4 MIN READ
12-5-2024
Zero Plastic Supply Chains: Companies Leading the Drive for Sustainable Logistics
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
Zero Plastic Supply Chains: Companies Leading the Drive for Sustainable Logistics
As environmental awareness grows, many companies are rethinking their supply chains to reduce plastic waste. During the March 2024 United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), 15 new collaborative resolutions were passed to support environmental protection and cut back on pollution. In the U.S., more states are introducing legislation around recycling or bills to reduce single-use plastic. Initiatives like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023 aim to alleviate global plastic pollution. At the same time, many businesses are adopting zero-waste models and innovative practices to minimize their ecological footprint.
Innovative Use of Waste to Strengthen Supply Chains
According to CLN WorldWide, “the transition to a zero-waste supply chain involves designing operations that ensure no materials go to waste.” Instead of ending up in landfills, all plastic components can be recycled or reused. This approach forces companies to rethink packaging, manufacturing, and even transportation methods to eliminate single-use plastics. By using innovative materials, reducing excess packaging, and introducing recycling programs into their internal practices, many companies are significantly cutting down their plastic usage.
At the same time. these enterprises are discovering new ways to repurpose waste and create value from it. A report by Workiva Carbon highlighted how certain businesses are using waste materials to strengthen their supply chains. By diverting plastic waste into production processes, companies can reduce their reliance on virgin plastic and lower their environmental impact. This shift is part of a broader trend of companies aiming to adopt circular economy principles and eliminate single-use plastics from their supply chains.
Revisiting Containers
Dole, a major F&B company, has set an ambitious goal to achieve zero fossil-fuel-based packaging by 2025. This initiative is part of their larger sustainability plan, which includes reducing plastic use across all supply chains. By focusing on renewable and biodegradable materials, Dole aims to eliminate conventional plastic packaging, which has been a significant contributor to global waste. But how does a beverage company accomplish this when plastic seems essential? Dole has been experimenting with bio-based materials like corn starch and sugarcane, which are both compostable and environmentally friendly.
Other beverage brands, like Harmless Harvest, which prides itself on Fair for Life organic coconut water, are reaching the public by sharing their environmental updates with consumers. On their website, they address the “elephant in the room” — the fact that they are still using plastic. However, they also note that their use of recycled plastic (rPET) has diverted millions of bottles from landfills.
While this may seem like a small step compared to companies like Dole that are working on alternatives, Harvard Business Review found that transparency can be rewarded by shoppers. In a survey of over 350,000 U.S. consumers between the ages of 18-98, they discovered that Gen Z and Millennials were 30% more likely to shop with brands that embrace transparency.
Frustation-Free Packaging for Consumers
Stores like Ikea, Costco, and Sam's Club are ditching their plastic bags. However, how are companies that need to ship their packages to their consumers helping to push for a more sustainable supply chain? Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, has been trying to address just that as its logistics operation creates massive amounts of packaging waste. In its 2023 Sustainability Report, Amazon announced that it would focus on reducing plastic waste.
Recently, Amazon partnered with companies like EcoEnclose to introduce initiatives like Frustration-Free Packaging, which reduces excess packaging and ensures that materials used are recyclable. This effort not only tackles supply chain concerns but also increases customer satisfaction and reduces shipping costs. It has helped put Amazon on track to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025. Additionally, Amazon has set its sights on carbon neutrality and using sustainable materials to cut down plastic use in its global operations.
Private Sector Commitments to Ending Plastic Waste
One of the most influential companies taking a stand against plastic waste is Adidas. The popular sports apparel brand is pledging to reach climate neutrality by 2050. In an effort to eliminate the need for polyester by 2024, they have been using recycled alternatives. Through its collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, Adidas is repurposing ocean plastic waste into new products. Parley advocates for AIR (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), which involves eliminating plastic before it enters the supply chain, repurposing plastic waste that has already been generated, and redesigning products and packaging to avoid plastic use altogether. Adidas’s sustainable materials initiative focuses on eliminating virgin plastic by creating millions of shoes, apparel, and accessories made from recycled materials collected from the ocean.
Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur, a professional football club, has made significant strides in reducing plastic usage as part of its environmental pledge while participating in the UN’s Race to Zero. The club has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives aimed at minimizing plastic waste, including hosting the world’s first-ever net-zero carbon football match at an elite level, sustainably sourcing food and serving it in reusable containers, providing transportation to matches, creating 100% polyester-free jerseys for players, and much more. Tottenham Hotspur’s comprehensive commitment to addressing climate concerns has set a strong example for other stadiums to follow. Many teams are playing their part as everything from stadiums, food, and energy are being reimagined. The sports world is well on its way to meeting its goal (no pun intended).
Sustainability Starts and Ends with Supply Chains
The shift toward zero-plastic supply chains is gaining momentum globally. As consumer expectations grow and regulatory pressures increase, companies that prioritize the elimination of plastic waste from their supply chains are not only contributing to the health of the planet but also gaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. By incorporating zero-waste models, adopting innovative materials, and forming partnerships focused on sustainability, these companies are setting a new standard for environmentally friendly supply chains.