15 Game-Changing Companies Banning Plastic for a Greener Tomorrow
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Nowadays, the environmental impact of plastic waste is more apparent to us than ever before. The evidence is clear from the giant Pacific garbage patch to microplastics in our drinking water—something has to change.
Fortunately, some trailblazing companies are stepping up to the plate, making significant strides to reduce or eliminate plastic use. These efforts benefit the planet and set an example for other businesses. Here are 15 game-changing companies that are leading the charge against plastic.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s, one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is taking major steps to reduce its plastic footprint. The fast-food giant has committed to sourcing 100% of its guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by 2025.
They’re also working to ensure recycling is available in all their restaurants globally by the same year. This initiative can make a massive impact considering the scale at which McDonald’s operates.
Coca-Cola Company
Known for its iconic beverages, The Coca-Cola Company is also making waves with its environmental initiatives. Their “World Without Waste” campaign aims to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle that can be sold globally by 2030.
This ambitious goal involves redesigning packaging, investing in recycling programs, and forming partnerships to improve waste collection systems. It’s a monumental task, but Coca-Cola is committed to achieving it.
Aramark
Aramark, a global leader in food service and facilities management, has boldly committed to reducing single-use plastics. By 2022, they aimed to reduce nearly 100 million plastic straws annually in the United States alone. This effort is part of a broader strategy to minimize their environmental footprint and promote sustainability across their operations.
Nestlé
Nestlé is another heavyweight in the fight against plastic pollution. In 2019, the world’s largest packaged food company eliminated all plastic straws from its products. They’re also transitioning Nesquik drinks from plastic to paper containers and increasing the recycled content in Nestlé Waters bottles.
These measures are part of Nestlé’s commitment to make 100% of their packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
ASDA
UK-based supermarket ASDA is making significant strides in reducing plastic use. In 2018, they set plans to reduce plastic use by 10%, which included replacing 2.4 million drinking straws.
ASDA’s 2023 Brighter Living Report revealed that 96% of its own-brand packaging is currently recyclable and intends to achieve 100% recyclability by 2025. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee, one of the UK’s favorite coffee chains, has made impressive commitments to sustainability.
In 2018, they pledged to recycle half a billion cups by 2020 and offer discounts on reusable cups. Costa has also removed plastic straws from their cafes, reducing their environmental impact.
Evian
Evian, a premium mineral water brand, is taking bold steps toward sustainability. They’ve pledged to produce only 100% recycled bottles by 2025, aiming for a “circular model” across their business. This initiative reduces plastic waste and sets a high standard for other bottled water companies.
American Airlines
American Airlines is leading the fight against plastic pollution. The airline has banned plastic straws and stirrers on flights and is phasing out single-use plastic in lounges worldwide.
These efforts are expected to eliminate 71,000 pounds of plastic waste annually, demonstrating that even the aviation industry can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
Guinness (Diageo)
Diageo, the company behind the iconic Guinness beer, is investing $21 million to eliminate plastic from beer packaging.
They’re replacing plastic ring carriers with 100% biodegradable or recyclable cardboard. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make their packaging more sustainable and reduce environmental impact.
Sodexo
Sodexo, a leading food service and facilities management company, is making significant strides in reducing single-use plastics. They’ve committed to eliminating 245 million single-use items at their locations, including plastic bags and stirrers.
Additionally, Sodexo plans to phase out polystyrene foam items by 2025, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster, a popular seafood restaurant chain, is taking steps to eliminate plastic straws in its 700 restaurants. Red Lobster aims to eliminate more than 150 million plastic straws annually by offering only upon request and seeking eco-friendly alternatives. This effort aligns with their broader commitment to reducing marine plastic pollution.
United Airlines
United Airlines is another major player making strides in sustainability. They’ve banned plastic straws and cocktail picks on flights, replacing them with biodegradable bamboo alternatives.
This initiative is part of United’s broader strategy to reduce their environmental footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.
Carlsberg
Danish brewer Carlsberg is in charge of the beer industry with innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste.
They’re the first beer producer to replace plastic six-pack rings with recyclable glue, eliminating 1,200 tons of plastic annually. This initiative reduces their environmental impact and sets a new standard for the industry.
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is taking magical steps toward sustainability. They planned to ban single-use plastic straws and stirrers at all theme parks and resorts by the summer of 2019.
Disney also reduces plastic in guest rooms by 80% and offers reusable shopping bags. These efforts demonstrate their commitment to creating a greener world for future generations.
Iceland
UK supermarket Iceland is making waves in retail with its ambitious pledge to go plastic-free or wholly recyclable.
This commitment demonstrates corporate consciousness and sets a high standard for other retailers. By prioritizing sustainability, Iceland is leading the way toward a plastic-free future.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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