The degradation of (micro)plastics is one of the biggest challenges of our time (1). Each year, we produce around 300 million tons of plastic (2), widely used for packaging materials but also essential in businesses sectors such as healthcare and construction (3). Plastics are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a material that is almost non-breakable (4). As a result, (micro) plastic waste ends up in our soil, water and air, thereby polluting the crucial natural resources and ecosystems we need to produce, consume and survive (5). The presence of plastics, therefore, does not only threaten biodiversity and the climate but also public health (6).

Despite these alarming results members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organizations (7) failed to reach an agreement on plastic regulations during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) for a Global Plastics Summit (8). While the European Union aims to build a sustainable, climate-neutral economy to reach its goal of becoming climate- and waste-neutral by 2050, the polluting production continues unabated. Instead, the production is moving to countries with less strict environmental requirements and regulations (9). The Canadian delegation warned that “without firm agreed regulations, there will be two and a half times as much plastic waste in 2040 as in 2015” (10).

Innovative solutions: the promise of biodegradable plastics

While this news would make us believe that we are hurling toward an unavoidable plastic waste crisis, innovative research offers a glimpse of hope. Scientists at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science in Japan have developed a special type of plastic that dissolves upon contact with salt water. This innovation relies on unique molecule combinations within the product, forming so-called ‘salt bridges’. These ‘salt-bridges’ are strong and resilient, in comparison to brittle previously produced breakable plastics, but disintegrate in salt water, leaving no harmful remains behind (11). The other unique property is that 82%-91% of the original molecules can be recovered and reused. Therefore, this new sustainable plastic product appears a promising competitor for the current (micro)plastics used for packaging (12).

Another key contributor are waste processors and recycling companies which show huge potential to make a difference in the fight against plastic waste. Take Renewi, for example; Founded in 2017, they currently able to process 66% of their collected waste and aim to raise this percentage to 75% in 2030, with a final goal of achieving 100% by 2025 (13). They achieve such innovative technologies through constant experimentation with new possibilities of recycling. Used plastics are transformed into PlayMobile dolls; old woods become chipboards for the construction sector; and finally concrete rubble forms granulate for highways (14). These are just some examples of current recycling flows that Renewis has, that allow them to constantly improve and increase the percentage.

These creative ideas, both from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science as Renewi, offer us a new perspective into the more sustainable possibilities that exist, creating innovative solutions to solve the plastic crisis.

Why innovation falls short without regulation

So, if the issue isn’t a lack of innovation or opportunity, why are these solutions not widely adopted yet? The economic profit of cheap imports appears to be, at least, a crucial component of the answer (15). As long as the cost of end products from Asian countries or the US remains lower than that of raw materials or recycled plastic in Europe, the European plastic industry aiming for environmentally friendly innovations cannot compete (16). In their recent article, the Dutch Financial Times (Het Financieele Dagblad), proposes that one potential way to address the problem is through the EU regulating its import by implementing more harmonized rules (17) across member states and promoting the use of recycled plastics. They believe stricter government regulations aimed at fostering a greener plastic industry are essential to curb the rise of polluting plastics. Only then can it reach its goal of a full ethical circular economy by 2025 (18).

How market forces can lead the way

Sander Leenders, CCO of Renewi, believes that there is a better solution to the problem of plastic pollution. Besides governments, he sees society and market forces as the key drivers of change. As soon as the market begins to view waste as a reusable, sustainable raw material, we will be willing to invest in it. That is why marketing that fosters waste awareness leading to behavior change is so important. Currently, 49% of Dutch consumers consider the use of as little plastic as a criterion in their purchasing behavior, while still a significant percentage, a decrease from 2023 levels (19). This highlights the need for stronger marketing efforts to raise awareness and reverse this trend, encouraging consumers to prioritize sustainable choices once again. When understood, consumers are more likely to change their purchasing behavior. Since plastic waste is largely caused through packaging material, companies investing in sustainable alternatives have the power to change purchasing behaviors and in that way prevent a large part of the root cause of plastic waste (20). Apart from marketing, Renewi invests in this sustainable shift through eco-smart labs, where clients gain a better understanding of existing waste flows. For consumers, sustainability becomes an increasingly important part of a product. Because of that, Leenders notes that it is becoming inevitable for companies to ignore it (21). A result of this is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that entered into force on January 5th, 2023 (22). This regulation requests companies to report social and environmental impacts, and set sustainable goals. Investing in recycled plastics is therefore no longer only about the price but also about the company's goal to reach sustainable goals, making it inevitable for companies to invest in (23).

