This Royal Society symposium highlighted new approaches to replace, reuse, or remove plastic from packaging and discussed how green materials are not so clear cut.
Recordings of the discussion are available online:
Compostable plastics: unlocking existing barriers to system change
Influencing consumer attitude and behaviour towards packaging
A report on the event is available to read (PDF).
Background
Packaging has transformed the manner and extent to which we can safely transport and store goods, but our current system is failing. Studies suggest that only 14% of plastic packaging used globally is collected for recycling and only 10% of all plastic recycled has been so more than once. Around 40% currently ends its useful life in landfill.
Tackling waste and establishing a circular plastics economy will play a vital role in making the packaging industry sustainable.
From designing effective and affordable materials to mining discarded plastic, this event showcased global disruptors and policymakers who are working to reduce, reuse or revolutionise plastic at every level of the packaging life cycle.
About the conference series
This scientific meeting was part of the Royal Society’s Transforming our Future conference series generously supported by AstraZeneca. These meetings are unique, high-level events that address the scientific and technical challenges of the next decade. Each conference features cutting edge science from industry and academia and brings together leading experts from the scientific community, including regulatory, charity and funding bodies.