There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a global negative impact, however, it has also been a catalyst for positive change in many ways, from reduction in global carbon emissions and improved air quality to some beneficial effects on wildlife. Some of these effects may be short-lived as many countries return to post-vaccine life, but lasting effects will remain. Consumer views on sustainability have shown a marked change; in a recent IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) survey of over 14,000 consumers in nine countries, nine in ten consumers surveyed reported the COVID-19 pandemic affected their views on environmental sustainability. Furthermore, 54% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that are sustainable and/or environmentally responsible.
This a moment for surging forward with change that meets that consumer demand. EverMinds™ exists because Borealis believes that a circular economy for plastic is a key part of the solution to tackle plastic pollution; retaining the benefits and properties of plastic whilst retaining its material value in a circular system. As an important symbol of that belief, Borealis was one of 50 leading global businesses to sign a pledge in June 2020 to build back better through circular economy principles, in a statement driven by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
This pledge builds on a critical project, launched in October 2018 by the Foundation in partnership with the UN Environmental Programme; the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment unites businesses, governments, and other organisations behind a common vision and targets to address plastic waste and pollution at its source. Borealis is a signatory of the Global Commitment, one of only two producers. The common vision is a circular economy for plastic in which it never becomes waste. Signatories commit to three actions to realise this vision. Eliminate all problematic and unnecessary plastic items. Innovate to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Circulate all the plastic items we use to keep them in the economy and out of the environment.
An important tool for progress is education, but easy to use and share content and materials to help businesses and beyond understand plastic circularity are less common. EverMinds is about helping to Accelerate Action on Circularity for plastic. Through our own content, we hope to open and expand minds on plastic circularity, to promote and celebrate action and answers and to bring stakeholders, influencers and circular game-changers together. We will share content that helps to spread the word and spotlight solutions. For now, the Foundation has created an easy to navigate yet informative learning pathway for a circular economy for plastic.
A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR PLASTIC
Discover the learning path prepared by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
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