Single-use plastics have become a significant environmental concern due to their persistence in the environment and adverse effects on ecosystems. Clamshells and blister packs, while serving as effective packaging solutions for certain products, often create unnecessary plastic waste, contributing to pollution and ecological damage. This paper aims to shed light on the environmental impact of these packaging types and explore alternatives for reducing their use, especially in product categories where their necessity is questionable.
The environmental impacts of clamshells and blister Packs include:
Plastic Pollution: Clamshells and blister packs contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. These packaging types are typically made from non-biodegradable plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Resource Depletion: The production of clamshells and blister packs requires significant amounts of fossil fuels and resources. This not only exacerbates the depletion of finite resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Marine Pollution: Improperly disposed of clamshells and blister packs often end up in waterways, where they pose a threat to marine life. Marine animals can mistake these plastic fragments for food, leading to ingestion, entanglement, and death.
Landfill Overflow: Despite efforts to recycle plastics, a considerable portion of clamshells and blister packs still end up in landfills. Over time, these landfills may overflow, contaminating soil and water sources and releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
