The linked headline is interesting and accurate, but the “civilian” education around plastics has just begun – and will need to be continuing education. Plus, the agenda for plastics producers likely changed with COP26. On the first point, while consumers have been made more aware of plastic waste issues and recycling in 2021, it is still very mixed by geography, with some countries and some US states making major pushes in 2021 while others have lagged. There remains a significant level of skepticism and disinterest in recycling in the US as we discussed in a recent ESG and Climate report – linked here (See chart below). The continuing education comment is based on the likely significant evolution of plastics over the next ten years. If we introduce more biodegradable polymers into the mix, these will have to be dealt with differently by consumers. Also, as packagers move towards more “recyclable” packaging, more materials will move from a waste stream to a chemically recyclable stream and ultimately to a mechanically recyclable stream – as this evolves, consumers will need constant updates is they are expected to play a part.
