Published by Green Alliance, an independent environmental think tank and charity, the report titled ‘Plastic Promises’ suggests that some firms are swapping to other packaging materials which are potentially even worse for the environment.
Examples it provides include the use of glass bottles, which because they are much heavier are more polluting to transport, and paper bags, which actually generate more carbon emissions than plastic bags to make and are more difficult to re-use.
Report author Libby Peake says the changes in packaging materials have been prompted by public worries about the environmental damage of plastic waste, but the consequences of using new materials have not been properly assessed.
In reaction, some supermarket chains now sell more drinks in coated cartons because of the belief they can be recycled.
But Peake says the UK currently only has the capacity to recycle a third of such coated cartons.
In fact, she points to a high level of confusion among both the public and retailers about terms such ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’.
“Over 80% of consumers think biodegradable or compostable plastic is environmentally friendly, but there is little understanding of what the terms mean and how the material should be dealt with.”
One firm is quoted in the report as saying: “Consumers are hugely confused about what bio-based, compostable and biodegradable mean.
“We are aware that [by switching from plastic to other materials] we may, in some cases, be increasing our carbon footprint.”
Karen Lynch, chief executive of ethical water company, Belu, responded to the report by saying: “It highlights how brands ditching plastic packaging and swapping to perceived ‘better alternative materials’ are potentially creating more harm to our planet.”
In December she announced that 100% of the plastic bottles used by Belu were now made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET).
“This investment was made having considered other materials. Choosing 100% rPET is the lowest carbon emission option for bottled water that can be utilised as part of the circular economy.
“Our biggest challenge recently has been in educating our customers to see beyond the apparent simplicity of the anti-plastics noise, and to build enough confidence and knowledge to see that being part of a circular economy must be the priority in creating fewer carbon emissions.”
You can download a full copy of the report by clicking on the icon below: