Introduction
Single-use plastic packaging is made from plastic polymers and is used once before disposal. Not all single-use plastics are deemed “problematic” or “unnecessary”, and with a recovery stream, can be suitable packaging formats.
It is however important to understand what single-use plastics are problematic or unnecessary, as well as the current regulations and targets around single-use plastics. Here's what you need to know.
Current bans and targets
Single-use plastic bans and regulations in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU)
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has single-use plastic bans and restrictions that you should be aware of. These impact specific product and packaging formats including certain plates, bowls, trays and containers.
The EU also has a Single-Use Plastics Directive from 2019 which outlines tailored and proportionate measures to get the most effective results for 10 single-use plastic items that are commonly found on European beaches. This includes directives to eliminate particular items, introduce design requirements such as tethered caps, introduce labelling requirements and introduce waste management and clean up obligations for producers. You can find out more about these regulations in our article Understand the EU single-use plastics directive.
Plastics Pact Network – UK targets
The Plastics Pact Network are focusing on eliminating unnecessary and problematic plastic packaging through redesign and innovation, and moving from single use to reuse. Each local Pact has its own targets, specific to the challenges and opportunities for the region.
The UK Plastics Pact target is to: Eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging through redesign, innovation or alternative (reuse) delivery model (find out more here). Many Ecosurety members are part of the UK Plastics Pact, reporting progress towards this target annually.
Problematic materials
Internationally, there is focus on the phase out of materials such as plastics containing the carbon black additive, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expanded polystyrene (EPS), multi-laminate plastic films, non-polyolefin foamed plastics and biodegradable and oxo-degradable plastics. Several of these materials are also in focus for elimination as part of the UK Plastics Pact.
The reason many of these formats have been identified for phase out is their impact in the recycling process, impacting sortation and machinery in material recovery facilities, being difficult to separate for recovery, impacting the quality of output recyclate, or having negative environmental impact if it enters the natural environment. For example, biodegradable plastics that end up in the ocean can break down and then enter the food chain as microplastics when consumed by fish.
It’s important to note, that these materials are also likely to experience higher modulated fees under the UK extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging regulations.
What to consider for alternative materials
As businesses look to phase out these materials, it’s important that the problems of single-use plastics and problematic materials are not shifted when alternative design decisions or packaging format choices are made.
When looking at alternative packaging choices, ensure that it:
- still protects and contains the product
- has less environmental impact than the packaging it will be replacing
- has an accessible recovery stream
If an alternative packaging format is not available at this time, and regulations do not prohibit the use of the existing material, you may need to look at product stewardship initiatives, to support the recovery of the existing material through alternative collection streams. For example, while expanded polystyrene (EPS) is not recoverable through kerbside collection, certain types can be recovered through separate collection streams. This material then goes through a granulation, composting or densifying process, and the output is then typically used for building materials. You may wish to offer a return collection of this packaging for your customers so that it can be collected for recovery (find out more here).
When moving from a plastic to fibre packaging format, ensure that:
- the lifespan of the product is not impacted, and that the product remains protected through transport
- the new material is still able to be recovered at end-of-life and will not be contaminated by the product (such as food waste which can hinder the recycling process)
- that there are no hazardous materials such as per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which is frequently found in barrier materials of fibre-based packaging
When looking at compostable alternatives, these are best suited to aid the recovery of food waste. Ensure that:
- you’ve considered the waste hierarchy and whether they are reusable or recyclable (through mechanical recycling) alternatives first
- the packaging is certified compostable (either to industrial or home compostable standards)
- that the consumer has access to the relevant composting system
You may also wish to consider the product itself and whether it can be redesigned to allow for a more suitable and sustainable packaging format. For example, flat packing furniture rather than selling assembled furniture would require less packaging, would allow for improved transport efficiency, and could potentially eliminate the need for protective packaging such as EPS which is frequently used for this type of product.
Key takeaways
- Ensure any packaging format changes do not result in unintended consequences and have less environmental impact than the packaging it will be replacing
- Make sure any new packaging still protects and contains the product
- Consider the waste hierarchy
- Ensure there is a recovery stream or look to set up a product stewardship scheme to support recovery
Learn more about packaging sustainability
If you’d like to learn more about packaging sustainability, please read the following articles:
- What to know before starting your packaging sustainability journey
- Five steps to implement packaging sustainability into your business
- Why the waste hierarchy matters
- The importance of material optimisation
- Understand recycled content in packaging
Request support
If you need support on your packaging sustainability journey, please reach out to our advisory team at info@ecosurety.com or ask your account manager for more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are happy to help!
