More companies join initiative to tackle packaging waste problem
During the COVID-19 pandemic there’s been a surge in online shopping — which means a surge in packaging. Because of this, some companies are looking for options to reduce the wast produced by their shipping methods.
Canopy, a non-profit organization, created the Pack4Good initiative in October 2019 and 22 major companies have signed on, including 11 new companies since COVID-19 began, all committing to increase the use of recycled fibre and use smarter design in their packaging supply chains.
“We face a breakdown of our natural systems, and warning that more viruses will emerge from disrupted forest landscapes,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy.
“It’s never been more important for forward-thinking companies to shift from high-impact paper packaging to smarter and planet-friendly alternatives. We’re enheartened by these companies’ leadership.”
The companies involved, which include Telus, H&M and Stella McArthy, will ensure that by the end of 2022 their packaging will be free of ancient endangered forests or will use FSC-certified paper and will be designed to reduce material use.
In 2017, more than 245 million metric tonnes of paper packaging was produced. Experts expect that number to grow by more than 20 per cent by 2025, even though the international Union for Conservation of Nature has set clear goals to reduce paper and plastic waste by 2030.
Learn more about the Pack4Good initiative on their website.
