Christopher Marquis: Beyond the Bin: Rethinking Plastic Reduction

The global plastic crisis continues to challenge businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. It is a systemic crisis that demands public accountability and action. But this has been obscured by greenwashing from many fronts including the plastics industry and packaging and beverage companies, which focuses on convincing us that recycling is the answer which only directs attention away from their own culpability.

While we must demand more from policy makers, companies can also play a role in spurring this change. This week’s featured article highlights Grove Collaborative’s longstanding journey to eliminate plastic waste which shows the challenges of being a leader in a space where there are significant vested interests standing in the way of change.

Governments worldwide need to step up efforts to curb plastic pollution, and unfortunately this can be a challenge in today's environment where industries have power over politics. There is back and forth on this topic, from California’s delayed producer responsibility law to Egypt’s upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Other developments from around the world reflect that we need to continue to push for systemic solutions that extend beyond individual responsibility.

In the research corner, a new study from Manufacturing & Service Operations Management examines innovative business models for ocean-bound plastic recycling. It explores tradeoffs in integrating plastic offsets and recycling efforts when aiming to balance profitability with environmental impact. The findings emphasize the role of corporate responsibility and strategic collaboration in tackling plastic waste effectively.

Featured Article:

Rethinking Plastic: Grove Collaborative’s Sustainability Journey

Grove Collaborative has long been a leader in sustainable consumer products, with an ambitious goal of becoming 100% plastic-free by 2025. However, as CEO Jeff Yurcisin recently shared with me, the complexity of the plastic crisis has made achieving this target within the original timeframe a greater challenge than they originally anticipated. A big issue related to the industry not moving fast enough in eliminating plastics, including a lack of scalable alternative materials, limited corporate and governmental incentives, and the need for greater consumer awareness. In the face of these challenges, Grove has recalibrated its goals to focusing on preventing 15 million pounds of single-use plastic waste by 2030 while maintaining its plastic neutrality commitment.

This strategic shift highlights an essential lesson for sustainable businesses: progress requires both ambition and adaptability. In areas with entrenched systemic barriers, business can only do so much. But this does not mean they should not strive to do the right thing and aim to lead industry to a better place. Grove remains committed to driving industry change through its innovative product offerings, a transparent Impact Tracker, and collaborative efforts with brands and policymakers. Yurcisin’s reflections underscore the importance of persistence, transparency, and also the need for industry-wide commitments in tackling systemic sustainability challenges.

Essential Reads:

Plastic Law Delay

California missed its deadline to implement the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which aims to cut plastic waste by 23 million tons in 10 years. Gov. Newsom ordered a regulatory redo due to cost concerns, sparking criticism from environmental groups. Advocates fear delays may weaken the law’s impact on pollution and public health.

Plastic Reduction Push

Environmental advocates are renewing efforts for New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which aims to cut plastic packaging by 30% over 12 years. The bill would charge companies for excess packaging, funding local municipalities. Supporters highlight persistent plastic waste issues, urging legislation to shift responsibility from consumers to corporations.

Plastics & Climate Action

Scientists from RMIT University call for nations to include plastic-related emissions in their climate plans before COP 30. With plastic production expected to triple by 2050, its lifecycle emissions contribute heavily to global warming. Despite this, only 11 out of 194 countries address plastic waste in their NDCs, leaving a major gap in climate policies.

Recycling Barriers

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Boston Consulting Group highlight the challenges in achieving a circular economy for plastics. Issues include lack of waste segregation, poor infrastructure, high recycling costs, and weak regulations. Their latest Solution Model Playbook focuses on basic mechanical recycling to extract value from plastic waste and promote sustainable waste management.

Egypt’s Plastic Policy

Egypt will enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic shopping bags under Decision 662/2025, requiring producers to pay fees for waste disposal. Set to take effect on June 3, 2025, the move aims to curb plastic pollution and ensure accountability. Greenpeace MENA praises the decision as a model for global action ahead of INC5.2 negotiations.

Plastic-Free Dining

Mount Prospect’s Single-Use Plastic Utensil Reduction Program (S.U.P.U.R.) launches March 14, with 20 businesses committed to reducing plastic waste. Restaurants will only provide utensils upon request, changing the automatic distribution habit. The initiative partners with local businesses, promoting sustainability and cost savings while encouraging eco-conscious dining habits.

Research Corner:

Published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, a recent study explores innovative business models aimed at reducing ocean plastic pollution while balancing profit, environmental, and social impact. The research examines firms that sell plastic offsets and segregated plastic, partnering with local recycling supply chains. It highlights the role of additionality—the requirement that offsets represent newly recycled plastic—and its complex effects on firm performance. The findings suggest that integrating both business models can significantly enhance environmental and social impact. The study provides valuable for businesses and policymakers looking to develop effective solutions for ocean-bound plastic waste.

Quick Takeaways:

Plastic Law Delay: California’s plastic-reduction law delayed, raising environmental concerns.
Plastic Reduction Push: NY bill aims to hold corporations accountable for packaging waste.
Plastics & Climate Action: Scientists urge including plastics in global climate action plans.
Recycling Barriers: Poor infrastructure, high costs limit effective plastic recycling.
Plastic Bag Ban: New Mexico considers banning plastic bags in retail to cut waste.
Egypt’s Plastic Policy: Egypt introduces producer fees for plastic bag disposal to curb pollution.
Plastic-Free Dining: Illinois town shifts to providing plastic utensils only upon request.