Category: content marketing

Plastic pollution is growing relentlessly as waste management and recycling fall short, says OECD

In the past two decades, the world has witnessed an alarming surge in plastic waste production, leading to widespread environmental degradation. Despite efforts to address the issue, plastic pollution continues to grow unabated. The latest report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) paints a grim picture of the current situation and underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Rising Plastic Waste:
According to the OECD report for 2023, plastic pollution is growing relentlessly, with global plastic production reaching unprecedented levels. Statistics from Statista reveal a stark reality: from 2000 to 2020, global plastic production surged from approximately 225 million metric tons to 368 million metric tons. This exponential growth trajectory is alarming, especially considering projections that indicate further increases in the next 20 years.



Low Recycling Rates and Landfill Dependency:
Despite increased awareness and efforts to promote recycling, the OECD report highlights significant shortcomings in waste management and recycling practices. In the United States, the recycling rate remains dismally low at 10%. The OECD report further reveals that a staggering 73% of trash in the US ends up in landfills, underscoring the urgent need for improved waste management strategies.

Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste:
Plastics, unlike organic materials, do not degrade naturally. Instead, they break down into harmful microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. Microplastics have been detected in various environmental media, including soil, water, air, and even in the bodies of living organisms. This unsustainable situation demands immediate action to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution.

Urgency for Consumer and Brand Action:
The urgency for consumers and brands to take strict action cannot be overstated. With the looming threat of plastic pollution, it is imperative to transition to sustainable alternatives. Enter Biodegradable Futures, a pioneering solution designed to address the plastic waste crisis. Biodegradable Futures offers organic additives that treat all polymers, ensuring they biodegrade when they reach landfills or oceans. Test data reveals that a Biodegradable Futures bottle will take a mere 1,228 days to biodegrade, compared to the 500 years it would sit in the environment otherwise, wreaking havoc on ecosystems.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the plastic pollution crisis poses a significant threat to our planet’s health and future. Urgent action is needed to address this pressing issue, from improving recycling rates to embracing sustainable alternatives like Biodegradable Futures. With concerted efforts from consumers, brands, and policymakers, we can mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

Too much plastic: Why Amazon’s packaging needs to change

Amazon generates enough plastic waste to wrap the Earth 80 times over. But the company could become part of the solution to the plastic waste problem.

If you’ve ever wondered how many packages Amazon delivers, you were right: It’s a lot. Like 7.7 billion packages shipped in 2021 alone. That’s 21 million a day.

And if you’ve ever received a package from Amazon — and let’s face it, who hasn’t? — you also may have wondered: Do they have to use so much plastic? And what happens to all of that plastic film, air pillows, bubble wrap and other plastic stuff?

The answers are: No. And: It’s not pretty.

A planet wrapped in plastic

According to one estimate, in 2021, Amazon generated over 700 million pounds of plastic waste. With that amount of plastic, you could wrap the Earth in plastic air pillows 800 times over.

It’s not hard to see how this adds up. Say you run out of a household item, perhaps disinfectant wipes, so you order more on Amazon. The wipes come in plastic cylinders. Yet the two-pack you order also comes wrapped in a thin gray plastic film. And the two-pack wrapped in film comes encased in more plastic packaging.

Multiply that by the millions of Amazon deliveries happening across the planet every day, and by the end of a year, you get those 700 million pounds. 

The problems with plastic

The biggest problem with plastic, of course, is also its chief selling point: It’s so durable that it lasts forever — or pretty darn close to forever, degrading ever-so-slowly (depending on its location and exposure to sunlight) into microplastics.

A small amount of the billions of tons of plastic generated since roughly 1950 gets recycled. A slightly larger amount is incinerated (which is worrisome, given the chemicals released into the air).

The rest is supposed to go to, and stay in, landfills. But it doesn’t work out that way. Instead, researchers keep finding plastic everywhere in the environment — from the deepest point in the ocean to the highest point on Earth.

They also keep finding it in animals, including seabirds, marine mammals and sea turtles. If you’re not a big wildlife lover, I’m afraid that I have bad news for you: Researchers also are detecting plastic in our lungs, our blood and even the breast milk of nursing moms.

