Single use plastics

What are single use plastics?

Single-use plastic products (SUPs) are used once, or for a short period of time (what is a short period of time?), before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options. 70% of the total pollution in the sea consists of single used plastics.

Single used plastics versus normal plastics:

What are the six single use plastics

• plastic checkout bags
• plastic cutlery
• foodservice packaging and service ware made from “problematic plastics”
• six-pack ring carriers
• beverage stir sticks
• straws.

Other Examples of single use consumer packaging are:

• disposable cups, plates and bowls
• gift wrapping such as ribbon and sticky tape

Single use consumer packaging

Single use consumer packaging is any single use product designed to be used by a consumer or domestic user in performing one or more of the following functions in respect of goods or waste:

• containment
• protection
• handling
• presentation
• delivery

These products would be used by the consumer rather than in the supply chain.