community garden. Keep spare BYO cups and takeaway tubs in the office so staff don't have to rely on single use when grabbing a fast bite or coffee. Use JUGS of water and GLASSES in your meeting instead of plastic water bottles <<< 1000 x this <<<. Partner with Terracycle and purchase a recycling box for just about anything!

One important point is spreading awareness about the prevailing government regulations such as EPR which are now practiced in most countries so that the customers can start incorporating these guidelines into the business.

Education and spreading awareness are the primary ways to invoke change. Ensuring that meetings or seminars are held regularly concerning sustainability practices such as moving away from single use plastics can pose as beneficial. Furthermore ensuring that areas within the work environment are minimizing usage of single use plastic while also having signage throughout the necessary area.

Consumer awareness is one of the most important parameter. However Government agencies are making several polies like EPR for reducing single use plastic and business stake holders are working on implementing them. But the crucial thing is the proper disposal of plastic waste. Many single used plastic waste can be recycled to same propose like PET water bottles. But due to lack of awareness consumers start abusing these bottles in collecting hazardous materials like petroleum oil or chemicals that make recycling challenging. Similarly single use plastic bags are being abused for disposing food waste etc. Overall, the consumers should have a training for the proper disposal of waste materials, whether it recyclable or non-recyclable.

education is a keysolution, with providing many methods of training sessions, workshops, and educational materials, to promote sustainable practices in the workplace and even for staff salaries, and also their families for specific events, because it's not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic business decision in today's environmentally conscious marketplace

While onboarding vendors one can make a SOP in which different sustainability index can be included and a supplier qualifying a minimum score shoukd be onboarded.

Setting quarterly and yearly targets are a good way to access your progress. Certain certifications like GRS also have some ambitious targets to be set up by the management and one person responsible for each element of the process.

Monitoring your goals and pushing them yearly is very important and should be reported to stakeholders and investors. Certain data points like plastic offset , neutrality, replacement can be showcased.

Ensure compliance with plastic waste management regulations to avoid legal liabilities and penalties. Key considerations include Plastic Taxes in Europe and the UK, Plastic Circularity Targets in the EU and India, Carbon Taxes discouraging plastic incineration, India's Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2022, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislations worldwide. Large-scale companies that neglect adherence to these laws risk facing significant liabilities and fines. Regularly review and update your plastic waste management practices to remain compliant and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks.

When we think about plastics, we imagine plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc which are visible products. It affects our environment directly and in turn affecting our health indirectly. Here I talk about the plastic which we use daily and looks invisible. (i.e microplastics) Plastic in Paper cups: In paper cups, there is a thin lining inside, which holds hot coffee/tea which in turn erupts and converting it into microplastics. Whenever we drink a hot coffee/tea, we are unknowingly consuming 25,000 micro particles which affects our health directly. To avoid this, we can switch to ceramic/glass cups which is reusable. Reference from Research article - Science direct : Journal of Hazardous materials Volume 404,Part B,15 February 2021,124118

investing also in sustainable packaging alternatives materials such as biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging, and recyclable materials, those sustainable packaging solutions, businesses can significantly reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, this insights exemple of our project in the game business by digital distribuation with recyclable packaging materials, with limited edition eco-friendly collectibles, are steps to minimize the environmental impact of the business

I don't consider less. The real solution is better waste management, less different types plastics and more recycling techniques.

It's great wanting to source better products, such as those containing recycled plastic, or to recycle more in your workplace. But the main thing to focus on, especially when it comes to plastic, is that less is better. The more you can reduce, reuse, refill, rotate and repair the better. Plastic is not infinitely recyclable. Recycle last. When you do, ensure the right product is going to the right place. Trust your waste management supplier, ensure they have their own audits in place. Find out where they are separating out your recyclables to. Ensure the same undivided truck isn't picking up both general waste and recyclables (it happens - a lot). We're all responsible for the implications of our waste. Be guided by using less!