The Recycling Partnership and SYSTEMIQ have launched Plastic IQ, a digital tool to help U.S. companies develop effective plastic packaging waste reduction strategies. Created with support from Walmart, Plastic IQ is said to be a forward-looking, data-based planning tool that is aligned with industry best practices. The tool allows companies to prioritise actions to address plastic packaging waste, meet their sustainability goals, and ultimately accelerate progress toward a circular economy.

Plastic IQ is available at no cost so that companies of all sizes and resources can analyse their plastic packaging data and calculate how their company’s strategy impacts their costs as well as plastic and carbon emissions impact, according to the statement.

“Plastic waste is a global challenge that must be addressed with science, speed, and collaboration. No single entity can alone drive the transformative and widespread solutions we so critically need,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO, The Recycling Partnership. “That’s where Plastic IQ comes in.  Driven by data and free for all to use, it provides decision makers at U.S. companies with a common tool to advance real-time solutions.  By connecting the dots between goals, actions, and measurement, we believe Plastic IQ will accelerate the pace of meaningful change.”

According to The Recycling Partnership, plastic IQ analyses user data and helps companies calculate the circularity of their plastic packaging– from production and consumption through to end of life. The tool takes companies through a series of steps to identify ways to use less plastic, promote better packaging, and contribute to a better system. Paired with a robust Solutions Database of resources and implementation guidance, Plastic IQ offers real-world actions users can take to strengthen their sustainability goals, respond to the expectations of their customers and stakeholders, and implement cost-saving opportunities.

“Many companies are now setting targets and joining initiatives to address the challenge of plastic waste,” said Ben Dixon, Partner at Systemiq. “We often hear that the plastics issue is complex for companies to navigate and set strategies. Information is power, and Plastic IQ is the solution that provides companies with the economic and environmental information needed to prioritise action, compare strategies against industry best practices and drive collective action.”

“Walmart supported the development of Plastic IQ to help companies better understand and identify solutions that can improve their plastic packaging strategies and minimize their plastic waste,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, EVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Walmart.

Plastic IQ has been guided by a group of brand owners, retailers, and organisations to ensure its maximum impact for industry, as per the statement. So far, the following companies have committed to use Plastic IQ and signed on to help catalyse the change needed: Colgate-Palmolive Company, Grove Collaborative, Happy Family Organics, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, Kellogg Company, Mondelēz International, Nestlé USA, Unilever and Walmart.

Further, the following organisations are providing guidance and helping catalyse the change: As You Sow, Association of Plastic Recyclers, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Sustainability Consortium, U.S. Plastics Pact, and World Wildlife Fund.