ETHICS SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL PACK

Reading Head: ETHICS SUSTANIBILITY AND SOCIAL PACK
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March 19
2020

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Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution......................................................................................2
Circular Economy......................................................................................................................5
Unilever Company.....................................................................................................................8
Circular Economy approach of Unilever................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................12

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Introduction
Pollution is one of the major problems in the world. There are many types of pollution and all
they are affecting adversely in the environment. People are not taking it seriously and
increase in pollution wildlife animals. There is also one major problem that is faced by plastic
i.e. it is very difficult to collect plastics. Plastics also involve lots of costs in recycling and
therefore it is not affordable by every country is also led to many health problems. The main
element in pollution is considered to be Plastic. Plastic is non-degradable waste and because
of that, it is affecting the environment, people and (PARKER, 2020).
The highest amount of plastic trash can be seen in the ocean and because of those water
animals consumes and this is the major problem of their deaths. There are chances that fishes
and other water animals can be trapped under plastic bags. In this essay, an evaluation of
performance in terms of the circular economy of plastics will be presented. The evaluation
will be presented on Unilever. Principles of the circular economy will be also presented.
Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution
Many harmful effects can be caused because of the pollution of plastic. The first that was
produced with the use of plastic was in 1907. After that rapid growth has been noticed in the
sale of plastic. Consumption of plastic has also increased from 200 fold to 381 million tons.
Many causes of plastic pollution are affecting the environment, wildlife and health of
individuals (Friends of the Earth, 2020). Some of the main causes are as follows:
 The overuse of plastic is the main cause of pollution.
 The cost of plastic is also very less.
 Careless disposals are also a major issue.
 Over Population.

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 Behaviours of consumers.
 Convenient.
 Sea Accidents.
 Raw Material.
The overuse of plastic that is causing because of an increase in pollution is adversely
affecting the health and behaviour of people. According to a study it is observed that increase
is the usage of plastic is because people are finding it convenient. It is also not expensive so
everyone can easily afford it. People are also throwing it anywhere. They do still not
understand the causes which are facing by everyone because of the pollution of plastic. It is
also used as a raw material in many manufacturing industries and is also used in packaging
the products. Plastic is also responsible for sea accidents and the deaths of animals (Friends
of the Earth, 2020).
Pollution is plastic is majorly causing because of this reason. There is a requirement of some
effective policy so that it will reduce the consumption of plastic. Wildlife is highly affected
by the pollution of plastic as animals consume plastics and this has become a major cause of
their deaths. Water animals die because either they consume plastic or they are trapped inside
(Andreas, 2020). Environmental damages are also caused because of plastic pollution
because it can affect the health of animals. Health effects are also linked with plastic
pollution because it is also responsible for chemical contamination. It is also written in a book
that, animals are eating waste such as clothes that we throw in the water and later people are
consuming that. Micro plastics (particles up to 5mm in diameter) are majorly found in the
ocean. These micro plastics are unable to h undergo a filtration process and therefore they are
likely to be flow in oceans and rivers (Nairobi, 2014).

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Plastic pollution is also causing effects on the economy. In a survey, it is disclosed that the
overall natural cost of plastic use is estimated at around US$ 75 Million. If the economy is
effecting financially then it can lead to issues such as marine pollution. There is a report
which says that over 30% of the capital costs of plastics are because of emissions of
greenhouse gases. According to research, it is observed that plastic waste that costs up to $
33,000 ton reduced the value of the environment. It is also been observed that plastic
pollution that is causing in oceans and rivers costs billions every year. There are times when
valuable and rare resources are wasted because of pollution. It is also causing negative
impacts on human activities such as fishing, agriculture, and recreational activities. It is also
estimated that around 1-5% of decline has been shown. The marine ecosystem is also
affecting negatively because of this pollution (Waste360 Staff, 2019).
Many effects are also been caused because of plastic pollution. These effects are as follows:
 Water Pollution.
 Air Pollution.
 Soil Pollution.
 Land Pollution.
 Tourism effects.
 Global Warming.
 Social Costs.
 Effects on wildlife.
 Effects of nature.
 Effects of the food chain.
These effects are affecting the environment on a larger scale. These effects are long term
effects this can have serious effects on the economy, environment, nature, and health of

