As we all know, concerns about the environmental impact of single use plastics are at the forefront of consumer consciousness and increasingly business consciousness too.

It’s easy to be cynical and assume that consumer perceptions are driving business’s reputational risk awareness and reducing plastic in packaging and supply chains has becoming this year’s top priority. However, it is clear that many companies really want to do “the right thing”, albeit not at unlimited business or financial risk.

It’s a material science problem, yes?

The first assumption is generally that this is about replacing plastic with something “nicer”; something that degrades naturally and without unpleasant emissions, or is truly circular – i.e. recyclable rather than a single-use solution that will persist on a beach long enough to shame its manufacturer thirty years hence. But that’s the thing, it is not as simple as changing one material for another. The choice depends on functionality in terms of food quality and safety, shelf life stability and also in conveying brand messaging. Is it recyclable? Is it going to incur extended producer responsibility (EPR) tax? Is it regulatorily compliant? Is there a defined waste stream and infrastructure for recycling and do deposit return schemes (DRS) apply? Do consumers understand how to recycle or dispose of the material – all of these things are important for material/packaging sourcing.

If you would like to read more, Oaklan's sister company Sagentia have explored is issue further. Please visit the pages linked below for more information.

Breaking up with plastic: technical steps to rethink, replace and reduce plastic packaging 

Conventional plastics and bioplastics: How can we move from the former to the latter

Understanding the materials science of plastics to address end of life challenges