What’s the role of plastics in a circular economy? In our featured case study for the month of February, students explore the future of the plastic packaging industry as major corporations work towards a common goal of reducing plastic packaging.

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CASE TITLE:
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastic Packaging


CASE DESCRIPTION:
Plastic has become essential to global day-to-day activities, yet it is also causing extreme environmental degradation. Many leaders in the plastics industry are starting to question its sustainability. This case presents insights into the future of the plastic packaging industry. Students will follow Sander Defruyt of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) and his New Plastics Economy initiative that aims to engage industry-leading companies—such as Amcor, Danone, SC Johnson, Coca-Cola, and L’Oreal—to work toward a common goal of creating a circular economy and reducing unsustainable plastic packaging. The case highlights how a circular economy is not possible within the current system and that industry actors need to rethink the entire plastics market to implement sustainable changes.


TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
After reading and discussing the material, students should:
* Identify the key issues associated with plastic pollution.
* Describe the key stakeholders involved in the plastic packaging value chain.
* Evaluate the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s approach to stakeholder outreach and engagement.
* Explore and analyze the hesitation of some companies to fully support the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy initiative.


Many leaders in the plastics industry are starting to question its sustainability. This case presents insights into the future of the plastic packaging industry. Students will follow New Plastics Economy initiative that aims to engage industry-leading companies to work toward a common goal of reducing unsustainable plastic packaging. The case highlights how a circular economy is not possible within the current system and that industry actors need to rethink the entire plastics market to implement sustainable changes.