The experts are still sorting out the health and environmental effects of all of this plastic. They know that it’s harming and sometimes even killing wildlife. As they study what it might be doing to us, we could take our chances and hope that what’s happening to wildlife isn’t happening to us. Or, we could do the smarter thing, and stop producing, consuming and disposing of so much plastic, starting with the plastic we don’t really need.

What Amazon can do to reduce plastic waste

Amazon is America’s largest online retailer, which means that it’s a big part of the plastic problem. But it also has the resources and tools required to reduce and then eliminate single-use plastic packaging from its business model.

There are, after all, more easily recyclable and biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. That’s probably why Amazon has committed to cut single-use plastic packaging in Germany and India.

Why not here in the U.S.?

Ask Amazon to reduce single-use plastic packaging

We’re asking Amazon to reduce and phase out single-use plastic packaging in its deliveries. We hope you will join us by signing our petition.

Rest assured that the action of concerned citizens can make a difference. It’s the key reason why today 1 in every 3 Americans lives in a state with a robust ban of at least one type of single-use plastic.

Major corporations are also coming around, in part due to consumer demand. In February 2022, Coca-Cola (the world’s top plastic polluter, by one estimate) announced a commitment to use refillable or returnable glass or plastic bottles for at least 25% of global beverage sales across its entire brand portfolio by 2030. That’s an important step in the right direction.

As for Amazon, it can’t solve the plastic waste problem all by itself. Yet each time a major company commits to eliminating its plastic waste, it paves the way for another to follow suit.

And in each of these actions, all of us — corporations, governments and individuals — can reduce the amount of plastic waste we’re generating so we can enjoy the cleaner air, parks, streets, beaches and waters that result.

Please join us in urging Amazon to reduce and phase out wasteful single-use plastic packaging.

Plastic Pollution Crisis: Embracing a Biodegradable Future

Introduction:
The proliferation of plastic waste has reached alarming levels, with the world now producing twice as much plastic waste as it did two decades ago, according to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Despite increased awareness and efforts to recycle, a mere 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled, leaving the bulk of it to end up in landfills, incinerators, or to leak into the environment. This unsustainable trajectory not only exacerbates environmental degradation but also poses significant threats to biodiversity and human health. In light of this pressing crisis, it is imperative for companies producing polymers to adopt biodegradable solutions with organic additives, offering a viable pathway to mitigate plastic pollution and transition towards a more sustainable future.

Analysis of the Plastic Pollution Crisis:
The surge in plastic production over the past two decades has led to an exponential increase in plastic waste, exacerbating the already dire environmental consequences of plastic pollution. Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a significant portion entering our oceans, rivers, and terrestrial ecosystems. This accumulation of plastic waste poses grave threats to marine life, terrestrial wildlife, and human health. Furthermore, the linear model of plastic production and disposal is inherently unsustainable, as the finite resources required for plastic production are rapidly depleted, while the environmental impacts continue to escalate.

The Urgency of Action:
With plastic and polymer production set to skyrocket in the coming years, urgent action is imperative to avert further environmental catastrophe. The current trajectory is simply unsustainable, as it exacerbates resource depletion, pollution, and climate change. Delaying action only compounds the severity of the crisis, leaving future generations to bear the brunt of our inaction. Therefore, there is an urgent need for companies producing polymers to embrace biodegradable solutions with organic additives as a means to mitigate the adverse impacts of plastic pollution and transition towards a circular economy.

The Case for Biodegradable Solutions:
Biodegradable polymers, augmented with organic additives, offer a compelling solution to the plastic pollution crisis. These polymers are designed to break down into harmless compounds when exposed to microbial activity in natural environments, effectively turning polymers into biomass. Unlike conventional plastics, which persist for centuries, biodegradable polymers undergo rapid decomposition, leaving behind fertile biomass that enriches soil fertility and promotes ecosystem health. By harnessing the power of nature’s own mechanisms, biodegradable solutions offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, mitigating the long-term environmental impacts of plastic waste.

