Sir David Attenborough’s recent BBC documentary ‘Blue Planet II’ not only provided lush underwater vistas and wonder at the diversity of usually hidden life, but also highlighted serious ecological issues. Perhaps the most striking of these is the plastic that chokes our oceans, harms wildlife, and even finds its way back into the food chain.
A growing concern for governments worldwide
In December 2017, all 193 United Nations countries signed a resolution to eliminate ocean plastic pollution. While no specific targets were set, disappointing some observers, it is hoped that this will provide impetus for future action.
Historically, China has imported waste from other nations, which it has then disposed of or recycled. However, as of the beginning of this year, China has implemented stricter regulations regarding what it will accept, including a ban on plastic waste. This raises challenges for companies that previously exported plastic waste to China for processing, and will create new opportunities for local recyclers. The US in particular has been hit hard by this new law, having shipped nearly 4,000 containers of recyclables to China per day before the ban was imposed. Reports note ‘mountains’ of waste piling up at facilities across the country.
The UK government is concerned over the amount of plastic used as the country is currently on track to miss EU targets to recycle at least 50 per cent of household waste by 2020.
Reasons to be positive
In 2016, California was the first US state to impose a state-wide ban on plastic bags. Other counties and municipalities, such as Austin, TX, Cambridge, MA and Seattle, WA have imposed 5-10 cent fees. While a ban on plastic bags was proposed in New York City and did not pass, New York State’s plastic bag recycling law requires large retailers to take back all types of plastic bags that they provide to customers for recycling, including single use plastic bags.
In 2015, the UK government introduced a 5 pence levy on all single-use plastic bags, which has since resulted in an 80% reduction in their use, proof that the public is willing to change its habits. In January this year, it also announced that as part of a refreshed environment strategy, the UK will aim to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042. ‘Reflections’ on a 25 pence ‘latte levy’ on disposable cups may yield further action. In 2016, France passed a law that will see plastic utensils banned by 2020.
Worldwide, the issue of ‘microbeads’ has hogged headlines. These plastic pellets are typically 1mm in size or smaller, and are included in many cosmetic and cleaning products. Their use is now facing either stringent regulation or an outright ban in many countries and a number of US states.
Opportunities for investors
Changes to how economies deal with plastic are urgently required, giving rise to new opportunities for investors, including:
- Recycling services – England is following Scotland’s example of a successful consultation for a bottle deposit scheme, allowing for the easier recycling of plastic drink bottles. Companies that provide collection services or other solutions, such as reverse vending machines, are set to benefit from this.
- Recycling processes – one of our portfolio companies has pioneered plastic bottle recycling in France, developing plants which convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into food packaging, and we are confident that we will see further innovation. For example, transparent plastic has more value than coloured plastic.
- Innovation in packaging – biodegradable, or fibre-based renewable packaging replacing plastic and non-single use food packaging, is on the rise and is a strong theme across Impax’s portfolios.
As the transition to an economy generating less waste gathers pace, it is only natural that one of the most visible and long-lasting pollutants catches the public eye. Impax has been investing in the opportunities arising from this transition for nearly two decades.
