World Environment Day 2025: Beyond the Hashtag – Real Action, Real Impact.

Posted 04/06/2025 by Gillian Garside-Wight

Each year, 5 June marks World Environment Day – a moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to protecting the only world we have. This year’s theme, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” is a powerful call to action. But for us at Aura, it’s more than a campaign, it’s a continuation of the work we do every single day.

From Awareness to Accountability

It’s easy to get swept up in the social buzz of environmental days. But as we’ve often said, this must not be a one-day wonder. Environmental awareness is no longer a niche concern or nice-to-have – it’s business imperative. And while the volume of posts and pledges is encouraging, the real question is: what action will it lead to?

At Aura, we believe in turning awareness into accountability. That’s why we’ve embedded sustainability into the core of our consulting services, our packaging strategies, our technology platform and our partnerships. From helping global brands navigate complex legislation to developing programs like e-halo that empower data-driven decisions, we’re not just talking about change – we’re enabling it.

The Plastic Paradox

Plastic remains one of the most polarising materials in the sustainability debate. As we have shared before, plastic and sustainability can coexist: our team are passionate environmentalists and pragmatic plastic supporters – but only when it’s designed, used, and disposed of responsibly.

Innovation in plastics has come a long way, from bio-based polymers to closed-loop systems. Yet the challenge remains: infrastructure. Without the right systems to sort and process these materials, even the most sustainable packaging can become waste.

That’s why we continue to advocate for smarter design, streamlined and pragmatic legislation, clearer labelling, and better end-of-life solutions. It’s also why we’re excited to showcase our latest proprietary software at upcoming events like Environmental Packaging Live – tools that simplify recycling and support circularity at scale.

Collaboration Is the Catalyst

No single business, government, or individual can solve the climate crisis alone. It takes collaboration – across sectors, across borders, and across disciplines. Whether it’s our strategic partnership with the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), our work with global brands and retailers on packaging improvement programs, or our involvement in industry summits such as those hosted by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), we’re committed to being part of the solution.

And we’re not stopping there. This year, we’re expanding our consulting pipeline, investing in new technologies, and growing our global footprint – all with sustainability at the heart of our mission.

What You Can Do

So, what can you do this World Environment Day?

  • Reflect on your packaging choices – are they truly sustainable, or just “less bad”?
  • Ask your suppliers tough questions – about data, compliance, and impact.
  • Join the conversation – not just today, but every day.
  • And if you’re attending Environmental Packaging Live, come and see us. Let’s talk about how we can build a better future together.

Because we don’t just have #OnlyOneEarth – but we do have only one chance to get this right.

Gillian Garside-Wight, Consulting Director

Gillian Garside-Wight

Consulting Director

About the Author

Gill leads our consulting offer, with over 20 years’ experience in the packaging industry, strategically developing packaging strategies, roadmaps and packaging solutions to meet the needs of clients, consumers and the planet. She has worked with many global retailers and household brands on projects spanning sustainability and innovation to supply chain optimization. With a real passion for sustainability, her quest is to educate, influence and drive a circular economy wherever possible while complementing creativity, technical functionality and commercial realities.

Gill grew up on a tiny island in Scotland and this is where her passion for sustainability started. She loves nothing more than (trying) to grow her own veg and exploring nature with her son.

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