Benefits of Biodegradable Solutions:
The adoption of biodegradable solutions with organic additives yields multifaceted benefits for both the environment and society. Firstly, it reduces the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, alleviating the burden on ecosystems and wildlife. Secondly, it mitigates carbon emissions associated with plastic production and disposal, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Thirdly, it fosters innovation and economic growth in the burgeoning bioplastics industry, creating opportunities for sustainable development and green entrepreneurship. Ultimately, embracing biodegradable solutions empowers us to reconcile environmental conservation with economic prosperity, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the plastic pollution crisis demands urgent and decisive action from companies producing polymers. By embracing biodegradable solutions with organic additives, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of plastic pollution and transition towards a circular economy. The imperative to act is clear: delaying action only exacerbates the severity of the crisis and undermines the well-being of current and future generations. Let us seize this opportunity to embrace a biodegradable future and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient world.

Greenwashing in Corporate Sustainability: A Closer Look at Biodegradable Future

Executive Summary:

This report examines the prevalent issue of greenwashing within various brands, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. Despite claims of environmental consciousness, many companies are falling short of meaningful contributions. A key concern is the limited success of plastic recycling, as only 5% of plastic was recycled in the USA in 2023.

Introduction:

Greenwashing, the deceptive practice of exaggerating or falsely claiming environmentally friendly initiatives, is a growing concern. While companies often boast about recycling efforts, the stark reality of the low plastic recycling rates in the USA underscores the need for a more robust solution.

Biodegradable Future:

To address the shortcomings of recycling, some companies are incorporating Biodegradable Future with organic additives into their products. This innovative approach aims to tackle the issue of plastics escaping the recycling system and ending up in landfills or oceans. When products with Biodegradable Future additives reach these environments, they undergo a transformation into biomass, enriching the soil and mitigating environmental harm.

Microplastics Challenge:

One often-overlooked aspect of the plastic problem is microplastics, which pose a significant threat to ecosystems. Biodegradable materials offer a promising solution by breaking down into smaller, harmless particles over time. Unlike traditional plastics that persist in the environment, biodegradable materials help alleviate the microplastics issue.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the adoption of Biodegradable Future is a positive step, challenges such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and consumer awareness need to be addressed. Companies must invest in research and development to enhance the efficiency and affordability of biodegradable solutions. Additionally, raising awareness among consumers about the benefits of such products is crucial for widespread adoption.

Conclusion:

As brands continue to navigate the path towards sustainability, the integration of Biodegradable Future with organic additives stands out as a promising solution. By addressing the shortcomings of recycling and combating the microplastics challenge, companies can move beyond greenwashing and contribute meaningfully to a healthier planet. The success of these initiatives will depend on a collective commitment to innovation, education, and responsible consumption.

The Impact of CSRD in Europe on Worldwide Operations of Supranational Companies: Focus on Waste Management, Organic Biodegradable Additives, and Microplastics

  1. Introduction
    This report examines the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD) practices in Europe on supranational companies operating worldwide, with a specific focus on waste management. It explores how CSRD initiatives impact companies operating globally, and how these companies contribute to a biodegradable future through the use of organic biodegradable additives. Additionally, the report emphasizes the role of such additives in waste management, particularly in addressing the issue of microplastics.

  2. CSRD in Europe and Waste Management
    CSRD practices in Europe emphasize sustainable waste management strategies, including waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal. These practices are typically disclosed voluntarily as part of a company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

  3. Key Findings for Worldwide Operations of Supranational Companies
    a. Adoption of Best Practices: CSRD initiatives in Europe encourage supranational companies to adopt similar waste management practices worldwide. Companies can leverage the established environmental standards in Europe to align their operations globally, ensuring consistency and accountability.

    b. Regulatory Compliance: As CSRD practices gain prominence in Europe, regulators worldwide may increasingly impose stricter waste management regulations. Supranational companies, therefore, must anticipate and comply with these regulations to maintain global operations effectively.

    c. Reputation and Stakeholder Expectations: Increasingly, stakeholders worldwide are concerned about the environmental impact of waste management. The influence of CSRD practices in Europe raises expectations for companies to disclose their waste management strategies and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices on a global scale.

  4. The Role of Biodegradable Additives in Waste Management
    a. Contributing to a Biodegradable Future: Supranational companies are assisting in the transition towards a biodegradable future by incorporating organic biodegradable additives into their products. These additives facilitate the conversion of end products to biomass when they reach landfills or the ocean, minimizing their environmental footprint.

    b. Waste-to-Biomass Conversion: Organic biodegradable additives enable the microbial degradation of products, transforming them into biomass once they reach landfills or the ocean. This process reduces the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste and promotes the regeneration of natural resources.

    c. Managing Microplastics: Biodegradable additives play a crucial role in addressing the waste management challenges posed by microplastics. By incorporating these additives into products prone to fragmentation, supranational companies actively contribute to reducing the release of microplastics into the environment.

