As consumer demand for sustainable products grows, bioplastics —which can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse emissions— will become more prevalent. Production of bioplastics is expected to grow by as much as 20% by 2022, and as it does, consumer understanding of bioplastics will need to grow with it.
A major source of confusion is the difference between three terms: Biodegradability, compostability and oxo-degradability. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. Confusion regarding common bioplastics terminology such as these, especially where it concerns the disposal of bioplastic products, can have dire consequences. Companies need to understand the distinctions between each category in order to accurately and honestly market their products. And consumers need to understand these terms in order to make educated purchasing decisions and properly dispose of bioplastic products at the end of use.
To understand these three terms (i.e., biodegradability, compostability and oxo-degradability), it is important first to clearly understand the definition of bioplastics. Bioplastics refer to a large family of plastics which are sourced from biomass at the beginning of their life (bio-based), metabolized into organic biomass at the end of their life (biodegradable), or both.
Based on this, bioplastics can be broken down into three distinct classifications:
Biodegradable plastics are a relatively small subset of bioplastics which can be converted into water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and bio-mass over time with the help of micro-organisms — this process is called biodegradation. And because the biodegradability of a plastic lies with the chemical properties of the polymer —and not the source of the feedstock— biodegradable plastics can be either bio- or petroleum-based.
Nearly every material will biodegrade, given enough time. But the length of the biodegradation process is highly dependent on environmental parameters such as humidity and temperature, which is why claiming that a plastic is “biodegradable” without any further context (i.e., in what timeframe and under what environmental conditions) is misleading to consumers.
Reputable companies will often make more specific claims, primarily certifying that their bioplastics are compostable. Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable plastics, defined by the standard conditions and timeframe under which they will biodegrade. All compostable plastics are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable plastics would be considered compostable.
Compostable plastics are those plastics which have been tested and certified by a third party to adhere to international standards such as ASTM D6400 (in the U.S.) or EN 13432 (in Europe) for biodegradation in an industrial composting facility environment.
Materials certified according to ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 will disintegrate within 12 weeks and biodegrade at least 90% within 180 days in a municipal or industrial composting facility. Approximately 10% of solid material will be left at the end of the six-month-long process in the form of valuable compost, or biomass and water. These standards also ensure that the leftover compost will be free of toxins, so the compost will not cause harm when the facility sells it for gardening or agricultural applications.
Unless otherwise denoted, certified compostable products must be disposed of in a designated municipal composting facility, not at home. Many certified compostable materials require the higher temperatures of industrial settings to biodegrade quickly enough, or in some cases at all.
Few areas in the U.S. have curbside collection for industrial composting, which is why certified compostable products are best utilized in closed systems such as amusement parks, stadiums and schools, where compostable and organic waste is carefully monitored and controlled to ensure proper disposal in an industrial composting facility. San Francisco International Airport and Safeco Field in Seattle are two good examples of organizations using composting as a means of reducing their carbon footprint and diverting organic waste from landfills.
While often confused with biodegradable plastics, oxo-degradables are a category unto themselves. They are neither a bioplastic nor a biodegradable plastic, but rather a conventional plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegredation. Oxo-degradable plastics quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces, called microplastics, but don’t break down at the molecular or polymer level like biodegradable and compostable plastics. The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down.
As bioplastics continue to gain market share in the coming years, being clear about the environmental benefits in product and material marketing is imperative. Looking to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Green Guides is a good place to start. The Green Guides outline best practices for clearly labeling and marketing green products to ensure the expectations of the consumer align.
Not only will transparency allow consumers to make smarter purchasing decisions, but it will ensure bioplastics are disposed of through the proper channels. Ultimately, better end-of-life disposal of bioplastics strengthens their environmental value proposition of diverting organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse emissions and ensuring the sustainable consumption of resources.
At Green Dot, we specialize in alloying biodegradable polymers to meet customer-specific part performance requirements. And we always aim to be direct and transparent when it comes to our bioplastic material options. It’s why, whenever we claim a material is “biodegradable,” we are referring to the compostability standards set forth in ASTM D6400 and EN 13432. That way, everyone is on the same page.
