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Why plastic is better than its reputation

Shocking images of littered beaches and animals dying from plastic parts have brought plastic into disrepute and massively increased regulatory pressure on the plastics industry. This makes it all the more important to raise awareness of the fact that the use of plastic is more ecological than is generally assumed. If plastic is used responsibly and recycled as often and for as long as possible after use, it is much more sustainable than alternative packaging materials.

Myth

"Plastic packaging causes a lot of CO2"

Fact check

In fact, packaging only causes around 1.5 to 2 percent of the climate footprint of European consumers, and food packaging only 0.7 percent.

The production of a plastic carrier bag generates 70 to 80 percent less CO2 than the production of a paper bag.

A single flight from Berlin to Singapore and back releases as much CO2 as the use of plastic packaging by one person in about 30 years.

Source: denkstadt

Source: Nutzen von Verpackungen (AGVU, 2017)

Myth

"Plastic packaging is the biggest source of waste"

Fact check

Plastic packaging only accounts for a small proportion of packaging waste. Across Europe, plastic packaging only accounts for around 19% of our total packaging waste. Paper and cardboard account for a significantly higher proportion than plastics.

Source: Eurostat (env-waspac)

Myth

"Plastic packaging has a poor environmental footprint"

Fact check

Most plastic packaging is much less energy-intensive to produce than metal, glass or paper.

What would it mean for the environment if we replaced plastic packaging with other materials? The amount of waste would increase by up to 360 percent and energy consumption would more than double. And CO2 emissions would be 2.7 times higher. (Life cycle assessment study by Denkstatt)

Due to its low weight, plastic packaging causes significantly less CO2 during transportation than other materials.

Plastic packaging significantly extends the shelf life of food. It therefore reduces food waste and the unnecessary waste of resources.

Source: denkstadt

Myth

"Biodegradable plastics are more sustainable"

Fact check

Biodegradable plastics are presented as a sensible alternative. The term "renewable raw materials" suggests the idea of unlimited resources, overlooking the fact that the production of plant-based raw materials requires soil, fertilizers and often pesticides.