The Plastics Problem — and What Companies Need to Do Now
Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a material business risk that affects supply chains, reputation, and long-term competitiveness.
Global plastic production has doubled in the past two decades, yet less than 10% of plastic is recycled, according to research published in Communications Earth & Environment. The rest is burned, placed into landfills, or pollutes ecosystems, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing public concern.
Public expectations are shifting fast
A 2025 survey by The Grove Collaborative and The 5 Gyres Institute found that:
79% of Americans agree that microplastics are a human and environmental health crisis
82% expect the private sector to address microplastics—but only 54% trust companies are taking meaningful action
Over 85% support companies investing in refillable, reusable, and compostable alternatives
71% favor banning single-use plastics altogether
Consumers are watching—and expecting businesses to lead.
The regulatory wave is here
Governments worldwide are tightening regulations to curb plastic pollution:
The UN Global Plastics Treaty, now in advanced negotiations, aims to establish a legally binding international framework for plastic reduction and circularity.
The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive is already phasing out certain items and introducing recycled content mandates.
In the U.S., state-level Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are shifting the financial and operational responsibility for packaging waste to producers themselves.
For multinational companies, the direction is clear: the era of voluntary action is ending.
How leading companies are responding
Forward-looking brands are already positioning themselves for a circular future by:
Setting reduction targets across packaging portfolios
Integrating recycled and alternative materials to reduce reliance on virgin plastic
Collaborating on closed-loop collection systems and regional recycling infrastructure
Building traceability into supply chains to track material flows and compliance
Partnering with nonprofits, suppliers, and governments to advance circular innovation
These steps are not only good for the planet—they’re good for business. Circular packaging can lower material costs, reduce risk exposure, and meet growing investor and consumer expectations for credible sustainability performance.
The bottom line
Companies that wait for regulation to catch up will face higher compliance costs and reputational risk. Those who act now—by rethinking packaging design, improving data systems, and integrating sustainability into procurement and product innovation—will lead in the transition toward sustainable, circular materials.
At Uplift, we help companies navigate this transition — reach out to hello@theupliftagency.com to learn how we can help your company not only comply with EPR regulations, but align your packaging strategy with global regulatory trends and consumer expectations.
The Uplift Agency
Uplift helps organizations become more sustainable, more responsible--and more successful. We combine deep technical expertise with strategic communications to bridge the gap between sustainable transformation and smart storytelling.
We work across industries to develop and implement forward-looking strategies and reporting that align environmental and impact goals with business performance, unlocking opportunities for innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.
What truly sets us apart? Our team. With 90% of us having worked in-house at leading corporations or nonprofits, we understand the real-world challenges and opportunities our clients face.
