Single-Use Plastic Explained
Single-use plastic refers to plastic products intended to be used once before disposal, such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, cutlery, and some packaging materials.
What is single-use plastic?
It is any plastic item designed for one-time use before being thrown away, a category that has come under increasing regulatory and environmental pressure due to its contribution to plastic pollution.
Where does single-use plastic commonly appear in packaging?
- Plastic void fill and bubble wrap
- Poly mailers and plastic shipping bags
- Plastic tape and sealing materials
Why businesses are reducing single-use plastic
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Regulatory pressure
Legislation such as the Plastic Packaging Tax specifically targets low-recycled-content plastics. -
Environmental impact
A major contributor to plastic pollution and microplastic formation. -
Customer expectations
Increasingly seen as outdated by environmentally conscious consumers.
Related concepts
Return to our packaging glossary for more packaging terms and definitions.