78 | Tees Business
TEES TALK
Plastics and the need to recycle have been thrown in the national conscience as a result of David Attenborough ’ s Blue Planet II TV series – but what do you make of moves towards a so-called plasticfree community ?
We asked eight local businesspeople – including several industry experts – for their views on a debate everyone has an opinion on .
Daren Smith , Teesside site director , SABIC “ We all have a responsibility to protect the environment , and we must take immediate action to reduce and recycle plastic waste . All plastic , including single-use plastic , can be recycled . It is clear to me that we must stop thinking of plastics as a throwaway product but as a renewable resource . Plastic is simply too valuable to throw away .
“ Technology is now available to turn plastic waste back in to a raw material . Modernising the UK ’ s plastics recycling capability could lead to a low carbon manufacturing revolution , creating a world-leading circular economy . Industry , retailers , manufacturers and the government are already working together on the UK Plastic Pact to transform the plastic packaging sector in the UK to keep plastic out of the environment and in the economy .”
Carla Keegans , managing director , Ethical Housing Company “ The move towards a plastic-free community is to be commended . Whether we achieve it fully or not is to be seen but having this as the vision is what matters so we know where we ’ re heading .
“ Plastic is all around us and , of course , extremely useful in our everyday lives . However , our reliance on oil is unsustainable , and I hope new and innovative materials emerge to help us live in more eco-friendly ways – and ultimately better look after the planet we all share and depend on .”
Gary Lumby , director , Focus on Success “ It ’ s sometimes hard for individuals or families to see how their small moves that support a reduction in plastic usage are important in this global issue , especially when we see pictures on our TVs of seas and rivers full of plastic waste .
“ But every long journey has to start with one small step , so if everyone everywhere decided to take that small step and stop using plastic such as straws , cups and bottles , then together we can all make a huge difference to the futures of our children and their children . So we all should make that step before it ’ s too late .”
Graeme Skinner , director , Naturally Wild “ The problem I have as an ecologist is that plastic is a disaster area . Whilst government plans give , in effect , years to sort this problem , it needs action now . No dithering or indecision , we need to say that from , for example , January 2020 ALL plastic must be recycled .
“ We also need those in the food industry to take a long , hard look at themselves . As an example , when I went grocery shopping recently , a major supermarket sold me 10 individual grapes in a plastic bag . Idiotic , beyond belief !”
Paul Booth , chairman , Tees Valley LEP “ Plastic in all its forms is taken for granted in everyday life but its contribution to food preservation , construction , transportation and within the pharmaceutical and medical industries has not been articulated as well as it should have been .
“ So the problem lies with disposal . Contrary to popular belief , all plastics – including so-called single use plastics – can now be effectively recycled . So national government , local authorities and industry sectors need to work together to build more sophisticated supply chains from domestic waste bins to fully recycled finished goods . These supply chains will make plastics part of a true circular economy and create more value for the UK , as well as addressing some of the serious issues which are threatening to the planet .”
Claire Cook , leadership forge business development manager , Teesside University “ I became more aware of the huge plastic problem last year when Sky ’ s Ocean Rescue campaign highlighted the fact that , at the current rate , by 2050 there ’ ll be more plastic in the oceans than fish .
“ This horrifying statistic kicked me into action to actively reduce the amount of disposable plastic I use by switching to bamboo toothbrushes , reusable stainless steel cups and bottles , plant-based sponges , reusable bags and buying loose fruit and veg . I also try and take part in beach cleans when I can .”
Mark Kenrick , CEO , px Group “ I ’ m absolutely convinced that we need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics but must also recognise the benefits that plastics do bring to the way we live today .
“ As individuals we must dispose of plastics responsibly and not merely throw them away at will , but collectively we must focus on using plastics that are easily recyclable and on driving communities , councils , the government and industries to ensure that plastics usage , recycling collection and recycled material usage are aligned for the long-term benefit of us all .”
Roberto Pitalis , owner , Café Lilli “ At Café Lilli , we ’ ve used paper straws for the last two years . We don ’ t use any plastic – only glass and recyclable material . By using local supplies , we can restrict all packaging .
“ This is good but not enough , as I think the restaurant industry needs to do more to stop the plastic environment . Restaurants need to think about what they buy as still some of the big suppliers are too interested in reducing costs and maximising profits .”