Plastic Thinking Companies
This quiz gives you a chance to help your organisation to be more sustainable regarding your use of plastic.
There are 43 questions split between 9 categories which should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
If you are a plastic thinking company then you will achieve higher status!
Does your company monitor the quantity of plastic that is purchased?
Yes
No
Does your organisation specify any environmental requirements regarding plastic purchased?
Yes
No
How much of the waste plastic generated is recycled?
30% or less
31% - 50%
51% - 80%
81% or more
Do you purchase plastic packaging?
Yes
No
How much (if any) plastic packaging is returned to suppliers?
30% or less
31% - 50%
51% - 80%
81% or more
How much (if any) plastic packaging is reused within the company?
30% or less
31% - 50%
51% - 80%
81% or more
Have any changes been made to reduce plastic packaging that you use/send out?
Yes
No
Does your organisation make any environmental specifications regarding plastic packaging?
Yes
No
Tips
1. Take a snapshot of your plastic packaging. For one week collect all the plastic packaging that comes in. At the end of the week weigh it, classify it and look for opportunities to reduce it.
2. Ask priority suppliers if they could reduce packaging. Using concentrates, bulk containers or refillable containers can help.
3. Ask local suppliers or suppliers with local hubs if you can return packaging for reuse.
4. You could reduce your own packaging material costs by reusing transit packaging.
5. Segregating waste for recycling could reduce your waste disposal costs.
6. Look at the packaging you use and assess if you really need it, or if some could be eliminated.
7. Look at packaging guidelines and choose packaging that is recycled, recyclable and designed for disassembly.
8. Consider opportunities to recover and reuse the packaging for some suppliers.
Tips
1. Take a snapshot of your plastic packaging. For one week collect all the plastic packaging that comes in. At the end of the week weigh it, classify it and look for opportunities to reduce it.
2. Ask priority suppliers if they could reduce packaging. Using concentrates, bulk containers or refillable containers can help.
3. Ask local suppliers or suppliers with local hubs if you can return packaging for reuse.
4. You could reduce your own packaging material costs by reusing transit packaging.
5. Segregating waste for recycling could reduce your waste disposal costs.
6. Look at the packaging you use and assess if you really need it, or if some could be eliminated.
7. Look at packaging guidelines and choose packaging that is recycled, recyclable and designed for disassembly.
8. Consider opportunities to recover and reuse the packaging for some suppliers.
Are any disposable (single use) cleaning materials used e.g. wipes, toilet wraps etc.?
Yes
No
Are cleaning chemical containers refillable?
Yes
No
N/A
Do you or your cleaning team re-sort plastic waste?
Yes
No
Are empty plastic containers recycled or returned to the supplier?
Yes
No
N/A
Tips
1. Review the use of single use items - try to use reusable versions or non plastic versions.
2. Consider buying cleaning chemicals in bulk and decanting them into refillable dispensers (if safe to do so).
3. The cleaning team should be encouraged to put segregated plastics into the correct recycling stream. Don’t expect the cleaners to sort and segregate mixed waste.
4. Consider the return or recycling opportunities.
5. Waste machinery should be disposed of as WEEE. Extend the life of equipment with maintenance and repair.
6. When equipment is no longer usable, consider the possibility of disassembling and refurbishing e.g. Replacing the mop head and retaining the handle.
7. Many properties of plastic make it ideal as a material for cleaning equipment. Tip: Try using plastic products which have a high recycled plastic content or are locally sourced.
Tips
1. Review the use of single use items - try to use reusable versions or non plastic versions.
2. Consider buying cleaning chemicals in bulk and decanting them into refillable dispensers (if safe to do so).
3. The cleaning team should be encouraged to put segregated plastics into the correct recycling stream. Don’t expect the cleaners to sort and segregate mixed waste.
4. Consider the return or recycling opportunities.
5. Waste machinery should be disposed of as WEEE. Extend the life of equipment with maintenance and repair.
6. When equipment is no longer usable, consider the possibility of disassembling and refurbishing e.g. Replacing the mop head and retaining the handle.
