Conscious Consumption
Despite what seems like the 'worlds wishes' single plastics will play a part in our lives and exist for decades to come, as they serve a purpose. We must all embrace recycling as a primary means of responsibility not just for single use plastics but for all packaging. New technology plastics are not always the more environmentally responsible choice.
There is no right one answer. It comes down to the Brands & packaging manufacturers exploring options to find the most responsible choice for application, occasion & moment in time. Next generation technologies are only small pieces of the greater equation. The ultimate solution is brands, manufacturers, packaging industries, government & environment non profits to better inform consumers, develop more easily recyclable packaging and establish better collection and recycling systems.
A better understanding amongst consumers will empower them to make more informed and responsible choices. Its hard to recycle if consumers don't understand what goes where and aren't first reminded to return the packaging to the proper recycling bin. Successful brands, Packaging manufacturers and retailers will be those who develop commercialised and put to use responsible packaging, based on science & facts rather than social media fiction & fear.
In the coming years successful trust from a consumer will be those who make the consumer aware of why a specific packaging format or material has been used. Informing and shouting about the material (for example - this plastic contains up to 80% recycled content) and helping consumers understand what action they can take to re-use or properly dispose of the packaging (reduce, reuse, recycle).