How Companies Can Leverage Blockchain to Cope with Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is a problem that affects us all. Lucky for us, blockchain technology can help. Check out how and initiatives below.

According to Our World in Data, by the year 2015, the entire world has produced 7.8 billion tonnes of plastic. That’s more than one tonne of plastic for every person alive today.

Plastic pollution is causing plenty of problems for the atmosphere, oceans, lands – basically the entire earth – but still we are not slowing down our plastic production. As of 2015, we are producing 381 million tonnes of plastic every year as compared to only 2 million tonnes in 1950. Over the last 100 years, plastic production has increased over 200 times.

The main problems are caused by the discarded plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans which contaminates water bodies and kills marine life. According to the 2018 reports from the UK Government, marine plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million seabirds annually.

So, it’s simple, right? Let’s not discard plastic but rather recycle or incarcerate it.

But it’s not that simple since to recycle plastic, the organizations need to produce higher-grade plastic and not single-use plastic. Over one-third of plastic produced today is single-use plastic which can’t be recycled or incarcerated since it will release toxins and unwanted gases in the atmosphere causing more harm than not.

What’s the solution then?

The jury is still out on the concrete solution to this global-level problem and it definitely can’t be fit in an article. So, we are to explore blockchain technology as a probable solution to the plastic pollution problem and how companies can utilize it to cope with this problem.

Before we get into the ‘how’, let’s first get acquainted with the ‘what’.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is an advanced record-keeping technology first introduced in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto whose identity is anonymous to this date. It is a collection of secure networks of virtual ledgers that are used to securely store and distribute data without any intermediary. The data is stored in large blocks of predetermined storage. Once a block is at capacity, the data gets stored in another block which is chained to the previous block creating a chained network of blocks.

Since these blocks are chained, it becomes impossible for hackers to hack into this network as they will have to make alterations to every single block connected to the one they want to hack. This technology is being used in many industries like finance, eCommerce, IoT, supply chain, international money transfer, and basically, disrupting them because of its decentralized, secure, and anonymous nature.

Now that we understand the magnitude of the pollution problem and the revolutionizing nature of blockchain technology, let’s explore how we can use the technology to decrease the magnitude of the problem.

A Slight Drawback

Since blockchain technology is secure and immutable, any organization that plans on making efforts to use this technology for plastic pollution needs to be aware of the classic crypto trading mistakes to avoid any consequences and loss of resources.

Blockchain-Powered Carbon Rewards

Around 90.5% of plastic produced has never been recycled which is valued at $7.2 trillion. It is getting amassed in oceans and landfills and by 2050, we can expect to have a whopping $14 trillion worth of plastic lying around in our natural resources.

Currently, the plastic pollution problem is being considered an ecological problem whereas it is actually a behavioral, economical, and societal problem. To tackle this problem from its roots, we need a major behavioral shift at a societal and an individual level.

At the societal level, we need to collectively take initiatives instead of siloed initiatives by NGOs, research institutions, retailers, and producers. All of them will have to join hands, share their knowledge, expertise, and resources with each other to actually make a difference.

At an individual level, people need to educate themselves and get involved with NGOs and other institutes to raise awareness of this problem.

Governments can also contribute by rewarding organizations for producing high-grade and recyclable plastic, NGOs for educating civilians, and retailers and producers for opting for biodegradable materials for packaging.

We need to see plastic pollution as an asset rather than an ecological problem. An asset that can be turned into carbon rewards can be cryptocurrencies which can be awarded to individuals, companies, NGOs, etc. securely using blockchain technology.

Connecting Plastic Waste to Consumers for Circular Economy

One of the main solutions to plastic wastage that’s being tested is creating a circular economy where the waste comes back to the companies and organizations for reuse.

To actually turn this into a global reality, we will need to take plastic waste management to the next level. And that’s where blockchain technology can play a vital role. Blockchain technology is predominantly used to create and transfer assets which means it can also be used to connect each plastic item to a consumer.

This will make sure that plastic is treated as an asset with a monetary, social, and ecological value attached to it. To implement this effectively, the Governments will need to proactively participate and make sure all the citizens follow the rules.

This can be done by adding RFID or custom QR codes to the plastic packaging which can be linked to crypto-credit. The packaging then can easily be scanned using mobile phone scanners to check the crypto-credit associated with the packaging.

Blockchain can also help to take this further by allowing the manufacturers to store material composition details, packing features, the proportion of raw vs recycled plastic, etc. in a material passport.

