The Network: The Plastic is Fantastic Association (PiFA)

Why did Buy Food with Plastic become part of the PiFA?

It all started on a personal note: a friend ran a marathon across all 26 Swiss cantons to support our organization. An Alpla employee saw what he was doing and initiated the connection. That's how we became involved with PiFA. It perfectly reflects one of our core values: "Stronger together." It would be naive to believe that a small organization could solve this situation without the producers. We need to come together around the same table. Through PiFA, we work alongside industry partners to bring packaging back into the circular economy.

What future of plastic do you personally associate with the PiFA?

A future in which we work together to ensure that no used plastic pollutes our beautiful planet anymore, enabled by efficient, global circular systems.

What would PiFA need to achieve to truly change the debate on plastics?

In addition to fact-based campaigns, we need to push for solutions that reduce consumption and drive the development of a sustainable circular economy. In addition, PiFA also needs to focus on the next generation. At the largest PET conference in Europe, one of the biggest concerns was the shortage of young talent. Many do not want to work for an industry that they associate with pollution. Here, only honest education helps.

What can a platform like PiFA achieve that individual companies cannot?

It is the expression of our guiding principle: Stronger together. Together we can move much more.

The Purpose: What Drives Buy Food with Plastic

In your view, what is the most important reason why Buy Food with Plastic exists?

We combat waste and extreme poverty at the same time. The local population pays for meals and everyday essentials directly with plastic bottles. That allows us to make an impact in both areas.

What does Buy Food with Plastic make possible?

In summary, there are five key areas. We secure access to food and income, create local jobs and build a recycling infrastructure. In addition, we support education and promote the targeted reduction of plastic consumption.

What difference does your work make to people's daily lives?

A good example is access to clean drinking water. In many of the countries where we work, people do not have it. They have to buy water in plastic bottles, which often end up in the environment or are burned because recycling infrastructure is lacking. Our solution is plastic water filters. We tested 20 of these filters with our chefs in Nicaragua, and the results were remarkable. People drank more water and fewer sugary drinks. It is healthier and more affordable. Plastic makes these filters especially attractive because it keeps the price affordable. These filters make a real difference. That is what motivates us.

What is needed to ensure your approach works in the long term?

It needs local leaders with a motivation that comes from within. It also takes a strong local team, recycling infrastructure, and funding. Without that, we have no chance of making a difference.

What would be missing in recycling if Buy Food with Plastic did not exist?

Plastic waste would be dumped without any control. On top of that, local people would have very few opportunities. Over 580,000 people across Nicaragua, Ghana and India benefit from our work.

What should people remember after this conversation about Buy Food with Plastic?

That one can create opportunities from plastic waste. And ways for a more efficient handling of the material. We have a clear vision: Less waste, a clean environment and people who do not have to starve.

The interview was conducted by Claudia Wörner, Managing Director of yes or no Media GmbH.