Plastic packaging for efficiency and sustainability in the face of ESG, circular economy and shared responsibility

Abstract

Packaging has the function of containing and protecting the product during handling operations. This article is justified by the importance of packaging for efficiency and sustainability in the consumption chain in the light of the circular economy, shared responsibility and ESG practices. According to ABRE, plastic materials will account for 33.2% of the total value of packaging manufacturing in 2023. Most of them are not biodegradable, taking more than a century to be completely broken down by nature. Their production often emits polluting gases and depends on oil, a non-renewable natural resource. Plastic packaging has also created environmental problems, reinforcing the throwaway culture, damaging the environment and making consumption less environmentally friendly. Considering the problems identified, we have the following research question: With the application of the Circular Economy and ESG practices, will we have the means and methods to combat and reduce all undue returns of plastic packaging? The aim of this research is to alert the packaging industry, organizations and entrepreneurs to the culture of plastic packaging disposal by proving the existence of environmental policies, their social responsibilities and governance. Exploratory and bibliographical research was used to analyze the results. The implementation of ESG is being strengthened every day, because, according to the interviewees, sustainability is a strategic driver.