The issue of disposable plastics is now in the spotlight. This long-ignored crisis is massive and has caused us to face an unprecedented pollution phenomenon, that continues to put at risk our entire ecosystem and our health. Today, as a trademark action of IMS, we have developed a dedicated support program.
25th of april 2019, during the Luxembourg Sustainability Forum, the signatory CEOs was given a mark of their commitment.
A real race against the clock
It was invented less than a century ago, yet we have produced more than 8 billion tonnes of this material , which is essentially made from hydrocarbons. Designed to last and particularly durable, it is nevertheless intended for very limited uses, even single-use and has become the sad symbol of the ultra disposable. The result is incredible: it is largely non-biodegradable, spreading in the wild, causing massive damage to the environment, the cost of which by 2030 would rise up to 22 billion euros . 6 to 8.5 million tons of plastics are discharged at the oceans each year, at a so frantic rate that in 2050, the seas will contain more plastic mass than fish. If this trend continues, we could find 12 billion tonnes of plastic in landfills and the environment by this time. Single-use plastics alone account for 70% of the waste found on beaches and in the oceans, with plastic waste alone accounting for 85% of ocean pollution.The consequences are catastrophic for the entire ecosystem. More than a million animals die each year. Thus far, 250 species have already ingested plastic, affecting our entire food chain. Over time, this material has transformed into a multitude of microparticles which are extremely hazardous for health and making its collection almost impossible. Today, 72% of drinking water is contaminated in Europe and 83% in the world. Beyond the oceans and rivers, plastic is now found in the drinks and foods we consume and the air we breathe.
Major public health problem, serious damage to biodiversity, significant contribution to global warming, we face an unprecedented multi-faceted phenomenon.
It is now time to say stop.
On the 11th of September, during its Luxembourg CEO Sustainability Club dinner, IMS called on the participating leaders to sign the Zero Single-Use Plastic manifesto. The objective is clear: eliminating single-use plastic of your company by the end of 2020. To this date, over 60 companies already have signed the manifesto.
A dedicated contact
IMS is steadfast in working with its members to help them transition these new practices within their companies. During a period of 2 years, IMS will provide the signatories with a dedicated contact that will listen and work with their employees to develop ideas and strategies around ending single-use plastic.
Contact:
+352 26 25 80 13
info@imslux.lu
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development
JOIN THE MOVEMENT, SIGN THE MANIFESTO
IMS launched its Zero Single-Use Plastic manifesto in september 2018, during the annual Luxembourg CEO Sustainability Club. Its goal is simple: To cease the purchase and distribution of single-use plastics by signatory companies by the end of 2020. Concretely, it is about plastic cups, straws, plastic bags, or stirrers... that are designed to be used only once. Today, sustainable alternatives exist.
The manifesto can be signed by any IMS member company that want to take a pledge in the fight against single-use plastics. It must be signed and approved by the company manager and includes 5 commitments:
- Implementing in our organisation all the necessary actions to reach the goal of withdrawal of products covered by the "Zero Single-Use Plastic" manifesto by the end of 2020
- Supporting sustainable alternatives and integrating a reflection on the use of multipurpose plastics by the organisation to apply the principles of the circular economy
- Appointing a Zero Single-Use Plastic ambassador in our organisation, a reference person for this matter
- Communication our actions to different stakeholders to raise awarness
- Support IMS Luxembourg in this campaign and allow them to engage in discussions with our concerned suppliers to identify sustainable alternatives.
Download the manifesto :
HOW TO SIGN? Contact info@imslux.lu
TODAY, ALREADY 70 SIGNATORIES!
During the 2019 edition of our annual Luxembourg Sustainability Forum, which has become a key CSR event in Luxembourg, the topic of single-use plastics and more specifically our Zero Single-Use Plastic project was one of the 4 main themes chosen.
A large part of the programme was therefore dedicated to this issue, with among others:
- The official ceremony of the manifesto, where the signatory CEOs was given a mark of their commitment
- A TV set with different concrete solutions discussed during our working group
- Two exhibitions on the theme of plastic pollution, including a collection of the works of Alejandro Duran, photographer
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development