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individuals as well as animals. There should be the alternative solution to this problem.
People should reduce the consumption of plastic. Plastic also emitted harmful gases that can
affect the health of people (Moore, 2020).
Plastics are also used as raw materials in many manufacturing industries. It is used in
different forms as it is modified into different shapes and sizes. After taking many initiatives
also consumer behaviour towards using plastics is increasing. They are still not avoiding the
use of plastic. The main problem in the use of plastic is that it cannot be recycled and it does
not either decompose. As a result of that, it is creating a lot of pollution.
Circular Economy
A Circular economy is considered to be an economic system in which it is assumed that every
product, raw material, and components lost their little values. In this process, renewable
energy sources and system thinking are used.
The main focus of this concept is on three aspects of system change. These aspects are as
follows:
1. Minimum use of raw material.
2. Enhancing the reuse of products.
3. Recycling of waste products.
According to Korhonen, Nuur, Feidman, and Birkle are also focusing on system change.
According to them the main elements of this concept are closed cycles; Renew enables
energy and system thinking (Zoeken, 2020).
Developing products offer a different point of view that can eliminate waste and which can
help in eliminating waste from the environment. The concept of the circular economy will
help achieve this target. There are certain challenges that have been faced by this concept

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because there is a high amount of effort and risk involved. But now companies are adopting
this concept and three major principles are involved in this concept and they are as follows:
1. Preservation and enhancement of natural capital. This can be done by controlling
stocks and balancing the flow of resources in an organization.
2. Optimization of resources this can be done circulating products and materials and this
should be used in the highest possible levels.
3. This system can be implemented and developed effectively by eliminating negatives.
This can also increase the chances of productivity of resources and it will also help decrease
the dependency. As a result growth and new business opportunities will be created (Hannon
et al., 2016).
This concept is developed with the help of many theories and the significance of every theory
is different (Eli, 2020). These theories are as follows:
1. Performance economy: It is the concept that interrupts circular economy. The main
focus of this theory is to maintain and exploit the stock. The economy represents the
performance model (Wautelet, 2018).
2. Cradle to cradle: It is the concept that refers to the recycling of the product. The main
objective of this concept is to reuse the resources that are been used by the company.
3. Bio mimicry: It is the model that is dependent on the operation of the ecosystem. This
ecosystem may be autonomous, circular and waste-free operation. This will help the
organization is converting its waste resources into valuable resources (Koho, 2012).
4. Blue Economy: This concept is also helpful in creating sustainable use of resources
that are obtained from oceans. These resources will be helpful in economic growth,
the lifestyle of people. It will also help maintain the health of the ocean's ecosystem
(The World Bank, 2016).

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There are six characteristics of a circular economy. They are as follows:
1. Eradication of unnecessary plastic packaging can be done through redesigning,
innovating and delivering new models in a priority. There are several benefits of
plastic but at the same time, there are many problems that are causing it because of
plastic. Packaging of plastics can be avoided by people.
2. Reuse models are applied where relevant, reducing the need for single-use packaging.
Many problems are faced in recycling the product. As a result, there are many issues
which are been faced. It is also suggested that whenever business models are explored
there should be a way by which minimum use of plastic can be done (UN
environmental programme , 2019).
3. All plastic that is used in packaging must be 100% reusable, recyclable, or
compostable by design. To implement this characteristic there is a requirement of
combination of several innovations in the business model, design and technologies
(UN environmental programme , 2019).
4. Plastics packaging should be reused recycled and composed. There must not be any
plastic waste in the circular economy. Businesses that are producing and selling
packaging are responsible for their design. They should use or recycle that plastic so
that it can be used again (UN environmental programme , 2019).
5. The consumption of plastic is completely decoupled in finite resources. Using
recycled products must be essential. This will enhance the recycling of plastics so that
renewable plastics can be empowered. Decoupling of plastics is an essential step that
should be done to reduce the use of plastic (UN environmental programme , 2019).
6. Plastics packaging is free from dangerous chemicals, and the health, safety, and rights
of all people involved. The dangerous chemicals which are dangerous for health are
used in the packaging and manufacturing of goods. It is very important to respect the