To learn more, check out our guide to creating sustainable plastics without sacrificing quality or cost. You’ll learn how to meet your sustainability —and performance— requirements simultaneously.
“Food grade plastic” is best defined as food safe plastic. The term refers to any plastic suitable for contact with consumable food or drink products. As some acidic foods or liquids can leach chemicals from their containers, it is important that they are stored in appropriate containers.
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act passed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a food-contact substance as one intended for use in food manufacturing, packing, packaging, storage, and transportation applications without the risk of technical effect occurring in the food material. The “technical effects” referred to in this definition include leaching, which affects the taste of food and beverages and poses a potential risk to human health when affected material is consumed.
You don’t have to be a plastics expert to determine whether a material is food grade. The easiest way to check is to look for the Resin Identification Code—i.e., recycling number—which identifies the type of plastic material. The code consists of a triangle of arrows surrounding a number between 1 and 7. Generally, numbers 1 through 7 indicate food grade plastic.
Some examples of FDA-approved food contact substances include:
PET demonstrates excellent wear resistance, high strength and flexural modulus, and superior dimensional stability (i.e., impact resistance).
PP has a high melting point and exhibits excellent thermal resistance, making it an ideal plastic for use in the microwave or dishwasher. Additionally, the material does not produce a reaction when exposed to acids, bases, or detergents and resists fracturing and stress even when flexed.
HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio, meaning it is strong and lightweight. Additionally, it demonstrates resistance to mildew, mold, rot, and insects, as well as to corrosion, cracking, and weathering.
Compared to many other resins, LDPE is thinner. Although it commonly finds use in film applications where heat sealing is needed, it is also used for rigid applications. The material is tough, flexible, and chemical and impact resistant.
Although Polycarbonate is FDA approved, there has been ongoing concern about the health effects of bisphenol A (BPA)—a key component in the manufacture of polycarbonate. Currently, the FDA states that very low levels of BPA are safe in food applications.
PC exhibits good heat resistance and thermal stability, high impact resistance, and dimensional stability. It is half the weight yet 250 times the strength of glass.
In general, food grade plastics (or food safe plastics) are characterized by:
There are several varieties of food grade plastic material available, each of which is suitable for different food applications. For example:
Plastic has come to replace metal, glass, and many other materials in a variety of industries and for many purposes from storing fuel to wrapping leftover food.
However, one problem with the emergence of prevalent plastic bottles, containers, and materials is that they don’t breakdown the same way as other materials in landfills. To combat this growing pollution issue, engineers developed a plastic that can biodegrade.
However, the plastic that has all the convenience and versatility of traditional plastic but none of the environmental impact may actually be too good to be true. According to a new study from Michigan State University scientists, plastics that are engineered to degrade don’t breakdown as expected.
Traditional degradable plastic doesn’t breakdown
Published in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology, a study on degradable plastics found that they broke down at roughly the same rate as more traditional plastic – not faster.
Researchers simulated landfill conditions by increasing UV levels and manipulating gases to test the plastics because that’s where the majority of plastic products end up. However, under simulated conditions or when simply buried under soil for three years, products containing the additives said to aid the plastic’s breakdown showed no difference in how the product degraded, even when examined on a molecular level.
“In this study, we evaluated the effect of biodegradation-promoting additives on the biodegradation of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate,” the study authors explained. “Biodegradation was evaluated in compost, anaerobic digestion, and soil burial environments. None of the five different additives tested significantly increased biodegradation in any of these environments. Thus, no evidence was found that these additives promote and/or enhance biodegradation of PE or PET polymers.”
How are degradable plastics supposed to work?
Although researchers haven’t found biodegradable plastic to be as effective as promised, the theory behind adding chemicals to plastic is to allow its breakdown to be sound.
EPI Environmental Technologies Inc., which develop oxo-biodegradable technology for plastic manufacturing explained the science behind prodegradant additives. When normal plastic breaks down it requires oxygen to have a reaction with large polymer molecules of plastic made of carbon and hydrogen.
