With current regulations in place, there is an expectation that businesses should take responsibility for reducing the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging sold. There have been individual business initiatives launched, including replacing plastic packaging with recycled plastic products, replacing single-use plastic containers and straws with eco-friendly products, and launching promotions to encourage non-plastic use.
For example, KFC Singapore has stopped providing plastic caps and straws for drinks. Starbucks has replaced its straws with compostable single-use straws and designed strawless lids to reduce plastic waste worldwide.
To meet the increase in demand for sustainable plastic alternatives, many manufacturers have turned their production to produce environmentally-friendly products. The Singapore-based RWDC Industries researched and produced Solon – a naturally occurring polyester that completely decomposes into carbon dioxide and water through microbial action within 3-4 months. They hope that this could be a future alternative to plastic. Many other companies have started developing similar materials, as well.
These initiatives by corporations and retailers to reduce plastic packaging waste is a good first step to reducing our environmental impacts.
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