Is it enough to know that packaging materials are recyclable?
25 September 2024
According to the website of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Turkey, the total amount of plastic in the world's seas has increased by 50 percent in the last five years, despite all the measures taken at the national policy level. Plastic production is expected to more than double and plastic pollution in the seas is expected to triple by 2040.
75% of the plastic produced to date has already turned into waste, and approximately 80% of the plastic waste in the seas comes from terrestrial sources. The primary step to reduce plastic pollution is to Reduce Waste.
WWF's data once again reveals how serious a problem plastic pollution is. One of the most important steps in reducing waste is undoubtedly to manage packaging waste.
We generally categorize the environmental impacts of packaging waste under 3 headings.
Plastic Pollution in the Seas: The damage caused by plastic particles to the marine ecosystem and their effects on sea creatures.
Soil Pollution: Plastics mixed into landfills pollute the soil, leak into agricultural lands and thus threaten food safety.
Climate Change: The effects of plastic production and disposal on carbon footprint and climate change.
In order to reduce packaging waste, we as consumers should make conscious choices and avoid single-use plastics as much as possible. However, manufacturers should also take responsibility for the measures regarding this issue and participate in recycling systems. The use of biodegradable, compostable or recyclable packaging materials should be increased. The widespread use of deposit systems, especially for plastic bottled products, is also a very important measure to reduce waste.
A deposit system to be implemented for plastic bottles can provide the following advantages:
Increased Recycling Rates: It will be an economic incentive for consumers to recycle bottles.
Decreased Waste Amount: Since more bottles will be recycled, the amount of plastic mixed into the seas and the environment will decrease.
Efficient Use of Resources: Since recycled plastics will be used in the production of new products, they will contribute to the protection of natural resources.
Reducing packaging waste is of great importance for both the environment and the economy. We believe that this problem can be overcome with the joint work of producers, consumers and governments. As MAT Packaging Solutions, we pay attention to the use of recyclable packaging materials in our projects and strive to provide all kinds of support to producers regarding waste management. We are taking a step for a Clean World.