This reaction will occur naturally with plastic left in the environment, EPI explained, but it can take an extremely long time, thus leading to pollution. Instead, products like those that EPI makes are designed to catalyze and accelerate the reaction. EPI advertised a rate of 100 to 1,000 times faster than the natural breakdown of traditional plastic.
Biodegradable plastics are supposed to breakdown into nothing more than water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in a short time.
Founded in 1972, Ocean Conservancy is a Washington, D.C.-based leading advocacy group working for the protection of special marine habitats, the restoration of sustainable fisheries, and most importantly, for reducing the human impact on ocean ecosystems. In order to save our oceans, the group focuses on educating the public and also advocating for policy changes for maintaining vibrant ocean wildlife. Among Ocean Conservancy’s several efforts, the International Coastal Cleanup program- which the group has been hosting for over 30 years- brings millions of volunteers together to clean beaches across the world. The organization was initially known as the Delta Conservancy and later the Center for Environmental Education and the Center for Marine Conservation before receiving its current name.
Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of oceans and beaches around the world. Recognizing the challenges that Ocean facing from pollution, offshore development and climate change, the California-based group acts on issues such as water quality, plastic pollution, beach access, coastal preservation and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems. According to the group, its volunteers test the ocean waters all year long in order to make sure that the public is educated on their local water quality. Further, under its Ocean Friendly Gardens program, they also make beautiful landscapes that collect runoff before it reaches the ocean.
Oceana is another Washington D.C based ocean conservation and advocacy organization committed to save and restore oceans through targeted policy campaigns. Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization exclusively working for the conservation of the ocean. The organization carries out targeted campaigns to prevent the collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other damages to sea life resulted from industrial fishing and pollution. As part of its campaigns, Oceana is involved in efforts to end major sources of ocean pollution such as oil, mercury, aquaculture and shipping emissions. In addition, the organization also campaigns for the protection of vulnerable places in the oceans, including the Arctic, the Aleutian Islands, the Mediterranean and Chile’s Juan Fernandez Islands, among others.
Known for obstructing Japanese whaling activities in the Southern Ocean since 2005, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a Washington-based marine conservation organization with direct action tactics to save the oceans. Founded by Paul Watson, a former member of Greenpeace, in 1977, under the name Earth Force Society, the organization is involved in a number of “controversial activities” to protect the ocean and marine life. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society carries out operations that involve direct, non-lethal tactics including scuttling and disabling whaling vessels, intervening in seal hunts, and throwing bottles of foul-smelling butyric acid onto whaling vessels at sea, among others. As a response to the organizations’ effort, the Japanese government has called Sea Shepherd eco-terrorists for impeding their research.
Take 3- A Clean Beach Initiative is an Australia-based non-profit organization focussing on the reduction of plastic pollution in the oceans and beaches. As educating people on the risks of marine plastic pollution, the organization encourages beach-goers to take just three pieces of rubbish before leaving the beach and places near any waterways or bodies. As millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, this initiative believes in turning small efforts into big results to protect our oceans from plastic pollution.
The Green Peace organization, the most successful organizations working in the area of oceans, works towards several issues pertaining to the marine environment. With its vast networks across the world, the organization argues big corporations to act to reduce their plastic footprint to end the flow of plastic into our oceans. In addition, Green Peace is also engaged in addressing unsustainable industrial fishing practices, climate change and ocean acidification.
Co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins, The 5 Gyres Institute is a non-profit organization that works for cutting plastics pollution through giving focus on primary research. The organization says it fights against pollution through science, art, education, and adventure. As a result of their efforts, the organizations in 2015 could successfully help impose a ban on plastic microbeads used in skincare and cosmetic products in the United States.
The Colorado-based Oceanic Preservation Society focuses on promoting marine conservation and environmentalism. Founded by photographer and diving enthusiast Louie Psihoyos in 2005, the organization was received attention for making the award-winning documentary, “The Cove.” The documentary that created in 2009 was an eye-opener to the horrors of the annual Taiji dolphin hunt.
The US-based Environmental Defense Fund or EDF is known for its works in the area of global warming, ecosystem restoration and oceans. In addition to working with fishing communities to offer transitional and financial support, the organization’s goals include the curbing of overfishing and also begin sustainable fishing models in several countries.