  5. Challenges and Opportunities
    a. Standardization and Collaboration: Harmonizing waste management standards and practices globally presents a challenge for supranational companies. Engaging in collaborations with local organizations, governments, and industry bodies can facilitate knowledge-sharing and support the development of consistent waste management approaches.

    b. Consumer Education: Educating consumers about the benefits of biodegradable additives and responsible waste management practices is critical. Supranational companies should invest in awareness campaigns to promote sustainable consumption and proper disposal of their products.

    c. Research and Innovation: Continued research and development of biodegradable additives, waste management technologies, and alternative materials will drive the advancement of sustainable waste management practices and address emerging environmental challenges.

  6. Conclusion
    CSRD initiatives in Europe have a significant impact on the worldwide operations of supranational companies, particularly regarding waste management practices. Companies operating globally can leverage the adoption of environmental standards, comply with evolving regulations, and meet stakeholder expectations. By incorporating organic biodegradable additives into their products, these companies actively contribute to a biodegradable future. Moreover, the role of biodegradable additives in managing microplastics is crucial for sustainable waste management. Overcoming challenges, such as standardization and consumer education, while fostering research and innovation, will further enhance the positive impact of CSRD in achieving a more sustainable and environmentally conscious global waste management system.
About Biodegradable Future
According to GreenPeace, less than 10% of the plastic we produce has been recycled, because recycling is expensive. What happens to the other 90%? It pollutes our landfills, oceans and groundwater for hundreds, even thousands of years.

 What is the solution?
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive will not compromise the physical characteristics of your plastic goods, will not negatively impact the recycling process or combustibility and, if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.

 Concerned about unplanned or premature biodegration?
Plastic treated with our additive has the life span equivalent to untreated plastic in environments such as retail stores, warehouses, offices etc. These environments do not provide the conditions necessary for the biodegration process to take place. In fact, active biodegration environments require bacterial and fungal colonies found in landfills. Those conditions are ideal for the microbes to colonise on the plastic product and begin digesting the smaller polymer compounds.

 Learn more about the full biodegration process hereThe biodegradation rate depends on the biologically-active landfills and according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.

Biodegradable Solutions for Synthetic & Natural Polymers

Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable polymer made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is often used for packaging, disposable tableware, and textiles.

Starch-Based Plastics: These are biodegradable plastics made from starch, often derived from sources like corn, potatoes, or cassava. They are used in various applications, including packaging and bags.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHA is a family of biodegradable plastics produced by certain microorganisms. They are used in packaging, agricultural films, and medical products.

Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is a biodegradable polyester commonly used in compostable bags and films.

Polycaprolactone (PCL): PCL is a biodegradable polyester used in a variety of applications, including 3D printing, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings.

Hemp and Cotton Textiles: Hemp and cotton are natural fibers that are biodegradable. They are commonly used to make clothing and textiles.

Jute and Sisal: Jute and sisal are natural fibers used for making biodegradable textiles, rugs, and twine.

Linen: Linen is a natural textile made from flax fibers, and it is biodegradable.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable and biodegradable material used in various textile products.

Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a cellulose-based fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It is biodegradable and used in clothing, bedding, and textiles.

Coir (Coconut Fiber): Coir is a natural fiber derived from coconuts and is used in products like doormats and erosion control blankets.

Ramie: Ramie is a natural plant-based fiber that is biodegradable and used in textiles and clothing.

It’s important to note that while these materials are biodegradable, the rate of degradation can vary depending on environmental conditions and specific formulations of the materials. Proper disposal methods, such as composting or industrial composting facilities, are often necessary to facilitate the decomposition of these materials into biomass. Additionally, regulations and standards for biodegradable products can vary by region, so it’s important to check local guidelines and certifications when using or disposing of biodegradable plastics and textiles.

