Environmental friendliness of plastic packaging: myths and reality

With the popularization of concern for the environment and reasonable consumption, questions about the safety of human-made materials, in particular plastic packaging, have become relevant. Various sources provide contradictory information about products made of polymer materials: some consider them to be an absolute evil, others — a worthy alternative to eco-materials provided reasonable consumption. How are things really going?

Common myths about plastic packaging

Myth 1. The main source of environmental pollution is plastic containers.

In fact, plastic accounts for only about 12% of the world’s waste. The main part is occupied by organic materials, paper and cardboard. At the same time, plastic is lighter, so waste from this material is more visible to humans.

Myth 2. Paper packaging is more environmentally friendly

The reality is that in the production of paper packaging, for example, 70% more CO2 is released, 33 times more water is involved. Paper is used only once due to the fragility of the material, and its decomposition is accompanied by the release of various gases harmful to the environment. In addition, in order to fully switch to paper packaging, more than 16 million trees will have to be donated.

Myth 3. Plastic does not decompose

No material can decompose quickly: glass takes about 1,000 years, paper takes 5, and plastic takes about 450 years to decompose. However, leading companies have created and successfully use biodegradable polymer materials in packaging that can decompose into ecosystem-safe components in a short time. The NTL Packaging company produces certified biodegradable packaging based on its technical park and using unique technology.

Myth 4. In the West, everyone has long abandoned plastic packaging.

In fact, Europe is planning to phase out plastic. At the same time, where there is no alternative, say, a water bottle, we are not talking about a complete rejection. The culture is aimed at recycling polymer materials and their reuse. Recycling technologies are being actively developed for this purpose.

Myth 5. Plastic recycling is difficult and economically unprofitable

The truth is that polymers can be recycled an unlimited number of times and widely recycled in various industries. For example, clothing, carpets, other packaging, pipes, road surfaces, and even car components are made from recycled plastic.

Resume

Thus, plastic packaging is not as terrible for the environment as some media outlets promote. With a well—established consumption culture: the use of biodegradable materials, collection, processing and recycling – plastic containers, on the contrary, can conserve water resources, reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and reduce tree felling. And companies that actively introduce modern packaging materials and take care of their processing improve their image, gain new customers and discover wide market opportunities.