Plastic
Nothing is as popular and versatile as plastic. It is also one of the most widespread pollutants, which inspired us to phase out the use of virgin plastic in our products and packaging by 2030. Instead, we try and use more recycled and biobased plastic. Check out the most important differences below:
Virgin
Versatile New material, so no/low risk of impurities
Fossil-based resources High energy demand for extraction of resources, manufacturing and production Takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills
Recycled
Made from a waste product Saves up to 80% of energy used in production As versatile as virgin plastic Fossil-based, but re-uses resources Can contain contaminant, not always food-safe Cannot be recycled indefinitely Takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills
Bioplastic
Made from renewable resources Saves up to 80% of energy usage and emissions Fewer toxins (related to fossil-fuel use) released in production Several are biodegradable, some are compostable Land, water and fertilizers needed to grow resources Less strong and versatile as normal plastic Chemical additives still needed in production Should not be recycled with regular plastic Non-biodegradable plastics take hundreds of years to break down in landfills
