The True Cost of Plastic: Why We Need a Better Solution

Plastic has become a part of everyday life, but its convenience comes at a high price. From environmental pollution to economic burdens and health risks, the true cost of plastic extends far beyond what we pay at the checkout. Understanding these hidden costs is essential to adopting smarter, sustainable alternatives and finding solutions that protect both people and the planet.

The convenience of plastic has come at a steep price. Our daily lives are filled with it—from the cling wrap that keeps our food fresh to the gloves and packaging tape we use at work. But what happens to these items when we’re done with them? The reality is sobering.

An infographic we created lays bare the shocking truth: traditional plastics can persist for centuries, a legacy of pollution we urgently need to change. The plastic in common items like cling wrap can take up to 1,000 years to break down, while plastic gloves can last for up to 200 years. Even something as simple as packaging tape can endure for centuries. These aren’t just figures on a screen; they represent materials that contribute to a critical environmental crisis right here in New Zealand.

The Landfill Problem: A Crisis in Our Own Backyard

Each year, over 308,169 tonnes of plastic waste ends up in New Zealand landfills. This immense volume isn’t just a number; it’s a physical problem, consuming up to 20% of our precious landfill space. This unsustainable consumption of space and the leaching of harmful chemicals into our ecosystems is a crisis demanding our immediate attention.

While recycling is often presented as the solution, the truth is more complicated. Research has shown that only around 9% of plastic is actually recycled worldwide. Even when plastic is recycled, its structural integrity is compromised after just a few cycles, often just 1-3 times, before it is no longer fit for use. This means that, despite our best efforts, the vast majority of plastic still ends up in a landfill.

A Better Way Forward: The Biowrap Solution

At Biowrap, we believe a better way is possible. While traditional plastics persist for centuries, our products are different. They are landfill-biodegradable, meticulously designed to return to the earth safely and in a fraction of the time. We offer more than just a product; we offer a promise for a cleaner, healthier New Zealand. By choosing Biowrap, you are actively reducing your long-term plastic footprint and helping to preserve our land for future generations.

It’s time to move beyond temporary fixes and embrace a real solution. Let’s work together to change the narrative on plastic waste.