Richard (Ric) O’Barry, who founded the project in 1982, is a person who has worked both within the dolphin captivity industry, and against it. RicO’Barry had trained five dolphins that were used in the TV series called Flipper. However, O’Barry transitioned from training to advocating against the captivity of dolphins after one of the Flipper dolphins died in his arms. O’Barry, who believes Kathy committed suicide, under this initiative, campaigning against Japan’s cruel cetacean hunts and also for halting the Solomon Islands dolphin trade. He has also rescued and rehabilitated dolphins in many countries around the world.
Costa Rica-based Pretoma is a marine preservation group makes voices against the country’s role in the international shark fin trade. The International Shark Foundation has listed over two hundred shark species as endangered and Costa Rica has become a focal point for this cruel trade. The organization also carries out research to help protect ocean resources and to encourage sustainable fisheries policies in the country and Central America. As part of their efforts, Pretoma organizes year-round public awareness marine conservation campaigns as well as education programs in educational institutions in the country.
New York City-based Natural Resources Defense Council is a non-profit international environmental advocacy group works to protect the oceans from pollution and exploitation. The organization supports the implementation of laws that help to save marine life including allowing overfished species to rebound. In addition, the council takes necessary efforts to preserve ocean treasures, prevent destructive fishing practices and protect coastal communities from offshore drilling, among others.
The US-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a nonprofit research and higher education facility carrying out studies of all aspects of marine science and engineering. The institution, which houses scientists and engineers, works for resolving some of the significant problems currently being faced by our oceans. The organization also involved in delivering unbiased information to help inform public policy, and also increasing awareness among people about the importance of protecting oceanic resources.
With a network of grassroots individual citizen activists, the Blue Frontier Campaign works towards the improvement of ocean policies in the 23 coastal states of the United States. According to Blue Frontier Campaign, the mission of the initiative is to construct the solution-oriented citizen engagement required to save our ocean, coasts and the communities. The initiative conducts regional meetings, public education campaigns and publishes books to achieve their goal. The campaign was founded by award-winning author and journalist David Helvarg in 2003.
Founded by Bahamas-native Kristal Ambrose, the Bahamas Plastic Movement’s goal is to make the region free of plastic debris using research, education, citizen science, and policy change. The mission of the movement is to build a community of education and activism around plastic pollution. Launched in 2014, the movement conducts plastic education campus encourages people to join the program by adopting a beach etc.
Additional mention:
Project AWARE
Project AWARE is a non-profit organization working with a team of volunteer scuba divers with a core focus on Shark Conservation and Marine Litter.
SeaLegacy
Sealegacy is a non-profit organization formed by a group of experienced and renowned photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers who work towards making the oceans healthy and abundant.
Asada
Even before ASDA’s planned merger with Sainsbury’s was announced, the UK food retailer had made bold commitments on plastic pollution.
Earlier this year, it set out plans to immediately reduce plastic use by 10 percent in 2018, which will require the replacement of 2.4 million drinking straws. All of its stores will also remove single-use cups and cutlery by 2019.
In the long-term, it set out ambitions to make all its branded packaging recyclable by the mid-2020s. As the company currently serves 18 million people a week, the potential for changing consumer behavior is high.
ASDA is also owned by US giant Walmart and the merger with Sainsbury’s will create the largest supermarket chain in the UK. It’s uncertain if the latter will take on ASDA’s plastic plans, but it could come under pressure to step up to the plate.
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is, in fact, one of the world’s largest coffee companies.
Operating over 3,000 stores around the world, it gets through a lot of disposable cups, but the company has decided to take its sustainable responsibilities seriously.
New commitments have been made including discounts on reusable cups and the planned removal of all plastic straws from cafes.
However, it is the decision to pay waste collectors £70 for every tonne of used cups which is a real game-changer.
By 2020, the company is targeting an astonishing half a billion recycled cups, the equivalent of its current annual sales in the UK.
The factories involved are bracing themselves for a seven-fold increase in work.
Tottenham Hotspur
this Sport has a unique ability to reach millions of people around the world. And football as one of the few truly global sports is able to engage people from all backgrounds on social and environmental issues.
