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.
