The production, use, and disposal of plastic generate a high carbon footprint plastic impact, leading to significant CO₂ emissions that contribute to climate change and global pollution.
Each year, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced, creating a challenge in terms of operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Optimizing the management of these materials allows companies to reduce costs, comply with regulations, and improve their market competitiveness.
When it comes to decomposition, the problem worsens, most plastic takes centuries to degrade, releasing microplastics and harmful substances in the process.
Can we afford to ignore resource management optimization? Not if we want to stay competitive.
Companies that optimize material usage and align their production with ESG standards can cut operational costs, improve efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Measuring and managing these indicators not only prevents penalties but also strengthens a company's position in strategic markets and attracts new investment opportunities.
This article explains how to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of plastic and which actions can make a real difference in sustainable management.
The carbon footprint of plastic refers to the total CO₂ emissions generated throughout its entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
This impact varies depending on:
To improve efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance, companies can focus on several areas:
With Dcycle, measuring the carbon footprint translates into strategic decisions aligned with ESG regulations and business objectives, helping companies optimize performance and strengthen their market position.
With tools like Dcycle, not a consultancy or an audit firm, but a technology solution, any company, regardless of industry, can measure and manage its ESG performance in a centralized way."
Dcycle transforms operational data into strategic insights, aligning them with frameworks such as CSRD, SBTi, and ISO standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating access to sustainable investments.
Companies that integrate ESG criteria into their management can cut costs, strengthen their market position.
Aligning business strategies with sustainable finance frameworks is essential for securing investment and ensuring long-term growth.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Virgin plastic is made from fossil fuels, and unlike recycled plastic, it has a much higher carbon footprint.
Producing one ton of virgin plastic generates up to four tons of CO₂, while recycled plastic can reduce emissions by up to 80%, making it a far more sustainable option.
Choosing recycled plastic not only lowers the carbon footprint but also reduces demand for new raw materials and minimizes plastic waste.
Not all plastics have the same environmental impact.
Some examples:
The manufacture of plastics depends largely on oil and natural gas, leading to high CO₂ emissions.
Additionally, extracting and refining these fuels contributes to climate change and consumes large amounts of water and energy.
The impact of plastic doesn’t end with manufacturing.
This is one of the biggest challenges.
Even though recycling is crucial, only 9% of the world's plastic is effectively recycled.
The rest ends up in:
The solution? Improve recycling systems and invest in sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Reducing the carbon footprint of plastic is key to improving operational efficiency and complying with international regulations.
To achieve this, companies must optimize production processes, implement more efficient materials, and enhance waste management strategies, ensuring their competitiveness in the market.
Replacing traditional plastic with more sustainable options is one of the most effective strategies.
But what are the best alternatives?
These materials degrade under specific conditions, reducing their environmental impact.
However, their production still requires a lot of energy, and in many cases, specialized facilities are needed for decomposition.
An example is PLA (polylactic acid), used in packaging and bags.
It sounds promising, but it only decomposes in industrial composting plants, which limits its positive impact.
Using glass, stainless steel, or bioplastics reduces the need for single-use plastics.
Some brands have adopted returnable packaging.
For instance, some breweries have reintroduced multi-use bottles to lower their environmental impact.
Recycling is crucial, but not all plastic is processed the same way.
Improving recycling systems allows for better material utilization and lower emissions.
Let's compare mechanical recycling vs. chemical recycling:
The world is advancing rapidly, and waste management is no exception.
Some solutions include self-recycling plastics, designed with chemical structures that allow easier reuse without complex processes.
Additionally, startups have developed robots and AI systems to improve waste sorting in recycling plants, making the process increasingly efficient.
Even though it may seem complicated, there are now many options to enhance waste management in businesses.
Reducing the impact of plastic isn't just about switching materials, it’s also about making production and transport more efficient.
Incorporating solar or wind energy in the production of recycled plastics drastically reduces their carbon footprint.
Minimizing plastic use in packaging without compromising its function is another key strategy.
A great example is the redesign of lighter bottles, which use less material without losing durability.
This not only reduces plastic consumption but also lowers the carbon footprint of transportation.
Dcycle is an all-in-one solution that allows companies to collect and manage ESG data in real time.
Its platform simplifies compliance with regulations like CSRD, SBTi, and ISO standards, making audits easier, optimizing resources, and strengthening market competitiveness.
With Dcycle, companies can turn ESG management into a strategic advantage and gain access to investment opportunities.
Companies that measure their ESG performance improve their competitiveness.
Businesses that integrate ESG indicators into their operations not only comply with regulations, but also reduce costs and access better investment opportunities.
For example, in the retail sector, leading companies have started using ESG measurement tools to improve operational efficiency and access regulated markets.
Complying with frameworks like CSRD and SBTi helps companies avoid penalties and access tax incentives in many markets.
Companies with well-managed ESG strategies can secure green financing and enhance their market perception, directly impacting competitiveness.
Tracking and managing ESG impact allows businesses to optimize material use and cut operational costs without sacrificing productivity.
Although innovative solutions exist, economic and technological barriers still hinder the reduction of plastic’s environmental impact.
New technologies offer promising solutions but require an initial investment.
However, many companies have shown that these costs can be offset by long-term savings and tax benefits.
For example, some brands have replaced plastic packaging with recycled materials, reducing their environmental impact without affecting profitability.
Not all countries have the necessary infrastructure to recycle plastic efficiently, especially more complex types.
Improving waste management systems is essential for making recycling a scalable solution.
Chemical recycling, which allows plastic to be broken down and reused without losing quality, is still not widely available. Investing in such solutions is crucial.
Poorly managed plastic remains a global issue.
Expanding collection systems and improving recycling education are fundamental steps toward real change.
In some countries, deposit and return systems have proven effective in recovering plastics and promoting reuse.
Yes, but it requires commitment, innovation, and collaboration between businesses, governments, and consumers.
Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is not just an environmental goal, it’s an opportunity to innovate and enhance business sustainability.
At Dcycle, we help companies measure, manage, and reduce their environmental impact by providing digital solutions that enable informed decision-making.
What isn’t measured, can’t be improved.
Measuring the carbon footprint is the first step in identifying critical areas and optimizing processes.
Companies across all industries have discovered that reducing their environmental impact also leads to greater operational efficiency.
Using measurement strategies helps businesses comply with environmental regulations, reduce costs, and strengthen corporate reputation.
Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Some key actions include:
Many companies ask: Where do we begin?
The key is to understand the real impact and define a reduction strategy with a clear objective.
The first step is conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the plastic used in products or processes.
This analysis identifies the highest-emission stages and determines which changes will have the most impact on carbon reduction.
Not all companies use plastic in the same way, so the strategy must be tailored to their specific needs:
Digital tools allow companies to monitor their carbon footprint in real time and adjust their strategies quickly and efficiently.
Dcycle provides an intuitive platform that simplifies this process, helping businesses identify improvement opportunities and generate detailed reports to comply with environmental regulations.
It is calculated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates emissions generated from production to disposal.
This analysis helps identify which stages have the greatest environmental impact.
Additionally, understanding how sustainability affects the logistics and transportation industry can provide insights into optimizing supply chains and reducing emissions.
It depends on the country, but some of the most relevant include:
Not entirely, but we can significantly reduce it by using alternative materials, more efficient processes, and advanced recycling technologies.
For example, compostable bioplastics and reuse systems can greatly decrease environmental impact.
The sectors with the highest plastic consumption include:
Some effective strategies include:
Reducing plastic’s carbon footprint is not just a trend, it is essential for business sustainability.
Are we ready to take the next step?
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Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
The most recognized methodologies are:
Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.
Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.
