WHEN IS YOUR PACKAGING SINGLE-USE PACKAGING?

Single-use packaging is packaging that is not designed to be used multiple times.
In other words, it is manufactured and placed on the market for the purpose of being used once and then becoming waste. The fact that, in practice, someone may choose to use single-use packaging more than once does not change its classification. It is still single-use packaging.

On this page, you will find a simple explanation of how to assess whether your packaging is single-use packaging and which examples typically fall into this category.

Single-use packaging is:

✔️ typically developed to protect, transport or present a product

✔️ used once in the value chain before becoming waste

✔️ discarded by the producer, the retail sector or the consumer

❌ not part of a return system or reuse cycle

• Stretch film – plastic film used to stabilise goods on pallets during transport. Removed and discarded after delivery.
  Drinking cups and food containers – for example disposable cups, plastic trays and takeaway packaging, which are typically thrown away after use.
  Cardboard boxes – although they may be reused, they are classified as single-use packaging unless they are designed for reuse, for example as part of a return system.
  Edge protectors and interlayers – used to protect goods during transport and often become waste after one use.
  Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cushioning – used as shock-absorbing material in packaging and discarded after delivery.
  Bubble wrap and packing fill – protect goods during shipment but are not designed for reuse.