That’s why Tottenham Hotspur’s move to eliminate plastics from its new stadium could elevate the plastic-free campaign to a new level.
The North London football club is currently constructing an estimated £850 million ground to support its growing fan base and recent success.
Once the new 62,000 seated venue opens at the end of 2018, it will ban all single-use plastics across the whole club, including VIP areas. Fans will be sold disposable cutlery, straws and stirrers from day one.
What’s more, the club will replace plastic bags with biodegradable ones and all contracts with suppliers will contain a requirement to reduce plastic usage. New members will receive a Bag for Life when the next season starts.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Last year, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced they were saying bon voyage to single-use plastic straws across its fleet of 26 ships. And that’s not all—two of their island destinations—Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye (in the Bahamas and Belize) are banning single-use plastic straws too. The impact? The elimination of more than 50 million straws across its fleet every year.
Evian
It’s estimated that one million plastic bottles are sold around the world each minute. But, by 2021? Humans will have used half a trillion plastic bottles per year. Evian wants to rectify how they’ve contributed to the issue, reports Fast Company. By 2025, they plan on producing all their plastic bottles from 100 percent recycled plastic. To put in perspective—most bottled water companies average around 6 percent to 7 percent recycled plastic in their products.
McDonald’s
In the summer of 2018, MarketWatch reported that McDonald’s plans to stock their 36,000 restaurants in 122 locations around the globe with packaging—including straws—that are from renewable, recycled, or certified sustainable sources. By 2025, all their locations will be compliant; currently, only half of McDonald’s customer packaging comes from renewable, recycled or certified sources and nearly two-thirds of fiber-based packaging comes from certified or recycled sources. If you’re still not sure what’s recyclable, here’s a list of 15 things that should never go into your recycling bin.
American Airlines
Not only is American Airlines banning plastic straws and stirrers on their flights, but they’re also planning to phase out single-use plastic in their lounges around the world. This means the end of straws being served with drinks while plastic water bottles and flatware will no longer be offered and reusable bags will pack up to-go orders. American Airlines expects this new initiative to eliminate 71,000 pounds of plastic waste annually.
Guinness
Soon you’ll be able to sip your Guinness with green pride that goes beyond Irish solidarity: Diageo, the British beverage giant that bottles the classic beer, recently announced they’ll be eliminating all plastic from their beer packaging and replacing it with 100 percent biodegradable—or recyclable—cardboard. They’re investing $21 million to get rid of plastic ring four-pack and six-pack holders, along with all shrink-wrapping, and they’ll be rolling out the changes to their other beer brands, Smithwick and Harp. If you want to cut down on plastic, take some tips from these nations.
Sodexo
Foodservice company Sodexo provides around 13,000 cafeteria-style meals and concessions to schools, workplaces, and venues each year. They began a new sustainability plan in 2019 that eliminates 245 million single-use items at their locations. Plastic bags and stirrers are no longer available—and they’re moving towards making plastic straws available by request only. By 2025, they plan to get rid of polystyrene foam items such as cups, lids, and food containers too. Just remember that not every takeout container is created the same—check out 11 things you think are recyclable but are not.
Red Lobster
By November 2019, Red Lobster’s 700 restaurants will offer plastic straws upon customer request. The hope is to offer an eco-friendlier alternative to straws by 2020. Red Lobster estimates this shift will eliminate more than 150 million plastic straws per year. This is part of the company’s effort to reduce the marine plastic pollution problem that is killing millions of marine animals each year.
United Airlines
United Airlines has banned plastic straws and cocktail picks on their flights—and beginning in November 2019, they’ll have a biodegradable bamboo alternative. United Airlines felt this was an important switch to make because of the fact that straws don’t biodegrade and are nearly impossible to recycle.
Carlsberg
You know those plastic rings that hold a six-pack of beer together? Danish brewer Carlsberg will be the first beer producer to ditch them. Instead, they’ll use recyclable glue to hold their cans together. Carlsberg is eliminating 1200 tons of plastic per year—and reducing the amount of plastic used in traditional multipacks by up to 76 percent.
