ROCHESTER, MI, January 2011: With an emphasis on packaging, a peer-reviewed study produced by Denkstatt GmbH of Vienna, Austria for PlasticsEurope highlights the significant energy conservation value of plastics, both before and after recovery for reuse and recycling.
The ULS (Use Less Stuff) Report reviewed the study and found that this value relates to a number of factors including plastics’ Manufacturing efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratios, and the ability of plastic packaging to reduce fresh food spoilage.
According to Bob Lilienfeld, Editor of The ULS Report, “The overall findings regarding the energy conservation value of plastics are probably not what the public would expect to learn.
On the other hand, the finding that reuse and recycling of plastics produces significant environmental benefits versus the use of virgin materials is very much in line with public perceptions and expectations.”
Lilienfeld also stated, “The science in this study indicates that plastics and plastic packaging can play a far greater role in the quest for sustainability than most people recognize.
For example, the ability of plastic packaging to reduce food waste and spoilage reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the amount of energy used by 4-6 million American households to annually power their cars, homes and lives.”
He added that, “It is imperative that government, industry and society work together to extract the maximum value from all of our resources by extending their usable life and constantly finding ways to do more with less.”
The ULS review of the research and the study itself are available on the ULS website.
The ULS (Use Less Stuff) Report is published monthly, and its website is rated #1 by Google, Yahoo! and MSN for searches relating to waste prevention and source reduction.
Editor Bob Lilienfeld also hosts the monthly TV segment Use Less Stuff on Fox.
This press release is presented without editing for your information only.
Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.
