Plastics, Plastic Packaging, and the SDGs

Plastics and plastic packaging have come under pressure because of concern about plastic waste. Many consumers and government officials are rightly concerned about the negative impacts that plastic waste has on our environment. Many people don’t realize the benefits that plastic packaging offer to society and to the environment, which are well summarized in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Packaging plays an important role in delivering food, medicine, cleaning suppliers, and other products to the people who need them most, contributing directly to reducing hunger and promoting good health while also reducing waste. Plastics are often more efficient than alternative materials, reducing GHG emissions and other impacts. Work being done by many companies as part of the Global Commitment to End Plastic Waste is moving the industry toward more circular-economy solutions. These will help move our industry and society toward more responsible consumption and production, promote more sustainable cities and communities, and improve life below water.