What is Plastic?
Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers derived primarily from petroleum or natural gas. Its versatility allows it to be used in diverse products, including packaging, medical devices, automotive components, and more. However, improper management, lack of biodegradability, and single-use practices create significant environmental concerns.
Despite its practicality, plastic often faces harsh criticism and is viewed as a primary contributor to environmental degradation. Yet, the root issue isn’t plastic itself but how we handle and use it. Understanding plastic—its benefits, environmental impact, and how responsible management can transform its use—is crucial to driving meaningful sustainability efforts.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to misleading consumers about the environmental benefits of products or practices. Labels such as “biodegradable” or “compostable” often create false impressions of sustainability, particularly when single-use items remain environmentally harmful. Without proper disposal infrastructure or conditions required for these products to degrade, businesses unintentionally perpetuate harmful environmental practices.
Biodegradability and Common Misconceptions
What Does Biodegradable Mean? Biodegradable materials naturally break down into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass through microbial activity. However, biodegradable does not automatically imply environmentally friendly, particularly if the material is single-use and still contributes to waste.
Is Plastic Biodegradable? Traditional plastics typically are not biodegradable and may persist in the environment for centuries. Even plastics labeled “biodegradable” often only degrade under specific industrial conditions not naturally found in typical waste disposal methods. This contributes significantly to confusion and greenwashing.
Is Cardboard Biodegradable? Yes, cardboard is biodegradable and breaks down more easily than plastic. However, producing cardboard is resource-intensive. It requires significant resources like water, trees, and energy. Additionally, contamination significantly reduces cardboard’s recyclability and sustainability.
Is Glass Biodegradable? No, glass does not biodegrade, and its production demands significant energy. While glass can be repeatedly recycled, improper disposal can cause environmental harm. Reusing or properly recycling glass significantly reduces environmental impact.
Why Banning Plastic Isn't the Solution
Simply banning plastic ignores its undeniable utility and critical role in health, safety, and transportation. The real issue lies not with plastic itself but in the linear, wasteful methods of use and disposal. Rather than eliminating plastic, industries must rethink how it’s used and managed.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Business
- Are our products genuinely sustainable, or are we unknowingly participating in greenwashing?
- Can we replace single-use products with reusable or recyclable alternatives?
- Does our supply chain prioritize recycling and reuse, or does it perpetuate wasteful practices?
- Are we transparently communicating the sustainability and proper disposal methods of our packaging materials to consumers?
- How can our business actively participate in creating a more closed-loop system?
Extera’s Mission: Rethinking Plastic Use
Extera is committed to pioneering circular innovation and rethinking plastic usage within supply chains. Unlike traditional approaches, Extera prioritizes repair and recycling programs, reusable plastic containers, and plastic pallets designed for longevity and environmental responsibility.
Our unique approach involves developing durable, returnable packaging solutions tailored for multiple uses, significantly reducing waste and improving environmental impact. We communicate transparently with our customers, clarifying product life cycles and sustainable practices. By choosing Extera’s material handling and in-house logistics solutions, businesses actively reduce environmental harm, lower costs through reusability, and enhance their sustainability credentials.
Transitioning toward true sustainability means reshaping how you think about and use plastic. Extera offers innovative solutions to help you implement meaningful and measurable sustainability practices. Connect with our experts today to learn how you can lead your industry by embracing responsible plastic usage and circular economy practices.
