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)
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)
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
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.