Working towards a supply chain free of single-use and polluting materials

Pollution control is one of the world's main concerns and is becoming increasingly important. The establishment of a supply chain free of single-use and polluting materials is currently one of the possible solutions aimed towards achieving this. Some waste, particularly single-use plastics, is gradually beginning to be eliminated. In fact, the government already plans to reach 100% recycled plastic by 2025. A recent study by Tetra Pak showed that 64% of French people are reluctant to buy a product if its packaging is harmful to the environment. 73% also said that unpackaged food distributed in bulk is a better alternative for the environment. Many countries have already committed themselves to this approach. For example, French multinational retailer Carrefour is currently undergoing a project to use packaging made up of at least 50% recycled content by 2030. In the UK, we can see a similar trend with McDonald's and Starbucks testing recycled straws and considering removing their plastic straws and cutlery. An increasing number of companies are aiming to establish a supply chain that is free of single-use materials and gives priority to recycling. Companies can now use supply chain modelling software to visualise and evaluate the efficiency of their single-use material-free network. Such software could help them improve their public image through being environmentally friendly and get rid of waste. However, it should be noted that the total elimination of single-use materials in the supply chain is a long-term project. What is certain, is that it will eventually become a reality.