Procurement Sector Tackles Plastic Pollution

​In recent years, the issue of sustainability has become an urgent global topic, with plastic pollution identified as one of the most urgent threats to the planet’s survival. Many feel the time is now for corporations and conglomerates that have relied on plastics in the past to find solutions to reduce and recycle throughout their supply chain.

Plastics have been in use since the 1950s and are now present in nearly every product bought and sold. One of the biggest uses - or misuses – of plastic is in packaging, which accounts for 40% of plastics produced. Plastic packing is then almost immediately thrown away – only 14% of it is recycled. When plastics break down, they turn into microplastics which can cause even further harm resulting in plastic pollution being labelled as a problem as urgent as climate change.

Sustainability vs profits

While most large corporations have openly discussed prioritising recycling and reduction in the past, their bottom line is number one; these initiatives have often been considered too costly to fully implement. However, in 2017 the BBC’s Blue Planet II highlighted the problems of microplastics, thrusting the issue into the public spotlight and helping to change attitudes towards packaging and waste.

Some businesses have been quick to embrace plastic reduction, betting that consumers will reward them for the change. Adidas has vowed to only use recycled plastics by 2024; Danone intends to make all of its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. Carlsberg beer is phasing out plastic rings used in multipacks and replacing them with glue.

New partnerships, trade forming

Since sourcing and procurement professionals are the ones overseeing the supply chain, they are poised to make these ideas reality, which can be done by substituting reusable packaging or seeking alternative biodegradable products. The development of an international waste plastic trading system to replace virgin plastic is another future possibility. 

Some companies are teaming up directly with waste management firms. For example, Nestle has formed a partnership with waste management company Veolia, helping them with sorting and recycling of plastic waste in 11 countries. This reduces Nestle’s global waste and creates further revenue for Veolia, the perfect recycling symbiotic relationship. 

The role of procurement professionals in plastic crisis

Because reducing or changing packaging can have a radical effect on the look and feel of the product, there can sometimes be resistance, particularly if it’s an older company. Procurement professionals need to be able to effectively communicate ideas to their superiors, such as the CFO or board, and get their commitment to changes - without this, nothing is likely to progress.

Although consequences are dire, there is hope for the future. Plastic waste is a huge problem, but fortunately there are possible solutions on the horizon. This is a chance for sourcing and procurement to take the lead.

If you would like to learn more about finding qualified sourcing professionals to help you develop sustainable packaging, contact us today.

​DSJ Global is a leading specialist recruitment agency for procurement and supply chain professionals. We exist to take care of one of the market’s most significant challenges: talent acquisition. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment from our 14 global hubs.

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