ECS discusses global plastics survey
February 23, 2022
Reuters, one of the largest news organisations in the world recently conducted a survey regarding single-use plastics, which was undertaken across 28 countries with over 20,000 participants.
According to the results of the survey, three in four people (75%) worldwide want to see single-use plastics eradicated as soon as possible. This figure is up from 71% since 2019, with 82% of participants also stating that they favour products with less plastic packaging, again, up from 75% since 2019.
While the result sends a clear message to governments who will meet in Nairobi later this month to continue talks from COP26 in order to create an ambitious treaty which will help to tackle plastic waste head on – arguably one of the most important environmental pacts since the famous Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015.
Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS) stated that the final important statistic to take away from Reuter’s survey is that over 85% of participants globally expect manufacturers and retailers to be held responsible for reducing, reusing and recycling plastic packaging, again, up from 80% previously.
ECS said it has already noticed, and taken advantage of changing market trends, in particular a surge in demand for remanufactured products, as well as a sharp rise in new partner applications from customers specifically looking for an environmentally friendly solution.
The UK remanufacturer and recycler explained that this sudden shift in demand from OEM to alternative products corresponds with the results from Reuters survey, and points to the fact that end-users of plastic products are becoming more aware and far more conscious of the impacts that their buying habits are having on a much larger scale. As a result, consumers are demanding more from their suppliers, with environmentally friendly solutions becoming an expectation rather than simply an added bonus.
ECS Director, Chris Fink said: “As we continue to monitor the market very closely, it’s become increasingly obvious that the combination of both the pandemic and environmental pressures are having a positive effect for the remanufacturing industry in terms of demand, as well as highlighting the importance of remanufacturers around the world and the role we play in reducing, reusing and recycling plastic waste and products. As a provider of a completely environmentally sound solution, we find ourselves in a strong position to meet the needs of the market, both now and in the future.”
The UK remanufacturer also pointed out that 85% of survey respondents want manufacturers and retailers to be responsible for reducing, reusing and recycling plastic packaging, up from 80% previously.
As part of their fully comprehensive environmental solution, ECS’s packaging is made from 100% recyclable cardboard, with all plastic avoided unless absolutely necessary. It is expected that office equipment suppliers around the world will have to adapt over the coming months to the continued demands and environmental expectations of their customers by providing more remanufactured products than previously as well as implementing changes to their packaging.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : ECS Plastics Remanufacturing Reuters Single Use Survey
