Source: Deloitte 2024 CxO Sustainability Report

Forbes also reports that corporate sustainability initiatives are increasingly moving beyond simple pledges to concrete action. Companies like Unilever have committed $1.2 billion to alternatives to plastic packaging, while Procter & Gamble has pledged to reduce virgin plastic usage by 50% by 2030. 

The shift toward corporate sustainability initiatives is driven by multiple factors:

Consumer demand

Deloitte's research indicates that 28% of consumers have stopped purchasing certain products due to environmental concerns, with plastic packaging being a primary consideration.

Investor pressure

ESG-focused investing has grown to over $30 trillion in assets under management globally, pushing companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

Regulatory Environment

With increasing government regulation of single-use plastics worldwide, companies are proactively adapting their practices to stay ahead of compliance requirements.

Supply Chain Resilience

2020 highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains, leading companies to reimagine their packaging and distribution systems with sustainability in mind.

These corporate initiatives are complemented by innovative startups and scale-ups that are reimagining traditional packaging models. PATH Water offers corporate Sustainability Directors a partnership that is a marketable, fun, and measurable reusable bottled water initiative that helps eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottled water. Here are some additional strategies for the corporate reduction of single-use plastic. 

Steps for Reducing Single-Use Plastic

1. Conduct a Plastic Audit

In order to track reduction metrics for your Sustainability Report, it's important to begin understanding your plastic reduction journey with a comprehensive audit of plastic usage across all operations. This detailed assessment process involves systematically documenting all single-use plastic items within the organization, from office supplies to packaging materials and kitchenware. The audit should track the quantity, frequency of use, and necessity of each plastic item identified. This systematic evaluation enables organizations to identify primary sources of plastic waste and establishes crucial baseline metrics for tracking improvement over time. The audit results often reveal unexpected opportunities for reduction and provide the foundation for developing targeted intervention strategies.

2. Develop a Plastics Policy

Research demonstrates a growing expectation among employees, particularly those from Generation Z, for their employers to take concrete action on single-use plastics in the workplace. A formal plastics policy serves as the cornerstone of organizational commitment to reduction efforts. This policy should be thoroughly documented within company handbooks and integrated into existing operational procedures. The policy should establish clear alignment with broader corporate sustainability initiatives, ensuring that plastic reduction efforts support and enhance other environmental goals.

The policy should delineate specific responsibilities across all organizational levels, from executive leadership to front-line employees. It must include measurable targets with clear timelines for achievement, creating accountability and enabling progress tracking. The policy should also outline specific procedures for procurement, waste management, and supplier engagement, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all plastic-related activities within the organization.

3. Employee Engagement and Training

Successful implementation of plastic reduction initiatives requires employee engagement and comprehensive training programs. Organizations can designate a dedicated point of contact responsible for overseeing plastic reduction efforts. This individual serves as the primary resource for questions, concerns, and suggestions related to plastic reduction initiatives.

Training programs can be developed and conducted regularly to ensure all employees understand the purpose behind the organization's commitment to plastic reduction as well as their role in achieving established goals. These programs can cover proper waste sorting procedures, alternatives to single-use plastics, and the environmental impact of plastic waste. Clear communication channels are helpful for establishing ongoing dialogue about plastic reduction efforts, enabling quick resolution of challenges, and sharing of best practices.

Performance tracking mechanisms can be implemented to monitor progress and identify areas requiring additional support or intervention. Regular assessments help maintain momentum and ensure continuous improvement in plastic reduction efforts.

4. Supply Chain Optimization

Organizations can achieve big reductions in plastic waste through strategic supply chain optimization. A critical first step involves minimizing over-packaging by implementing a flexible packaging system that offers various box sizes tailored to specific product dimensions. This approach reduces unnecessary plastic use and optimizes shipping costs and storage space.

Local sourcing can be prioritized whenever possible to reduce transport packaging requirements. This strategy not only minimizes plastic usage but also supports local economies and reduces transportation-related emissions. Organizations can actively collaborate with suppliers to develop and implement sustainable packaging solutions, encouraging innovation and sharing best practices throughout the supply chain.

5. Material Alternatives

Organizations can leverage a strategic approach to transitioning away from traditional single-use plastics. This transition usually begins with an assessment of current plastic usage and the identification of available alternatives. Highly recyclable materials like aluminum or lass are ideal. Even more so, veering away from single-use into reusable materials is even better for the transition.

Starting with an Initiative to Eliminate Single-use Plastic Bottled Water

As a first step in your organization's journey to eliminate single-use plastics, targeting bottled water presents an achievable and impactful opportunity. Bottled water has become a top beverage of choice in U.S. history, reaching 15.7 billion gallons consumed annually. This makes it an ideal starting point for meaningful environmental impact.

The Scale of the Single-use Problem

The current state of bottled water consumption presents both a challenge and an opportunity:

• 50 billion single-use plastic water bottles are used annually in the U.S.
• 52.5 billion plastic water bottles end up in landfills or as litter yearly
• Each bottle contributes to Scope 3 carbon emissions through production and transportation

A Checklist for Implementing an Initiative to Eliminate Single-use Plastic Bottled Water

Phase 1 - Assessment and Planning

1. Document Current Usage
• Collect bottled water invoices and delivery records
• Calculate annual consumption and associated costs
• Establish baseline metrics for future comparison
• Identify key usage areas and stakeholders
2. Infrastructure Evaluation
• Map existing water sources and refill stations
• Assess water quality and filtration needs
• Determine optimal locations for additional refill stations
• Calculate required infrastructure investments

Phase 2 - Program Development 

1. Partner Selection
• Research sustainable alternatives like PATH Water
• Evaluate co-branding opportunities
• Compare costs and environmental impacts
2. Budget Planning
• Calculate implementation costs
• Project potential savings
• Allocate resources for infrastructure
• Plan for ongoing maintenance

Phase 3 - Implementation

1. Infrastructure Setup
• Install new water refill stations
• Implement filtration systems where needed
• Set up bottle distribution points
• Create clear signage 
2. Communication Strategy
• Announce initiative through internal channels
• Create educational materials about the environmental impact
• Develop a tracking system for participation
• Plan celebration events for milestone achievements
3. Distribution Program
• Provide reusable bottles to employees
• Set up convenient refill locations
• Create a tracking system for usage
• Implement incentive programs

Measure Success

Key Performance Indicators

1. Environmental Impact
• Number of single-use bottles eliminated
• Estimated number of refills per participant
• Reduction in plastic waste by weight
• Decreased carbon emissions
2. Financial Metrics
• Cost savings from reduced purchases
• Infrastructure investment ROI
• Waste management cost reductions
• Program implementation costs
3. Engagement Metrics
• Employee participation rates
• Refill station usage statistics
• Program feedback scores
• Social media engagement on initiave

Best Practices for Success

1. Make It Convenient
• Place refill stations in high-traffic areas
• Ensure easy access to clean, filtered water
• Support regular cleaning and maintenance
2. Create Social Proof
• Highlight early adopters
• Share success stories
• Celebrate milestones
• Document progress visually
3. Address Concerns Proactively
• Provide cleaning instructions
• Offer replacement options
4. Track and Report Progress
• Regular progress updates
• Visual tracking displays
• Department competitions
• Sustainability report inclusion

By starting with single-use plastic bottled water elimination, organizations can build momentum for broader plastic reduction initiatives while achieving measurable environmental impact. This checklist provides a clear path for getting started. Learn more about Partnering to Save the Planet with PATH here.