Can you say with 100% certainty that you will not purchase anything plastic and non-recyclable this year?
Probably not. We are inundated with plastic everywhere we turn, from vending machines to gas station goods, online orders, and more.
While we may have single-use packaging around every corner, we, as consumers, can get educated on why these are harmful choices. We can choose what we purchase and where our money goes.
Making the case for reusable packaging is really all about the numbers.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a significant portion being single-use packaging.
That is a lot of plastic, and it is honestly hard to imagine what 300 million tons of plastic means. Reusable packaging could significantly decrease this number.
2.Only 9% of global plastic waste is actually recycled.
Single-use plastics have been a significant contributor to pollution, particularly in our oceans. Reusable packaging offers a direct solution to this problem. By using containers, bottles, and bags that are designed for repeated use, we can dramatically reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and our natural environments.
3.It takes the earth 1.6 years to regenerate the resources it uses over a one-year period.
The production of single-use packaging items consumes vast amounts of natural resources, from petroleum for plastics to water for paper production. Reusable packaging, on the other hand, minimizes these resource-intensive processes. With materials designed to withstand multiple uses, we can significantly decrease the demand for raw materials.
4.The world economy is only 7.2% circular – meaning that products are reused or remade rather than trashed at the end of their original lifecycle.
P.S. It was 9.1% circular in 2018, so we’re getting worse.
But no surprise considering the above.
Reusable packaging is a cornerstone of the circular economy model. Instead of the linear "take, make, dispose" approach, the circular economy promotes a "reduce, reuse, recycle" philosophy. By keeping the packaging in circulation for longer, we create a more sustainable and efficient system
Contrary to what most believe, reusable packaging can positively impact the economy, not just the environment.
In the long run, businesses can save money by investing in durable, reusable materials rather than constantly purchasing disposable items. Think of it this way: When you purchase single-use packaging, you’re really just paying to ship your products in trash to your customers…
As we continue to recognize the urgent need for sustainable practices, the adoption of reusable packaging will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in creating a greener and more prosperous future for all.
Do you want to figure out how much you could save with reusable packaging?
Answer a few questions and we’ll provide you with a free analysis.
