The plastic circular economy: FMCG macroeconomic trends
A core part of the circular economy is re-using products and ensuring asset utilisation. Increasing environmental consciousness means more consumers are pro-actively recycling than ever before, as well as concerted efforts towards plastic-alternatives through biodegradable waste.
Moving forward, it will be important to shift consumer attitudes on the perception of recycled material, as well as consumer desires for new products. Brands must reduce the price-quality ratio of manufacturing to demonstrate circular options that produce tangible advantages such as lower costs.
The macroeconomic trends impacting the circular plastic circular economy, as identified by GlobalData are:
Global recession
2020 saw the deepest global recession since World War II, with the sharpest contraction in more than 60 years. Huge spikes in unemployment follow drastic drops in oil consumption and global trade.
The adverse impact on multiple areas of the economy will encourage manufacturers to consider shorter supply chains and new methods of employment.
Low oil prices make virgin plastics cheap to produce; therefore, a potential detriment to efforts that foster sustainability.
Tariff wars
A trade war between the US and China, two of the largest economies in the world, has led to tit for tat trade barriers on several consumer goods.
Over time, US trade barriers have extended to other countries in the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. These actions will encourage manufacturers to adopt shorter localised supply chains.
Sharing Economy
The sharing economy is gaining prominence worldwide and making inroads to structurally change how customers behave. Its origin lies in the concept that underutilised resources are wasted.
Communities are also experimenting with the potential of collaborative and innovative solutions with purchasing groups, time banking, and co-working spaces. This is strongly connected with circular economy strategies, particularly with reference to waste prevention and resource maximisation.
Deglobalisation
Globalisation comprises many different elements: cross-border flows of trade, investment, data, ideas, and technology; not to mention people, including workers, tourists, and students.
With dramatic drops in many of these elements due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, deglobalisation is expected as world trade will contract between 13% and 32% in 2020.
National security and public health concerns are encouraging new rationales for protectionism, especially for medical gear and food, and an emphasis on domestic sourcing.
Urbanisation
Urbanisation is the movement of people from rural communities to the city for work and residence. Since 1950, the world’s urban population has risen almost sixfold, from 751 million to 4.2 billion in 2018. By 2050, it is anticipated that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities.
This will bring unique challenges to the plastic circular economy as urban lifestyles in compact cities encourage convenient habits that may be detrimental to sustainable living.
Main image: Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I. Credit:
This is an edited extract from the Circular Plastic Economy in Consumer Goods – Thematic Research report produced by GlobalData Thematic Research.
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