Plastics – take, make and dispose

If we carry on as we are, it’s estimated that we’ll need 3 planets to support the way we live. That’s a stark warning that the dominant linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’ is deeply unsustainable.

Key takeaways:

• If we carry on as we are, it’s estimated that we’ll need 3 planets to support the way we live. That’s a stark warning that the dominant linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’ is deeply unsustainable.
• Plastic pollution is one of the clearest examples of the issues associated with the linear model – the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ is three times the size of France.
• We need to make a change and transition to a circular economy that’s sustainable over the long-term. As investors we have a big role to play and with people and governments pushing for change, we believe that sustainability and performance potential go hand in hand.
• Companies like packaging Smurfit Kappa and Packaging Corp provide sustainable alternatives to plastic. And along the way we’ll use our position as an asset manager to drive positive change through engagement.

Disclaimers:

The value of investments and any income derived from them can go down as well as up as a result of market or currency movements and investors may not get back the original amount invested. Views and opinions have been arrived at by BMO Global Asset Management and should not be considered to be a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any stocks or products that may be mentioned.

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