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healthcare and safety rights of individuals. This will helps in improving the condition
of people. The recycling process of these harmful products should also be eliminated
(UN environmental programme , 2019).
Unilever Company
Unilever is the British- Dutch consumer goods company. The company was founded in 2nd
September 1929. The company was founded by Margarine Unite and Lever Brothers. The
headquarter of the company is located in London, England, and Rotterdam. The company
deals in food, energy drinks, beverages, ice creams, beauty, and personal care Products.
Unilever is considered to be one of the oldest companies. The products of the company are
available in around 190 countries. There are around 400 brands that are associated with this
company. The company is also trying to expand its business to other countries (Unilever,
2020).
Plastic is the main element which is used by every company and because of that many
harmful effects are causing to health of individual and nature. The company is also involved
in the concept of the circular economy. The company also ensures that plastic which they are
using should be reusable, recyclable or compostable. It is estimated that around 100 million
animals die every due to the consumption of plastic. The problem is kept increasing and
situations are getting worse. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report estimated that by 2050
there will not be any plastic in the ocean. The company has made it clear that urgent actions
are required so that this problem can be solved. The area for which Unilever is concerned up
to 14% of the plastic packaging and only 9% is only recycled. With the waste of plastic
around 40% of the land is covered with that (PARKER, 2020).

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Circular Economy approach of Unilever
The company is using the “take make disposal” model. It is the key model by which the
United States I achieving the goal of sustainable development. It is targeted that 12.5 on
waste should be reduced. Around 14.1 should be preventing and reducing plastic pollution
that is caused by marine. From an economic perspective use of plastic should be properly
degraded. According to the World Economic Forum, the packaging of plastic reflects a loss
of $80-120 billion (Unilever, 2020). By adopting the circular economic approach this can be
reduced and packaging that will be used by the company will be of the material that can be
recycled, reused and composed.
The company is also transforming the use of plastic packaging by 2025. The company is
enhancing environmental growth by reducing the use of plastic packaging. Unilever
Sustainable Living Plan also targets to reduce the weight of packaging weight by one third.
The company has reported that total waste per consumer has been reduced by 31%. The
company also says that they are trying to reduce the use of plastic in their packaging and they
are putting more emphasis on its alternative options. The company has also given a surety in
2017 company will design that plastic that can be 100% recycled or reusable. This goal is
expected to achieve by the company in 2025 (Unilever, 2020). Unilever will now consume
only half the amount of plastic that has been used earlier. Five major aspects are to be
embedded with the approach of circular thinking and they are as follows:
1. Rethinking for designing the products this can be done by using either less plastic or
no plastic (UN environmental programme , 2019).
2. System change is implemented in this organization so that New Plastics Economics
can be implementing.
3. Unilever has decided to work along with the government so that they can achieve the
required target and maximum benefits can be provided to the society.

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4. Unilever will also work along with consumers so that they can recycle the maximum
amount of plastic.
5. New business models will be implemented in the Unilever so that alternative options
can be used by the company.
The company will also either stop the consumption of plastic bottles or they will use bottles
that can be recycled. Unilever uses 4845 tonnes of plastic every year. But now the company
will be using PCR materials in its packaging so that it can effectively achieve its goals of
reducing plastic consumption by 2025 (Unilever, 2020).
Conclusion
Pollution is considered to be one of the most important problems that are faced by every
country. There are different types of pollution such as air, water, sol and many more. Plastic
is also one of the elements that cause the maximum amount of pollution. Plastic is used by
every individual and organization. It is inexpensive and easy to carry and people are throwing
it carelessly. Plastic emits gases that can be harmful to the health of humans and animals.
Some other effects and causes are mentioned above. Plastic is not only a major problem for
humans but it a bigger problem for aquatic animals. The plastic that is thrown in oceans and
rivers is the major cause that is responsible for the deaths of animals. Aquatic animals either
consume it or they are trapped in it. Plastic pollution also affects the food chain of the
ecosystem. Pollution of plastic is also responsible for sea accidents.
The circular economy is the concept that refers that plastic that is consumed by individuals
should be reuse, recycle or composed. This will reduce the chances of plastic pollution. Some
reports have been presented by the government of the UN. In this report companies that are
adopting this approach are listed. Six characteristics of this concept are also mentioned in this
report.