The Walt Disney Company
Roughly 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers are used at all Disney theme parks and resorts each year. To eliminate that waste, the Walt Disney Company will ban single-use plastic straws and stirrers by the summer of 2019. Disney also plans to cut down on single-use plastic bags with reusable shopping bags that patrons can opt to buy instead. And, Disney has plans to reduce the amount of plastic in guest rooms by 80 percent.
Nestlé
In 2019, Nestlé, which is the world’s largest packaged food company, eliminated all plastic straws in its products. As part of this commitment to reducing waste, they’re also transitioning Nesquik drinks from plastic to paper containers while Nestlé Waters will increase the recycled PET content in its bottles to 50 percent in the United States. And, by 2025, Nestlé has pledged to make 100 percent of ALL its product’s packaging recyclable or reusable.
Starbucks
By 2020, Starbucks plans to eliminate all plastic straws from their 28,000 stores. Now, how will that affect customers with a hankering for iced coffee or tea? In lieu of straws, all cold beverages will use a recyclable, strawless plastic lid. And for frothier drinks like Frappuccinos, which are straw-dependent? Starbucks will offer straws (made via materials like paper and compostable plastic)—but only by request. They estimate their plans will eliminate more than one billion plastic straws each year.
Hyatt
Last year, Hyatt announced plans to eliminate single-use plastic straws and drink picks, making then only available by request at their properties. Hyatt is also offering “eco-friendly alternatives” for other products. Since 2008, Hyatt has collaborated with Clean the World, a non-profit that collects used soap and shampoo products from hotels, recycles them, and then donates them to communities in need.
Sea World Entertainment
SeaWorld Entertainment is on a mission to protect animals and habitats worldwide—and cemented their dedication to the cause in 2018. They eliminated single-use plastic straws and bags from all 12 of its theme parks. It’s estimated that eight million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean each year.
Method Cleaning Products
Since plastics make up almost 13 percent of the municipal solid waste generated, and the largest plastic waste contributors are containers and packaging—cleaning brand Method is all about reducing the carbon footprint of their products. A big step is making all their 1-PET plastic bottles, including handwash, dish soap, and spray cleaners, from 100 percent PCR (post-consumer resin, which has about a 70 percent lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic).
Clifbar
The power bar company is a trailblazer in its commitment to zero waste. On Earth Day 2001, they made the switch to recycled paper. Today, they no longer shrink-wrap boxes of their bars—and the boxes themselves are made from 100 percent recycled paperboard.
Kroger Supermarkets
Up to 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year and only about 5 percent of them are recycled. To make a dent, approximately 2800 Kroger-owned grocery stores across the country will do away with packing up their customer’s groceries in plastic bags. Seattle based Quality Food Centers (QFC) is the first Kroger owned store that’s already put this plan into effect with the other stores right behind.
Marriott International
At the start of 2019, Marriott started phasing out plastic straws from their London hotels—and announced they’ll completely eliminate plastic straws and stirrers from all their properties worldwide by the end of 2019. With more than 6,500 locations, Marriott estimates they use around 1 billion straws and 250 million stirrers per year.
Delta
Delta Airlines is on track to reduce its plastic waste by an estimated 300,000 pounds a year. They’ll remove a variety of single-use plastic items—including stir sticks, wrappers, utensils, and straws—from planes and lounges. By mid-2019, bamboo straws will available for cold drinks, and birch wood stirrers for hot drinks and Delta One’s Tumi kits will also no longer be wrapped in plastic.
Whole Foods
In 2007, after estimating they were distributing 150 million plastic bags a year, Whole Foods became one of the first grocery store chains to eliminate a plastic bag option, reports the New York Times. That’s when they started offering customers a choice between recycled paper or reusable bags. After a trial run in Toronto and Texas stores, the no plastic bag ban took effect at all Whole Food locations on Earth Day 2008.
IKEA
In 2008, IKEA was also a leader in the elimination of plastic bags. They rolled out a policy so customers could purchase an IKEA blue bag for $.59 or use their own. 92% of Ikea shoppers choose reusable bags over plastic ones—and the policy is still in effect today.
