Creative solutions for plastic pollution
We all look for solutions for plastic pollution, in the first place to reduce or better to avoid marine litter, but also because in more and more countries Single-use plastics or SUPs are less available.
Single-use plastics
The pollution affects all of us, but the European Union aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. When you see the data, you will understand why:
80-85% of marine litter found on Europe’s beaches is plastic.
50% of EU marine litter consists of single-use plastic items.
27% is fishing gear that contains plastic.
EUR 13 billion a year of damage to global marine ecosystems is caused by plastic.
EUR 630 million a year estimated losses caused by plastic to European tourism and coastal communities.
EUR 300 million a year is the estimated impact of plastic on Europe’s fishing industry.
In 2019 the EU implemented new regulation that aims to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This refers to the Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
This Directive addresses many items people use daily, like:
- Cotton bud sticks
- Cutlery, plates, straws, and stirrers
- Balloons and sticks for balloons
- Food containers
- Cups for beverages
- Beverage containers
- Cigarette butts
- Packets and wrappers
- Wet wipes and sanitary items and …..
all products made of oxo degradable plastic (widely used for shopping bags). These bags are not compostable or biodegradable.
Solutions for plastic pollution
People use a plastic bag for the groceries, or the shopping at the mall, even when they buy new shoes. When Single-use plastics are not available anymore, the market need alternatives. The bag industry has been anticipating this new regulation and the factories that have the protection of the environment high in their business goals have been working on alternatives.
These solutions are available in a more environmentally friendly type of material for the bags, like non-woven fabric or canvas.
There are many advantages, next to the protection of the environment and to comply with the EU Directive (EU) 2019/904, this is a great marketing opportunity because clients will re-use the bag more often than lower quality Single-use plastics (SUPs), and your products will be protected in a better way, thus reducing customer complaints when the products are damages during transport and increase client satisfaction. The use of an alternative bag will also give your client a more luxury experience and thus increase the value of the purchase.
Canvas tote bag
A perfect alternative for Single-use plastics are for example Canvas tote bags. You can order the canvas tote in any size and print. Fully customized like any simple plastic bag, but at a much higher customer experience and your brand contribution as solutions for plastic pollution!
Also, a nonwoven fabric tote bag. Non-woven fabrics are versatile and have a much broader range of applications in all kinds of sectors.
Contact our sales team to discuss cost efficient bag solutions for plastic pollution!