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This concept is also shown with the help of the company that has adopted this approach. The
company was using a high amount of plastic in its packaging material but now they are trying
to use alternative options in their packaging. The company is planning to eradicate 100% use
of plastic in the future. They are also trying to stop the use of plastic bottles that are also been
used in packaging. The company has also said that in the future if they will use plastic in the
future it will be 100% renewable, recycled and composted.
In the above discussion all the causes and effects of this concept re mentioned. Theories that
were used in developing the concept of the circular economy are also mentioned. Plastic
should be least used by the individual so that it can prevent many causes and effects that are
causing to health of people and the environment. Many companies are adopting this concept
as this will reduce their social and economic costs. This will also help change the behaviour
of consumers. For eradicating plastic pollution from the environment every individual should
put their effort and contribute to the policies that are initiated by the government.

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References
Andreas, 2020. What Is Plastic Pollution? [Online] Available at: https://www.environmental-
awareness.com/causes-effects-solutions-for-plastic-pollution/ [Accessed 19 March 2020].
Eli, B., 2020. Sustainability: Definition and Five Core Principles. [Online] Available at:
http://www.sustainabilitylabs.org/assets/img/SL5CorePrinciples.pdf [Accessed 21 March
2020].
Friends of the Earth, 2020. Plastic pollution How to reduce plastic in the ocean. [Online]
Available at: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics [Accessed 21 March 2020].
Hannon, , Mallez, M. & Vanthournout, , 2016. The circulareconomy:Moving from theoryto
practice. McKinsley & Co..
Koho, J., 2012. THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN GREEN ECONOMY AND BIOMIMICRY.
[Online] Available at:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8899/1b82bb578185aa41a14579b3f96370cc3b65.pdf
[Accessed 20 March 2020].
Moore, , 2020. Plastic pollution. [Online] Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic-pollution [Accessed 19 March 2020].
Nairobi, 2014. Plastic Waste Causes Financial Damage of US$13 Billion to Marine
Ecosystems Each Year as Concern Grows over Microplastics. [Online] Available at:
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/plastic-waste-causes-
financial-damage-us13-billion-marine-ecosystems [Accessed 19 March 2020].
PARKER, , 2020. The world's plastic pollution crisis explained. [Online] Available at:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/plastic-pollution/ [Accessed 19

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March 2020].
The World Bank, 2016. What is the Blue Economy? [Online] Available at:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/infographic/2017/06/06/blue-economy [Accessed 20
March 2020].
UN environmental programme , 2019. The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment 2019
progress report. United States: UN environmental programme.
Unilever, 2020. About Unilever. [Online] Available at: https://www.unilever.com/about/who-
we-are/about-Unilever/ [Accessed 21 March 2020].
Unilever, 2020. Rethinking plastic packaging – towards a circular economy. [Online]
Available at: https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/reducing-environmental-impact/
waste-and-packaging/rethinking-plastic-packaging/ [Accessed 20 March 2020].
Waste360 Staff, 2019. Study Puts Economic, Social Cost on Ocean Plastic Pollution.
[Online] Available at: https://www.waste360.com/plastics/study-puts-economic-social-cost-
ocean-plastic-pollution [Accessed 20 March 2020].
Wautelet, , 2018. The Concept of Circular Economy: its Origins and its Evolution. [Online]
Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322555840_The_Concept_of_Circular_Economy_it
s_Origins_and_its_Evolution [Accessed 20 March 2020].
Zoeken, 2020. What is the definition of a circular economy? [Online] Available at:
https://kenniskaarten.hetgroenebrein.nl/en/knowledge-map-circular-economy/what-is-the-
definition-a-circular-economy/ [Accessed 20 March 2020].

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