Page 181 - Towards A Sustainable Future , Phase 3 2025, E-Book_Neat

3. Use Sustainable Resources Environmental Aspects
Many alternative packaging materials can be sourced from Environmental Impact of Conventional Plastic
renewable resources and agricultural by-products, such Packaging
as cornstarch, bamboo and wood. This can help reduce Conventional plastic packaging significantly harms the
dependency on fossil fuels and lower the environmental environment due to its long-lasting nature and resistance
impact of resource extraction. The project prioritises the use of to degradation. Plastic waste makes up a substantial part of
materials that are not only sustainable but also biodegradable solid waste, leading to overflowing landfills. Limited waste
or recyclable, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of the packaging management facilities and the use of valuable land for waste
solution aligns with circular economy principles. disposal worsen this issue. Poorly managed landfills also
increase the risk of plastics escaping into the environment.
Non-biodegradable plastics often end up in oceans, forests,
and other natural settings, where they can persist for many
years. This disrupts ecosystems and poses a threat to wildlife.

The accumulation of plastic waste not only puts pressure
on the environment but also depletes natural resources.
Producing new plastic products consumes significant energy
and raw materials, contributing to environmental damage and
higher costs.

Moreover, the cost of managing plastic waste often falls on
governments and taxpayers, diverting funds from essential
4. Raise Awareness in Corporate Responsibility services.
The implementation of alternative packaging solutions has
the potential to influence consumers' and other companies' Plastics release harmful chemicals into the environment over
awareness and promote environmental responsibility. time, which can affect both animals and ecosystems. These
Companies offering sustainable packaging alternatives can include various additives that pose risks to living organisms.
reduce their impact on the environment while also contributing For example, birds may consume sharp plastic fragments
to the growing demand for greener solutions. Consumers, in that can damage their internal organs. Marine animals like
turn, are also encouraged to make greener choices, which sea turtles may confuse plastic bags with jellyfish, leading
amplifies the positive environmental outcomes. to choking or digestive blockages. Plastics interfere with the

natural behaviours of animals, including feeding, breeding,
and movement.

Ongoing plastic pollution contributes to the decline of species,
especially in vulnerable habitats such as coral reefs and
wetlands. This reduction in biodiversity weakens ecosystems,
making them less resilient to environmental changes.

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