When it comes to sustainable materials, the possibilities seem endless. From biobased plastics to biodegradable packaging, there’s no shortage of innovation promising to reduce our environmental footprint. But here’s the catch: turning these solutions into widespread realities isn’t as simple as it sounds. Let’s explore some of the biggest challenges standing in the way and what needs to happen to overcome them.
Confusion among consumers
Biobased? Biodegradable? Compostable? Let’s face it, the jargon around sustainable materials can leave anyone scratching their head. People often don’t know how to dispose of these materials correctly, leading to improper recycling or contamination of waste streams.
Clear labelling and public awareness campaigns can make a world of difference. When brands provide simple, actionable disposal instructions, they empower people to make informed choices.
The myth of the perfect solution
No material is perfect. Even the most sustainable options have trade-offs, whether it’s high water use, energy-intensive production, or limited recyclability. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking one magic material will solve all our problems.
Embracing a mix of solutions and focusing on designing systems that encourage reuse and recycling can address these trade-offs. Progress, not perfection, is the key.
Infrastructure gaps
One of the most significant hurdles is the lack of infrastructure to handle sustainable materials properly. Take compostable packaging, for example. Without access to industrial composting facilities, these materials often end up in landfills, where they break down as slowly as regular plastic. The reality? Without the right systems in place, even the best innovations can fall flat.
Investments in infrastructure like industrial composting facilities and advanced recycling systems are essential. Governments and companies must work together to ensure these systems are widely available.
High costs and scalability issues
While materials like PHA (produced by bacteria) show promise for reducing waste, they’re often expensive and challenging to produce at scale. This cost barrier limits widespread adoption, especially for budget-conscious companies.
Increased funding for research and development can help drive down costs and improve scalability. As demand grows, economies of scale should also kick in, making these materials more affordable over time.
Policy and regulation playing catch-up
Sustainability often advances faster than the laws governing it. Without clear regulations, companies may be hesitant to invest in new materials or may exploit loopholes, leading to greenwashing.
Stronger policies and incentives for sustainable practices can create a level playing field and push the industry toward meaningful change.
Moving forward: Collaboration is key
Addressing these challenges requires more than innovation—it demands collaboration across industries, governments, and consumers. As Sophie Thomas wisely noted in our podcast the future lies in circular systems that design waste out of the equation entirely. While the journey to a sustainable future is far from easy, it’s one we can achieve together.
By understanding the challenges and working to address them, we can turn sustainable materials from a niche innovation into a mainstream reality. To see how nature itself provides inspiration for designing sustainable solutions, don’t miss our next blog post about biomimicry and how it inspires sustainable design.
Tune in to our LET’S LIVE CLEAN podcast below:
