Waste Generation

• Globalisation of Supply Chains

  Globalisation is the process by which the world is becoming more interconnected as a result of increased trade and sharing cultures. Made it easier and cheaper to produce and consumer more, which generates more waste.
• Technological Obsolescence

  When a new technology or product supersedes the old, even if the old product is still functional.
• Planned Obsolescence

  When a product is designed to have an artificially limited life span.
• Psychological Obsolescence

  When a consumer is persuaded they need a new product, even if the old one works.
• Packaging

  Packaging is used to facilitate transport and storage of products to protect them from damage. It is used to display products e.g. food. Packaging protects against unnecessary waste but is itself considered waste.
• Pressure from government and society is forcing the packaging industry to consider how its products can be made more sustainable. In addition to reducing the volume of packaging, focus is on use of renewable energy in sourcing, manufacturing, transporting and recycling processes; use of renewable or recycled source materials and amending production practises.