7. Many properties of plastic make it ideal as a material for cleaning equipment. Tip: Try using plastic products which have a high recycled plastic content or are locally sourced.
Does your organisation give single use plastic gifts, giveaways or freebies?
Yes
No
No gifts
If your organisation provides toiletries, are they single use?
Yes
No
Yes but not plastic
Have measures been taken to eliminate plastic from gifting?
Yes
No
No gifts
Tips
1. Consider 'virtual' gifting apps, tokens etc. Provide gifts with longevity of use and choose recyclable materials.
2. Consider refillable dispensers where possible.
3. Avoid using balloons - all balloon materials are a problem to wildlife in the short term.
4. Consider unwrapped treats if hygiene rules allow.
5. Non-plastic or recycled plastic alternatives may be available.
Tips
1. Consider 'virtual' gifting apps, tokens etc. Provide gifts with longevity of use and choose recyclable materials.
2. Consider refillable dispensers where possible.
3. Avoid using balloons - all balloon materials are a problem to wildlife in the short term.
4. Consider unwrapped treats if hygiene rules allow.
5. Non-plastic or recycled plastic alternatives may be available.
Are single use plastics used for decoration at events?
Yes
No
N/A
Are single use plastics used for invitations and/or eating ware?
Yes
No
N/A
Are recycling facilities easily accessible during events?
Yes
No
N/A
Tips
1. Eliminate if possible or use biodegradable non-plastic materials.
2. Don’t use balloons - all balloon materials are a problem to wildlife. Reuse banners if possible.
3. Consider reusable dressings or items that can be repurposed.
4. Consider non-plastic recyclable alternatives.
5. People will recycle the plastic if you can add an element of fun.
Tips
1. Eliminate if possible or use biodegradable non-plastic materials.
2. Don’t use balloons - all balloon materials are a problem to wildlife. Reuse banners if possible.
3. Consider reusable dressings or items that can be repurposed.
4. Consider non-plastic recyclable alternatives.
5. People will recycle the plastic if you can add an element of fun.
Does your company have branded saleable goods that are plastic?
Yes
No
Are name badges or lanyards plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Are conference/stationery items plastic?
Yes
No
Does branded clothing contain plastic (PET fibre etc.)?
Yes
No
N/A
Is drinkware (bottles cups, stirrers etc.) single use plastic?
Yes
No
Tips
1. Ensure branded items are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
2. Ensure badges and lanyards are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
3. Ensure items are reusable and refillable. Use recycled plastic and design products to be recyclable.
4. Consider issues of microfibre shedding. Eliminate additional plastic packaging if possible.
5. Avoid single use drinkware and select items with a recycled content that will be recyclable at the end of it's life.
6. Consider aligning the United Nations sustainability goals with your branding strategy.
Tips
1. Ensure branded items are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
2. Ensure badges and lanyards are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
3. Ensure items are reusable and refillable. Use recycled plastic and design products to be recyclable.
4. Consider issues of microfibre shedding. Eliminate additional plastic packaging if possible.
5. Avoid single use drinkware and select items with a recycled content that will be recyclable at the end of it's life.
6. Consider aligning the United Nations sustainability goals with your branding strategy.
Do products sold contain plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Are products sold packaged in plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Are there recycling facilities at point of sale?
Yes
No
N/A
Are products that contain recyclable plastic sold?
Yes
No
N/A
Tips
1. Consider informing buyers of the type of plastic, recyclable content and whether it is recyclable. Consider non-plastic alternatives.
2. Providing a recycling point for buyers to dispose of the packaging could enhance waste segregation.
3. Consider advising users of what compostable means - it may not mean it is compostable at home.
4. Labelling requirements will become mandatory in the future.
Tips
1. Consider informing buyers of the type of plastic, recyclable content and whether it is recyclable. Consider non-plastic alternatives.