There are biodegradable polymers and bioplastics designed to enhance the biodegradability of plastic materials, ultimately converting them into biomass under specific conditions. These polymers and bioplastics are developed to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics. Here are some examples:

Biodegradable polymers: These are typically mixed with conventional plastics to facilitate their biodegradation. Some common biodegradable polymers include:

a. Starch-based polymers: Starch-based materials, like cornstarch or potato starch, can be added to plastics to increase biodegradability.

b. PR degradant polymers: These polymers promote the breakdown of plastics through processes such as oxidation. They can make plastics more susceptible to biodegradation.

c. Biodegradable Plasticizers:Plasticizers are often added to plastics to improve their flexibility and durability. Biodegradable plasticizers can enhance the overall biodegradability of plastic products.

Bioplastics: Bioplastics are made from renewable, natural resources and are designed to biodegrade into biomass. Some common bioplastics include:

a. Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a bioplastic made from cornstarch or sugarcane. It is compostable and breaks down into biomass under the right conditions.

b. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHA bioplastics are naturally produced by certain microorganisms and are fully biodegradable in various environments.

c. Polybutylene Succinate (PBS): PBS is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable under specific conditions.

d. Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is a bioplastic used in compostable bags and films and is designed to biodegrade.

e. Polyglycolic Acid (PGA):PGA is a bioplastic often used in the medical field for sutures. It is biodegradable.

Bioplastics are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional petroleum-based plastics, and they can decompose into natural substances when exposed to the right conditions, such as industrial composting facilities or specific microbial environments. However, it’s essential to follow proper disposal guidelines for these materials to ensure they biodegrade effectively and contribute to a reduction in plastic pollution. Additionally, the rate and extent of biodegradation can vary based on the specific formulation of the material and environmental conditions.

Biodegradable Future now leads the World’s Ratings

According to a recent survey by Intellectual Market Insights Research (IMIR), Biodegradable Future emerged as a top market player in the Plastic Additives Industry. It’s all because of Biodegradable Future’s advanced technology and unique market perspective. Biodegradable Future is a global product developer and distributor of innovative and proven biodegradable technologies. Currently, 8 manufacturing plants are strategically placed worldwide. Biodegradable Future specializes in providing clients with cutting-edge biodegradable products and additives that when used in landfill, marine, or industrial composting environments, accelerate the biodegradation of plastic polymers. Biodegradable Future’s applications are endless in the petrochemical and natural polymer industries. It uses patented technology with international recognition. Biodegradable Future’s Additive portfolio surpassed others in the market due to its effectiveness and key benefits.

Intellectual Market Insights Research (IMIR) is a global market research and consulting company publishing syndicate studies as well as consulting assignments pertaining to markets that promise high growth opportunities in the strategic future. They are a dedicated team of analysts with a strong base of technical expertise as well as a thorough understanding of the market dynamics. Some of the key areas of expertise include Biotechnology, Chemicals and Materials, Healthcare, Information Technology, Equipment and Machinery, Semiconductors and others. They analyze the emerging trends in relatively nascent markets that promise high growth opportunities in the future. They focus on precision research practices that provide accurate market estimations and forecasts. This helps their clients make proper estimations regarding demand analysis, regional growth, major competitors, and market dynamics.

Biodegradable Future has a positive impact on the environment as it helps in producing biodegradable plastics, which have the potential to break down into natural substances, reducing the persistence of plastic waste in the environment. Biodegradable plastics require specific conditions, such as sunlight, oxygen, and microbial activity, to degrade effectively. Their degradation may be slow in environments lacking these factors, like landfills or the ocean, leading to persistent pollution. In agriculture, biodegradable plastics can help reduce plastic pollution when managed correctly.

Nowadays, Companies are under pressure to improve their business practices and thus look for alternatives when it comes to packaging and product design because of the staggering number of plastic products that end up in landfills each year. Biodegradable Future’s additives are a great choice for any business that wants to use plastics in an environmentally responsible way for a number of reasons as those mentioned below –
• Maintain the strength of the plastic
• Are cost-effective and easily implemented
• Are versatile and adaptable to your needs
• Have been tested and proven to work

Over 90% of all plastic ends up in landfills Biodegradable Future’s product is designed to ensure that this stop becoming a problem.

Biodegradable Future Additives

Biodegradable Future’s Additives improves how microbes interact with plastic, facilitating their consumption of it. Mixing it with a petroleum-based resin helps draw microbes to the plastic product, where they can then move on to colonize the surface. Once fully colonized, the microbes use the plastic as food and continue to degrade the polymer chain.