Decisions and positions of the group do not represent the policies or positions of CISL or of the wider University of Cambridge.

About

As part of this work, in 2018 CISL convened the Eliminating Plastic Packaging Waste Working Group, an industry-led working group that brought together members from the natural source water and soft drinks value chain. The companies sought to set out an ambitious vision and roadmap towards eliminating plastic packaging waste from the UK natural source water and soft drinks value chain.

As a result, the report, Towards sustainable packaging: A plan to eliminate plastic packaging waste from UK bottled water and soft drinks, was published by CISL in September 2018.While the urge to search for quick fixes may be strong, the report recognised the complexities of the plastics challenge and the need to avoid unintended consequences. It also recognised that while government and business are already starting to address the issue, there is still a need to set ambitious goals to push the sector and create a transformational shift to eliminate plastic packaging waste.

During 2019, CISL continued to work with the natural source water and soft drinks value chain to take forward the recommendations from the report, completing a further piece of work in one area of interest.

Relative impact of materials

CISL undertook a scoping exercise, including desk research and a workshop, to examine the relative impact of natural source water and soft drinks packaging materials based on the data currently available. The resulting report summarises the findings and makes recommendations to support business packaging material decision-making in the natural source water and soft drinks sector.

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Eliminating plastic packaging waste

Eliminating plastic packaging waste requires urgent action by business, government and consumers to create a transformational shift in the way we consume and use plastic to stop the flow of this material into the natural environment. Through working collaboratively across the value chain, government and society, a systemic approach is required to rethink existing business models, implement workable solutions and have the greatest impact.

The report, Towards sustainable packaging: A plan to eliminate plastic packaging waste from UK bottled water and soft drinks, sets out an ambitious vision and roadmap towards eliminating plastic packaging waste from the UK bottled water and soft drinks value chain.

The case study, A business change case study: Sky’s approach to removing single-use plastic from its business, explores how Sky has taken action to remove single-use plastic from its business through its strategy, leadership, management and engagement.

CISL is part of the University of Cambridge Centre for Circular Economy Approaches to Eliminate Plastic Waste.

Evidence base and case studies

Convening to develop a roadmap and vision

CISL convened a working group, bringing together multiple stakeholders from the bottled water and soft drinks value chain to create an ambitious roadmap and vision. Working group members were encouraged to take a leadership role in the process, through a meaningful, inclusive process designed to build consensus and engage across the value chain.

Developing a case study of business change

CISL undertook an in-depth review of Sky to establish what the business had done towards meeting its commitment to remove single-use plastic from the business. Over a five-month period, CISL undertook data analysis, interviewed staff members, a staff survey and desk research, culminating in a published case study.

Unlocking opportunities for leadership and collaboration

CISL designed and ran a process for a consumer goods company that gathered and analysed internal perspectives towards building alignment around a leadership ambition and priority actions on plastic packaging sustainability. CISL facilitated a workshop where the company identified and agreed a series of strategic priorities to address.