2 MIN READ

12-10-2024

The Role of Plastic Offsetting: Can Companies Truly Neutralize Their Impact?

Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder

The Role of Plastic Offsetting: Can Companies Truly Neutralize Their Impact?

Plastic pollution has become an overwhelming global issue, with millions of tons of waste choking our oceans, rivers, and landscapes every year. From beaches covered in debris to marine animals entangled in plastic, the evidence of this crisis is all around us. In response, more and more companies are searching for ways to lessen their environmental impact. One approach gaining momentum is plastic offsetting. But what exactly does that mean, and can it truly help companies neutralize their plastic footprint?

Understanding Plastic Offsetting

Plastic offsetting is a way for companies to balance out the plastic they use by supporting initiatives that remove or recycle an equivalent amount of plastic waste. Ideally, reducing plastic use or eliminating it altogether would be the most effective approach. But in reality, plastic is so deeply woven into modern life that it’s impossible for many businesses to make this shift overnight.

Plastic offsetting offers a middle ground. For companies that can’t yet avoid using plastics, offsetting allows them to compensate for their plastic footprint by removing plastic waste from oceans, rivers, and coastlines. Essentially, it's like carbon offsetting, but for plastic. Companies buy plastic credits, which represent a specific amount of waste collected or recycled. The idea is to achieve a balance: for every pound of plastic a company produces, they fund efforts to remove the same amount of waste from the environment.

For many companies, the appeal of plastic offsetting lies in its simplicity and immediacy. It offers a way to address environmental concerns in the short run while working on long-term operational changes to reduce plastic usage. By purchasing plastic credits, businesses can claim a form of plastic neutrality, which resonates well with consumers and stakeholders who are increasingly focused on sustainability.

People are more aware than ever of environmental issues, and many are willing to spend more on products that align with their values. Companies know this, and plastic offsetting gives them an opportunity to meet those demands quickly and efficiently. It also allows businesses to act now, without waiting for expensive long-term solutions like switching to bioplastics or redesigning their packaging. Transitioning to more sustainable materials can be complicated, both financially and logistically. Offsetting offers an immediate action they can take, giving them time to plan bigger changes down the line.

Despite its growing popularity, plastic offsetting is not without its criticisms. Some argue that it may serve as a form of greenwashing, where companies use offsets to give the appearance of environmental responsibility while continuing to produce large amounts of plastic. Additionally, the lack of standardization in how plastic credits are verified can lead to inconsistencies.

Plastic Offsetting Examples Across Industries

Plastic offsetting is being adopted by companies of all sizes, including mainstream brands and more ethically-driven, innovative companies.

Corona, the global beer brand, has partnered with 4ocean to remove plastic from oceans and rivers. One of their standout efforts is a river boom in Guatemala, designed to capture plastic waste before it can reach the sea. Corona’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond removing plastic — it’s part of their broader mission to protect our oceans.

Goodpop, a frozen dessert company, became the first food brand to receive Plastic Neutral Product Certification from 4ocean. For every pound of plastic they use in packaging, Goodpop buys plastic credits to remove an equal amount of waste. Through this partnership, they are helping pull an estimated 500,000 pounds of plastic from the ocean, while also actively working to reduce the plastic in their packaging.

Conclusion

Plastic offsetting offers businesses a way to mitigate their environmental impact by balancing their plastic use with efforts to remove waste from ecosystems. While it’s not a panacea for the plastic crisis, it can be an important part of a larger sustainability strategy. By engaging in plastic offsetting alongside reducing plastic consumption and supporting recycling innovations, companies can make meaningful contributions toward addressing one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.