2. Providing a recycling point for buyers to dispose of the packaging could enhance waste segregation.
3. Consider advising users of what compostable means - it may not mean it is compostable at home.
4. Labelling requirements will become mandatory in the future.
Do vending machines dispense plastic wrapped items? This includes food vending units.
Yes
No
No vending machines
Are there recycling facilities near the vending machines?
Yes
No
No vending machines
Tips
1. If plastic packaging is essential try to minimise it's use and use materials with a high recycled content.
2. There are many desirable properties of plastic and if looking for an alternative consider the full range of environmental impacts.
3. Try to use reusable cleaning items and, if single use is essential, ensure correct disposal methods. Do not flush away any wipes even when labelled as flushable.
Tips
1. If plastic packaging is essential try to minimise it's use and use materials with a high recycled content.
2. There are many desirable properties of plastic and if looking for an alternative consider the full range of environmental impacts.
3. Try to use reusable cleaning items and, if single use is essential, ensure correct disposal methods. Do not flush away any wipes even when labelled as flushable.
Are any single use items, e.g. cups, straws, cutlery etc. used?
Yes
No
N/A
Are condiments, e.g. Milk etc. Served in single portion servings?
Yes
No
N/A
Is food or drink supplied wrapped in plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Is single use plastic used in food preparation or storage?
Yes
No
N/A
Is food or drink purchased wrapped in plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Is the company part of any food or drink refill scheme? E.g. Long Live The Lunchbox, water refill stations etc.
Yes
No
N/A
Tip
1. Many single use items will be banned in the future, consider applying a levy to single use items and providing reusable alternatives.
2. Some plastic packaging can enhance shelflife of products. But consider eliminating non-essential plastic packaging or offering 'nude' alternatives.
3. Seek reusable hygienic alternatives to protect food during preparation.
4. Reduce the plastic on offer. Provide 'free' tap water or join the UK refill scheme.
5. Consider joining these schemes.
6. Consider offering customers tokens or benefits for reusing their own cups & containers.
Tip
1. Many single use items will be banned in the future, consider applying a levy to single use items and providing reusable alternatives.
2. Some plastic packaging can enhance shelflife of products. But consider eliminating non-essential plastic packaging or offering 'nude' alternatives.
3. Seek reusable hygienic alternatives to protect food during preparation.
4. Reduce the plastic on offer. Provide 'free' tap water or join the UK refill scheme.
5. Consider joining these schemes.
6. Consider offering customers tokens or benefits for reusing their own cups & containers.
Are new staff uniforms wrapped in plastic?
Yes
No
N/A
Do staff uniforms contain plastic fabrics?
Yes
No
N/A
Are staff and interested parties advised of company policy regarding plastic?
Yes
No
Do staff use disposable PPE such as gloves or ear plugs etc.?
Yes
No
N/A
Tips
1. Try to eliminate or reduce single use plastic packaging from clothing.
2. Many clothing items contain fibres derived from recycled plastic. Consider advising staff of the issues of microfibre shedding and any associated washing instructions.
3. Ensure badges and lanyards are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
4. Encourage staff to engage in the reduction of single use plastic throughout your company.
5. The issues of plastic are complex and if the management team can agree on clear guidelines and values this should be effectively communicated to all interested parties.
6. Consider the use of reusable items and segregate waste streams if possible.
7. Make recycling plastic easy and - better still - make it fun.
Tips
1. Try to eliminate or reduce single use plastic packaging from clothing.
2. Many clothing items contain fibres derived from recycled plastic. Consider advising staff of the issues of microfibre shedding and any associated washing instructions.
3. Ensure badges and lanyards are reusable and ensure they have a recycled plastic content and are recyclable.
4. Encourage staff to engage in the reduction of single use plastic throughout your company.
5. The issues of plastic are complex and if the management team can agree on clear guidelines and values this should be effectively communicated to all interested parties.
6. Consider the use of reusable items and segregate waste streams if possible.
7. Make recycling plastic easy and - better still - make it fun.
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