The Future Of Plastic Packaging

As the shift to clean energy gathers pace, oil and gas companies are hungrily eyeing up alternative fossil fuel markets – and the plastics industry is at the top of their hit list. 

More than 99 per cent of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and alongside other petrochemical products like fertilisers and solvents, they’re set to account for as much as 50 per cent of the growth in demand for oil over the next three decades. 

Although undeniably versatile and convenient, the toll plastics take on oceans, landscapes and wildlife is heartbreakingly plain to see. A more insidious impact is the industry’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, expected to outstrip that of coal-fired power stations within the next decade. 

But there are, of course, alternatives. Really clever ones. Chemists, activists and designers are dreaming up ways to wean us off our fossil plastics habit. And then putting those dreams into action.

Positive News caught up with some of these innovators, all of whom are either former winners or finalists of the Green Alley Award, which recognises European startups for pioneering circular solutions.