Plastic Waste Crisis 🚨

👋 Hello

Today, let's talk about PLASTIC WASTE. After a huge July 4th weekend with our American friends, it's clear tons of single-use plastic glasses, plates, and cutlery were used and thrown away. So, let's dive into this problem!

We’re covering:

Plastic waste continues to increase in 2024, with a staggering 220 million tonnes expected to be generated this year, according to a new study.

Short-life plastics, such as packaging and single-use items, constitute approximately 35% of all plastics produced annually.

BTW, did you know there is an ENTIRE island 🏝️ made of plastic? 😮

@4ocean

An ENTIRE island made of plastic 🏝️ Did you know that in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there is a mass of accumulated plastic debris th... See more

Sustainable packaging is rapidly becoming a HOT 🔥 topic, not just for environmentalists, but also for investors, governments, businesses, and consumers. The focus is on packaging circularity—making sure materials can be reused.

Most consumer goods companies today aim to include circularity in their packaging strategies. However, different laws and infrastructure in various regions make this challenging. An industry-wide approach that considers regional differences is essential.

Plastic recycling rates vary wildly around the world. In Germany, over 90% of PET bottles get recycled, while in Greece, it's just under 30%. Australia and New Zealand manage over 40%, but in the nearby Pacific islands, it's less than 1%. So, while a beverage bottle in Germany is highly likely to be recycled, the same type of bottle might contribute to pollution in Fiji.

Embracing a circular economy can revolutionize how we tackle plastic waste. By prioritizing recycling and reusing materials, we can significantly cut down on plastic pollution, safeguard our planet, and pave the way for a more sustainable future for all. 💚

Let's check some examples of what companies are doing to tackle this problem 👇

Amazon has announced a major step towards sustainable packaging by replacing its plastic air pillows with recycled paper fillers in North America. This change, which aims to eliminate nearly 15 billion plastic pillows annually, is Amazon's largest effort to reduce plastic packaging. The move comes in response to growing environmental concerns and the need to cut down on plastic waste, which has become a significant pollutant in marine environments.

Environmental groups have welcomed this initiative, highlighting the benefits of using recyclable and biodegradable paper over plastic. Amazon's transition to paper fillers marks significant progress in reducing plastic packaging waste. By adopting more sustainable packaging, Amazon sets a positive example for the industry, showcasing how the circular economy can help reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.

Of course, this is not enough to tackle the larger problem, but it's a step in the right direction! Every small step counts. 👣

We’ve talked to Hernán, one of the co-founders behind Gloop, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the way we think about single-use plastics. Let's discover their story:

What inspired you to start Gloop, and what goals do you have for the future of the company?

H: Gloop was born from a trip I took to India with Marta, also co-founder of Gloop. For two months, we traveled the country visiting entrepreneurs and companies to learn about what they were doing. We observed the country's issues with dirt and plastic and shared this concern with other local entrepreneurs. It was then that we came across a similar concept and began studying the European market to see if it could be an interesting category in the future. Gloop looks to the future as an established new category in the sector, with daily use adapted to society's consumption. In other words, we aim to be a solution for everyday life.

How does Gloop contribute to sustainability?

H: We contribute to sustainability by being the cornerstone of the shift towards reducing single-use plastic products. Compared to plastic, Gloop achieves an 82% reduction in CO2 emissions, offering a product with the same usability as a plastic straw but much more sustainable. Additionally, it provides a better consumer experience, as the product can be eaten after use, or even if discarded, it’s like throwing away a banana peel.

What was the biggest challenge in creating a product that challenges the norm and provides an alternative to traditional single use plastics?

H: The biggest has been developing the necessary technology and scalability to ensure our product has the same functionality as plastic, while also tasting good and providing a better consumer experience. Also, we have always kept in mind that price is a crucial factor for our customers, so we have worked to offer a product that is not significantly more expensive than plastic. At Gloop, we face this challenge with innovation and dedication, ensuring that our solution is not only sustainable but also accessible and enjoyable for consumers.

How do you see the future of packaging and single use plastics evolving?

H: The evolution of single-use plastic packaging is a slow process, mainly because it involves deep changes in cultural consumption processes that require time for adaptation by both society and companies. Legislation is not drastic and follows a gradual implementation process, allowing people and companies to adapt. We have a culture resistant to change, and many companies fight to prevent these changes from taking place. Another important point is that in the food sector, completely eliminating the use of plastic is complex, as many foods need plastics for safe preservation and consumption.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start a sustainable brand like Gloop?

H: Creating a sustainable brand like Gloop requires research, technological development, market strategies, and clear communication. It's important to research the market to identify needs and ensure demand. Develop solid technology to compete with traditional alternatives and keep in mind that the product won't be perfect at first but it's important to validate and create it with the market. Think about scalability from the beginning to produce on a large scale. And above all, the project should stem from an internal motivation of the entrepreneur to solve this problem.

Climate 🌎 Happy Hour by 9Zero: this social event sponsored by 9Zero, global home for climate tech, is the perfect excuse to get a drink, engage in climate chats and network!July 10, 2024 - San Francisco, USA

Latinxs in Sustainability First Chicago Meet Up: join an after-work happy hour to mix and mingle with like-minded professionals in or curious about sustainability. July 24, 2024 - Chicago, USA

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking for your dream job? Here are a couple of exciting options:

• Sustainability Partnerships Manager atMcLaren Racing

• EMEA Sustainable Production Manager at Netflix

• Sustainability Analyst at Samsonite

• Senior Manager, Global Sustainability at Vans

Feel free to reply to this email if you'd like to showcase your events or if you'd like to be featured in the Loop Commerce community!

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Until next Tuesday!! 🕺🏽💚

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