Thus, while a threat to society, the plastic crisis also presents a unique opportunity for positive change through innovation and collaboration. Breakthroughs like biodegradable plastics from the RIKEN Center and Renewi’s recycling initiatives show that solutions already exist to reduce waste and build a circular economy. By implementing stronger regulations, encouraging market-driven demand for sustainable materials, and shifting societal mindsets, we can turn plastic waste into a valuable resource. The tools for a cleaner, more sustainable future are within reach. Only when we reconsider the potential of waste as a reusable raw material and shift our collective mindset from profit to impact (24), we are able to turn the plastic crisis into an opportunity for us to grow and do better. Shall we?

This article is part of The Outside World Formula created by ftrprf

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Sources:

1. Karen McVeigh. “World will be ‘unable to cope’ with volume of plastic waste in 10 years, warns expert”. the Guardian, 24 november 2024.https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/24/world-unable-cope-10-years-talks-un-global-treaty-to-end-plastic-waste
2. Zeke Elkins. “Why is it so hard to decompose plastic?”. Columbia Daily Tribune, n.d.https://eu.columbiatribune.com/story/lifestyle/family/2019/01/07/why-is-it-so-hard/984920007/
3. Hans Nauta. “De plastic-top van de Verenigde Naties krijgt een verlenging in 2025, onderhandelaars komen er niet uit”.Trouw, 1 december 2024.https://www.trouw.nl/duurzaamheid-economie/de-plastic-top-van-de-verenigde-naties-krijgt-een-verlenging-in-2025-onderhandelaars-komen-er-niet-uit~bf11b334/
4. ibid
5. J.T.K. Quik et al., “Emission of Microplastics to Water, Soil, and Air,”RIVM Report 2024-0106(National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, 2024),https://doi.org/10.21945/RIVM-2024-0106.
6. ibid
7. UN Environment Programme. “Fifth Session (INC-5)”. UN Environment Programme, n.d.https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5
8. ibid
9. FD. “Maatregelen voor een groenere plasticindustrie zijn onvermijdelijk.”FD, 20 november 2024.https://fd.nl/opinie/1537585/maatregelen-voor-een-groenere-plasticindustrie-zijn-onvermijdelijk
10. ibid
11. Femke van Rooijen. “Wetenschappers ontwikkelen nieuw soort plastic dat vanzelf oplost in zeewater”.Metronieuws, 24 november 2024.https://www.metronieuws.nl/lifestyle/duurzaamheid/2024/11/plastic-lost-op-zeewater/
12. ibid
13. Klaas Weima. “Renewi (Sander Leenders) over het verdienmodel van afval”.bnr, 23 november 2024.https://www.bnr.nl/podcast/cmotalk/10561546/e136-renewi-sander-leenders-over-het-verdienmodel-van-afval
14. ibid
15. ibid
16. ibid
17. ibid
18. ibid
19. Folkert Van Der Molen, “Voorjaarsmeting Van 2024 Monitor Merk En Maatschappij: ‘Belangstelling Voor Duurzaamheid Onder Nederlandse Consumenten Neemt Af’,” Duurzaam Ondernemen, July 1, 2024,https://www.duurzaam-ondernemen.nl/belangstelling-voor-duurzaamheid-onder-nederlandse-consumenten-neemt-af-blijkt-uit-de-voorjaarsmeting-van-2024-monitor-merk-en-maatschappij/
20. Plastic Food Foundation. “Feiten & Cijfers”.Plastic Soup Foundation.https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/plastic-feiten-en-cijfers/
21. Klaas Weima. “Renewi (Sander Leenders) over het verdienmodel van afval”.bnr, 23 november 2024.https://www.bnr.nl/podcast/cmotalk/10561546/e136-renewi-sander-leenders-over-het-verdienmodel-van-afval
22. European Union “Corporate sustainability reporting”.European Union, n.d.https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en
23. ibid
24. ibid