Can we live without plastic?

Multiple initiatives are already addressing the plastic crisis, but need to be complemented by ambitious governance that would address cheap price of fossil-based plastic production.

Plastic already makes up 4-8% of global CO2emissions, is non-degradable and extremely hard to recycle, contributing simultaneously to climate change, land and ocean pollution. To address environmental harms associated with plastic, we could reduce its usage, primarily among single-use applications, as well as explore bio-based and recycling solutions.

Today about 40% of plastic goes into packaging, most of which is single-use or disposed of quickly. Retail relies heavily on this material, but there are signs that times are changing. Zero-waste stores, which sell groceries primarily in bulk and without single-use plastic packaging, are rapidly expanding [see Zero-waste stores case study]. While not at the scale to be disruptive to conventional retail, they demonstrate that a different future is possible. Part of the global zero-waste movement, aiming to change lifestyles, provoking public discussion and providing a space for consuming differently, zero-waste stores have the potential to change what we expect from retail. Since the practice of grocery shopping is broadly similar worldwide, if the idea of zero-waste stores takes hold, change could happen quickly. 

For the plastic applications that are not so easy to reduce or substitute fully, the question is whether we can live without fossil-based plastic. Many companies experiment with bio-based alternatives, even if their proportion in total plastic production is miniscule so far. Forestry companies have developed new biocomposite materials that blend cellulose fibres, wood particles, and bioplastic or recycled plastic [see DuraSense case study]. These could be used in automotive panels, upholstery and furniture. Clothes do not have to be fossil-based either. There are outdoor jackets made from castor oil and recycled textile fibres [see Tierra case study]. These are niche examples, but to accelerate a large-scale transition away from fossil-plastic, a tax on the carbon content on plastic feedstock would be needed.

Governance of plastics today is scattered and reactive. Legislation is focused on waste management and reducing plastic pollution. Bans on certain single-use products such as plastic bags, straws and cutlery exist or are expected, notably in Europe. More ambitious legislation is necessary, not least in addressing the cheap price of fossil plastic production. For example, this could be done through an overhaul of the free allocations of EU ETS (European Union Emission Trading Scheme) emission allowances to the petrochemical industry. Simultaneously it is important to consider potential negative environmental impacts of an increased use and production of alternative materials.