Plastics Revolution to Reality

A ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABILITY

In Australia, we consume 3.5 million tonnes of plastic annually, with 130,000 tonnes leaking into the marine environment. This amounts to five kilograms of plastic per person entering the ocean each year, more than three times the global average. Among our plastic consumption, an estimated one million tonnes are single-use plastics, lasting hundreds to thousands of years in the environment if not recycled. Unfortunately, less than 180,000 tonnes (18%) of these single-use plastics are recovered through recycling, while 710,000 tonnes (71%) end up in landfills and 110,000 tonnes (11%) directly leak into the environment, much of it reaching the ocean.

Plastic bottles, soft plastics, disposable foodware, packaging, containers, and microplastics collectively account for 70% of single-use plastic consumption each year, contributing to 75,000 tonnes of the 130,000 tonnes leaked into the marine environment annually.

The damage inflicted by single-use plastics on our environment is evident in the images. Addressing the plastics problem requires a revolution in how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastic. Achieving change demands a concerted effort from individuals, industry, and governments, all of which have demonstrated a willingness to enact change. Fortunately, there’s a growing appetite for change among government, industry, and consumers.

Ambitious targets are being set across federal, state, and territory governments in Australia to phase out unnecessary single-use plastics through legislative changes, creating a significant shift in focus to a more sustainable future. South Australia led the charge by implementing single-use plastics bans in March 2021, followed by similar measures in WA, ACT, Hobart, NSW, QLD, and VIC.

To support clients in adhering to single-use plastic product bans, the Foodbuy team has forged strong collaborations with its leading suppliers. Foodbuy have been proactive in raising awareness about the significant challenges posed by plastic and promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic products.

During this time, Bunzl and Foodbuy have successfully replaced banned items with alternatives crafted from recycled or renewable materials, or those that are easily recyclable or compostable. This has culminated in the diversion of over 17 million units of single-use plastics, reducing approximately 124 tonnes of plastic by transitioning to renewable, recyclable, and reusable alternatives.

The Foodbuy team remains committed to partnering closely with its suppliers, and assist clients in achieving their sustainability goals proactively, ahead of any legislative change.

“At Bunzl, we believe that our business is knowing your business. Our relationship with Foodbuy highlights that through true partnership, we can achieve anything.”

~ Lance Ward, Managing Director,
   Bunzl Australia & New Zealand