FMCG companies still heavily rely on single-use plastic as the primary means of delivering their products, ranging from bottles for shampoo to food packaging. As reported by Everyday Plastic and Greenpeace, despite consumers’ efforts to reduce plastic usage, UK households still discard about 96 billion pieces of plastic packaging every year. That’s about 66 pieces a week for every household.
The widespread reliance on plastic in daily lives has led to a significant environmental crisis on an international level. The amount of plastic in oceans is estimated at present to be around 200 million tonnes, and this number continues to increase by an additional 11 million tonnes annually. This highlights the critical need for fast-moving consumer goods- FMCG companies to take action and minimise their plastic usage.
The upcoming phase of the UKÂ government’s recently implemented ban on single-use plastics is occurring at a critical juncture for the industry. Businesses will face a ban on supplying single-use plastic items, such as plastic cutlery, trays, dishes, and bowls. Additionally, particular kinds of polystyrene cups and containers for ready-to-consume food will also be prohibited.Â
Although the ban is a positive step forward, it is important to recognise that it is just one component of the wider modifications required to safeguard the planet.
Disclosure of plastic in consumables
The ban overlooks the inclusion of other commonly purchased single-use plastic items, like conventional chewing gum. Conventional gum, which is made with plastic ingredients in its instructions and packaged in single-use plastic, is the second most littered item in the world.
Manufacturers and governments have a responsibility to expedite their efforts towards achieving a sustainable future. To achieve this, multiple modifications can be implemented.
The government should prioritise exploring indirect methods to promote price parity for consumers. This approach would effectively incentivize and subsidise sustainable purchasing choices. One way to achieve this goal is by reducing the VAT rate to zero percent on plastic-free products. Another approach could be to impose a penalty on manufacturers who use plastic in their products, with the intention of discouraging its use.
It should go without saying, but it is vital for manufacturers who use plastic components in their products to clearly disclose this information on the labels. This is necessary to ensure that customers are fully aware of the plastic they consume and dispose of. It is especially crucial for conventional chewing gum, as the plastic component is often masked under the ambiguous term gum base.
One way to enhance packaging practices is by implementing a requirement for manufacturers to disclose the quantity of plastic used in an item on its label. Increasing transparency in the sector will enable consumers to make well-informed purchasing decisions that consider sustainability and eventually render plastic-free products more appealing.
FMCG must be incentivized by the government to make green choices
It is important to replace all plastic wraps and packaging with biodegradable alternatives whenever it is safe and feasible to do so. There are numerous sustainable and innovative packaging solutions available today that allow FMCG businesses to substitute their plastic packaging without jeopardising the quality of their products. These alternatives range from seaweed to potato starch, providing a wide range of options for businesses to choose from.
In order to achieve widespread and lasting sustainable change, it is essential for all stakeholders to come together and work together. The government should encourage and assist environmentally friendly choices while also educating the public about best practices and implementing measures to discourage destructive behaviours that harm our planet. It is imperative for businesses to put first the production of products that contribute to a sustainable future. Lastly, it is important for consumers to be aware of and have the convenience to select sustainable choices on a daily basis without having to make any compromises.
Many people mistakenly believe that sustainability necessitates making sacrifices, such as compromising on quality, incurring higher costs, or sacrificing convenience. However, the reality is quite the opposite. In the long run, society and the health of our planet carry a much higher cost when sustainable options are lacking.
In order to successfully lower the quantity of plastic produced and discarded by the FMCG sector, it is crucial that one brings even more attention to this issue.