Current Efforts

Many startups are already utilizing the power of blockchain technology to reduce plastic waste successfully. Their efforts are bringing incremental but necessary change.

For example, a Norwegian startup called Empower is taking blockchain tokens in exchange for recycling plastic. For example, if an organization like Amazon donated $500, then they’ll collect 500kgs of plastic generated by Amazon. It also lets organizations certify their recycled plastics and connects plastic recyclers with international buyers.

Another startup called Circularise has created a blockchain solution that provides an accurate pricing system of the recycled material. Their solution also provides information on the number of times a material has been recycled. Circularise system works from the brand’s side whereas the tracer is created from the manufacturer’s side.

FAQ

What Role Can Blockchain Technology Play in Addressing Plastic Pollution?

Blockchain technology can be used to track and manage the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, increasing transparency and accountability.

How Does Blockchain Help Reduce Plastic Pollution?

Blockchain enables the creation of transparent supply chains, making it easier to identify and reduce plastic waste at various stages.

Can Blockchain Be Used to Track the Origin of Plastics?

Yes, blockchain can trace the origin of plastics, helping identify the source of pollution and hold responsible parties accountable.

What Are Some Blockchain-Based Initiatives for Plastic Pollution Reduction?

Initiatives include plastic recycling programs, waste management tracking, and sustainable packaging solutions powered by blockchain technology.

How Can Consumers Benefit from Blockchain in Plastic Pollution Efforts?

Consumers can make informed choices by accessing information about a product’s plastic use, recycling options, and environmental impact through blockchain-enabled apps.

Is Blockchain Only Useful for Large-Scale Plastic Manufacturers?

Blockchain can benefit both large and small-scale plastic producers, as it offers scalable solutions for tracking and managing plastic materials.

Can Blockchain Help Prevent Illegal Plastic Dumping and Pollution?

Yes, blockchain can combat illegal plastic dumping by recording the movement and disposal of plastic waste, making it harder to engage in illegal practices.

Are There Challenges in Implementing Blockchain for Plastic Pollution Solutions?

Challenges include data accuracy, standardization, and adoption across the industry, but these are being addressed through collaborative efforts.

How Can Governments Leverage Blockchain in Plastic Pollution Control?

Governments can use blockchain to regulate plastic production, track imports and exports, and enforce environmental policies.

What Is the Future Outlook for Blockchain in Plastic Pollution Mitigation?

The future looks promising, with increasing interest in blockchain solutions and collaborations aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

Can Blockchain Help Verify Recycling and Waste Management Practices?

Yes, blockchain can verify recycling and waste management practices, ensuring that plastics are properly processed and reused.

Are There Blockchain Projects Specifically Focused on Plastic Pollution?

Yes, several blockchain projects and startups are dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, offering innovative solutions and partnerships.

How Does Blockchain Ensure Data Security in Plastic Pollution Tracking?

Blockchain’s decentralized and encrypted nature enhances data security, reducing the risk of tampering or unauthorized access.

Can Blockchain Encourage Plastic Recycling and Circular Economy Practices?

Blockchain can incentivize recycling and circular economy practices by rewarding individuals and businesses for responsible plastic use and recycling.

Is Blockchain Technology Environmentally Friendly Itself?

Blockchain technology can be energy-intensive, but efforts are underway to develop eco-friendly blockchain solutions to align with sustainability goals.

How Does Blockchain Impact Plastic Waste in Oceans and Waterways?

Blockchain can help track the sources of plastic waste in oceans and waterways, making it easier to implement cleanup efforts and hold polluters accountable.

Are There Success Stories of Blockchain Reducing Plastic Pollution?

Some regions and organizations have reported success in reducing plastic pollution through blockchain-based initiatives, showcasing its potential.

Can Blockchain Support Plastic Traceability for Brands and Manufacturers?

Yes, brands and manufacturers can use blockchain to provide consumers with detailed information about their plastic products’ origins and environmental impact.

How Can Individuals Get Involved in Blockchain-Driven Plastic Pollution Solutions?

Individuals can support blockchain-driven solutions by using blockchain-enabled apps, advocating for sustainable practices, and supporting organizations working in this space.

What Collaborative Efforts Exist in Combating Plastic Pollution with Blockchain?

Collaborative efforts involve partnerships between technology companies, environmental organizations, governments, and businesses to develop and implement blockchain solutions for plastic pollution reduction.