World Environment Day – Beating Plastic Pollution in Supply Chains
World Environment Day, held every year on 5th June, is a global event that highlights the most urgent environmental challenges we face today. It provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and inspire action around critical issues. Despite the constant stream of information from the news and social media, genuine understanding of environmental topics remains limited. A recent survey across eight countries found that 48.2% of respondents had low climate literacy, with only 7.9% demonstrating high knowledge of the subject.
In the UK specifically, a survey from as recent as 2024 revealed that only 25% of respondents understood the terms “green” and sustainable” while just 47% could confidently define the term “single-use plastics”. This leads us to the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, Beating Plastic Pollution. The theme aims to bring attention to the detriments of plastic pollution while inspiring global action to reduce it.
What is Plastic Pollution?
Plastic pollution is the build-up of plastic waste in the environment, driven by the overproduction, overconsumption, and excessive use of plastic products. Over the past four decades, plastic waste has increased significantly, with a recent study by Statista showing waste generation reaching 360 million metric tons annually. This is an ongoing issue that will continue unless something is done to curb the use of non-durable, throwaway plastic. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), around 1 million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, and 500 billion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide each year, highlighting the scale of the issue.
The Dangers of Plastic Pollution
On the surface, buying a bottle of water or using a plastic shopping bag may not seem like an issue. However, many people don’t realise that most plastics take hundreds (if not thousands) of years to decompose. As a result, they accumulate in the environment, polluting oceans, harming wildlife, and eventually breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain. This is not just speculative – studies have detected microplastics in drinking water, soil, and even the air we breathe. This raises serious questions about their long-term impact on human health.
Why Beating Plastic Pollution Matters
Beating plastic pollution is a global necessity. The more plastic we produce, use, and carelessly dispose of, the more obvious the damage will be. Not only on our health, but our planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity. By reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, and shifting towards more sustainable alternatives, we can protect the planet for future generations. World Environment Day is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger global movement toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
Reducing Plastic in the Supply Chain Industry
Here at IoSCM, we’re committed to promoting sustainable practices across the supply chain. We’ve outlined key tips to reduce plastic use while also improving operational efficiency, including:
- Redesigning Packaging
- Closing the Loop
- Increasing Traceability
- Engaging with Suppliers and Partners
- Educating and Influencing Consumers
- Monitoring Progress and Reporting Transparently
Redesigning Packaging
Redesigning packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic usage within the supply chain. Consider switching to recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Additionally, reviewing and minimising excess packaging layers can significantly cut down on waste and improve efficiency. Learn more in our blog: Eco-Friendly Packaging.
Closing the Loop
Closing the loop on plastic waste is essential for building a more sustainable supply chain. In 2024, Tommee Tippee undertook research in partnership with Leeds University to identify best practices for delivering circular business models within the baby product industry. Based on these findings, Tommee Tippee plans to implement a full Circularity Framework this year. As part of this initiative, they will begin offering spare parts and accessories to extend the life of their products. This approach not only supports a more circular economy but also empowers consumers to make more sustainable choices.
Tommee Tippee is a prime example of what companies can do to make their supply chain more sustainable. Their parent company, Mayborn Group, recently won an award at the IoSCM Annual Awards for the significant steps they’ve taken to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations. With products reaching over 40 countries, brands like Tommee Tippee play a crucial role in driving change.
Patagonia is another leading example of a company placing circularity at the heart of product development. While their journey toward a fully circular product lifecycle continues, they’ve pioneered the use of post-consumer recycled plastics in their clothing. By sourcing recycled polyester from used plastic bottles, fabric scraps, and worn garments, Patagonia reduces reliance on the production of new materials while diverting waste from landfills.
Although the circular economy remains an aspirational goal for most businesses, every step toward it contributes to meaningful environmental impact and brings the vision one step closer to reality.
Increasing Traceability
Increasing traceability is a vital step in managing plastic use within the supply chain. This can be achieved by implementing digital tools such as blockchain technology, which improves traceability and transparency. By tracking plastic usage throughout the entire supply chain, companies can identify key hotspots where plastic waste is most prevalent. With this information, they can take data-driven, targeted action to minimise waste. This approach not only reduces plastic use but also enhances overall operational efficiency.
Learn more about blockchain and other digital tools that are transforming supply chain management and driving greater transparency and efficiency.
Engaging Suppliers and Partners
Engaging suppliers and partners is crucial for driving plastic reduction across the supply chain. Companies can embed reduction targets in supplier contracts and evaluations to ensure that sustainability is a priority at every stage. Additionally, offering incentives or support can help suppliers transition to more sustainable alternatives, making the shift easier and more viable. By creating strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, businesses can collectively work towards reducing plastic within their supply chains.
Educating and Influencing Consumers
Educating and influencing consumers plays a key role in reducing plastic waste. By clearly labelling packaging for proper disposal, companies can guide consumers in making environmentally responsible choices. Additionally, promoting zero-waste initiatives and highlighting ongoing plastic-reduction efforts can raise awareness and inspire more sustainable consumer behaviours. When consumers are informed and encouraged to take action, they are more likely to support brands committed to sustainability. This creates a positive cycle of reduced plastic consumption and greater environmental responsibility.
Monitoring Progress and Reporting Transparently
Monitoring progress and reporting transparently are essential steps in reducing plastic use within the supply chain. Companies should track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as total plastic use, recycled content, and waste diversion rates to assess the effectiveness of their sustainability efforts. Regularly sharing annual sustainability reports that include detailed plastic metrics ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to see the company’s progress. By publicly committing to and reporting on these goals, businesses can hold themselves accountable while demonstrating their dedication to sustainability. This will ultimately lead to the building of trust with consumers and partners alike.
Businesses can also apply for the IoSCM Sustain Chain Accreditation Programme, designed for organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, ethics, and integrity. This accreditation is available to companies with clear processes in place to support sustainable practices across their operations. Upon approval, businesses receive a globally recognised seal of approval, providing credible assurance to stakeholders, partners, and customers that they are actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Find out more about the Sustain Chain Accreditation Programme.
Beating Plastic Pollution
World Environment Day is a powerful reminder that every piece of plastic we avoid, reuse, or recycle contributes to a healthier planet. Reducing our reliance on the production of new, single-use plastics is essential to tackling the growing environmental crisis. When governments, businesses, and individuals come together with a shared commitment, meaningful progress becomes not only possible, but achievable.
This June 5th, join the global effort to #BeatPlasticPollution. Whether you reduce packaging in your business, swap a plastic bottle for a reusable one, or spark a sustainability conversation, you’re part of the solution.
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is a significant event, established by the United Nations in 1972 following the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Since its first event in 1973, it has grown globally and is celebrated by millions across the world.
Each year, it’s hosted by a different country and centres around a specific theme that reflects urgent environmental priorities. Learn more about World Environment Day by visiting the website.