6. Introduction to measurement of plastic use

Continuing with the 'analysis' tools: rePurpose Global’s plastic accounting tools give brands a quick and accurate measure of how much plastic is used in products and packaging.

Knowing how much plastic you use – along with the types of plastic you use and their recyclability – is fundamental to understanding a business’s contribution to the plastic problem.

Measuring plastic use is the starting point for action, and powers internal goal setting, and reduction roadmaps — it’s hard to manage what you don’t measure! From a robust baseline measurement it’s possible to communicate progress credibly, share data in ESG and sustainability reporting, and stay ahead of the regulatory curve by complying with upcoming regulations and policies.

Measurement can also tie in with action, with some brands opting for a measure, reduce, recover approach: measuring what they use, reducing plastic use as much as possible, and recovering the equivalent of their remaining plastic use from waste recovery projects.

rePurpose Global has developed industry leading plastic measurement tools using best practice research and documentation as well as our in-house expertise. Our tools draw from various industry frameworks - including from the carbon accounting landscape.

rePurpose Global has developed 5 Principles of Plastic Footprint Calculation. These principles aim to ensure fair, accurate and consistent measurement across all brands (see image).