Paper could play a ‘valuable role’ in tackling plastic pollution by providing an alternative to flexible plastic packaging, according to a new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The new Ellen MacArthur Foundation report sets criteria it says will ensure paper-based solutions deliver environmental benefits and support a circular economy.
The report has been endorsed by 44 businesses, NGOs, investors and academics who are calling for innovation in paper-based alternatives to help tackle flexible plastic packaging pollution.
Flexible plastics, including sachets, wrappers and pouches, are the fastest-growing type of plastic packaging worldwide.
In countries with low formal collection and recycling systems, they are a major source of pollution, the Foundation says flexible plastics make up 80% of the plastic packaging that ends up in oceans.
The report found that paper-based alternatives to flexible plastics can be more easily designed to be both recyclable and biodegradable.
In markets where flexible packaging has a high likelihood of ending up in the environment, the report says this would enable the material to be recycled once collection and recycling systems are in place.
However, the report also warns that without ‘careful design and sourcing’, paper packaging may offer little or no benefit.
Endorsed by organisations across the plastics value chain, the report sets out six sets of criteria:
- Responsibly sourced to avoid contributing to forest degradation.
- Responsibly produced to minimise pressure on climate and water resources.
- Meets technical, economic, and consumer needs to be viable in practice.
- Recyclable locally and supported by efforts to scale up collection infrastructure.
- Avoids hazardous chemicals and persistent plastic pollution.
- Fits within a broader, socially inclusive circular economy strategy.
Commenting on the report, Sander Defruyt, Plastics Strategy Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said: “Flexible plastic packaging pollution is a systemic challenge – with an estimated 20 trillion items expected to enter our oceans over the next 15 years.”
“There’s no silver bullet, therefore adding paper-based alternatives to the mix helpfully expands the toolbox, complementing other priority solutions such as reusable packaging.”
The Foundation’s report also highlights that paper-based solutions don’t yet exist at the ‘scale, cost or performance needed’.
The report calls on businesses and policymakers to accelerate the development of paper-based flexible packaging solutions and establish safeguards that guide their responsible use.
Small-format flexible plastic packaging, which are widely used for everyday items from snacks and shampoo to coffee and milk, is identified as one of three systemic barriers in the Foundation’s 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business.
