While a third of businesses have set a goal to become net zero, nearly one in two (45%) don’t have a formal plan in place in order to achieve that goal, highlights a survey conducted by MaruBlue and YouGov on behalf of Novuna. Sustainability News goes on to point out that the situation has been made worse in recent years by factors that range from the pandemic as well as the cost of living crisis, which has led to sustainability taking a backseat for many in terms of priorities. For businesses that wish to refocus on sustainable initiatives in a fresh and new way, there are several small ways that plastic waste can be minimized for a large and impactful impact.

Informed decisions can go a long way

About 45% of the UK’s waste is produced at work — Business Waste further goes on to point out that while 70% of office waste is recyclable, high volumes of paper, food waste, and old electronic equipment still ends up in landfill. While many companies can make notable improvements through initiatives such as recycling old electronics or the installation of recycling bins at work, innovative ways to minimize plastic waste can go even further. Access control systems work to maintain a safe and efficient workspace, as they work to restrict access to certain areas of the workspace in order to preserve safety and security. These systems typically utilize a card system, where employees possess cards that are used to grant or deny access. While these systems alone can be a sustainable investment (as they can replace paper logs), further choices that benefit the environment can be found in the minor details. The type of card that is chosen is just one detail that can have a significant impact. CR80 cards are generally seen as the go-to choice, as these cards feature a familiar dimension that mirrors those of the standard credit card. 

The type of materials used can have an impact on the environment. When it comes to CR80 cards, there are typically two choices on the table — metal or PVC. While they can be more expensive than their alternative, metal CR80 cards offer a bold statement, as these cards are durable while providing a premium look and feel. On the other hand, PVC cards are considered to be a common choice for everyday identification and access control needs, as they are versatile and cost-effective. PVC cards are also compatible with a name card printer and a range of printing and encoding technologies, which make them the obvious choice for many businesses. However, it’s crucial to remember that PVC card stock is a type of plastic that raises environmental concerns. For example, the production process alone is known to emit harmful chemicals, and the material poses additional concerns where recyclability is concerned, as it can take hundreds of years to decompose. 

From reusables to redesign 

Taking inventory of the plastic that you already make use of is a powerful approach for small businesses, as it can provide an opportunity where you can make use of the plastic that already exists. This is important in the grand scheme of things, as just nine percent of global plastic is recycled successfully. One simple yet impactful way that your business can make a small change is through the use of recycled material in packaging wherever possible, an initiative that brands around the world have taken on in different ways. Starbucks, for example, takes the initiative even further, as the coffee giant has become known for their ‘Red Cup Day,’ an annual one-day event in which customers flock to their nearest Starbucks location to receive a free reusable red cup with the purchase of a seasonal drink. In addition to a marker of the holiday season, Red Cup Day puts sustainability at the forefront of the message. The seasonal ritual also encourages customers to share their excitement on social media with the tag #starbucksredcup, which further plays into an effective marketing campaign for the brand. 

It’s important to note that even a simple redesign can go a long way. McCormick & Co., for example, made a package change for the first time in nearly 40 years in order to reflect a high quality product that benefits the contents of the packaging in addition to proactive sustainability. The redesign can be found via the brand’s hallmark red-capped herb and spice bottles, which involve a new signature ‘SnapTight’ lid, which will “assure home cooks that the bottles are closed tight, locking in flavor and freshness between use,” highlights the Packaging Digest article. The redesign paved the way for sustainability to be injected into the packaging process as well, as the new bottles are created from a 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic.

It all starts at the office

Microplastics, or plastic particles that range from five millimeters to one nanometer in size (based on the definition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), have become a concern. Microplastic pollution has become more prevalent over time, with effects that range from health risks to environmental damage and economic impacts. In the battle against climate change, even the smallest contributions can make a difference over time. Whether you offer a product or service, it’s crucial to realize that your business’ dedication to sustainability can start right from the office, and can evolve into a foundation that sets the stage for a sustainable brand and image. 

In the office, businesses can prioritize plastic-free initiatives via simple swaps, from the adoption of reusable containers (reusable coffee mugs and glass food containers, for example) to the implementation of eco-friendly office supplies. One Steroplast Healthcare article suggests several ideas that can help businesses eliminate single-use plastics, many of which can go overlooked. The use of biodegradable waste bags for refuse, for example, is just one worthy small change that can be made. The encouragement of eco-friendly and plastic-free initiatives can also make an impactful difference at the office, too, as the presence of provided crockery, cutlery, and a kitchen sink can all work to encourage sustainable choices. 

Recycling bins and ‘going digital’ are common ways that businesses strive to do their part in becoming more eco-conscious. However, it’s crucial to not overlook the details, where simple changes that better the environment can make for a lasting and significant impact.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich