SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN

Summary

Introducing market restrictions - or ‘bans’ - is an effective method to stop single-use plastics from being placed on the market. TARGET USERS: Government KEY CONSIDERATIONS: Government bans have been largely implemented at the city level to curb the consumption of single-use plastics.

Background and Objective

Global consumption of plastics has increased more than 20 times in 50 years, and estimates predict consumption will double again by 2034 if action is not taken. Significant volumes of plastic end up in our seas and oceans, accounting for 85% of marine litter in Europe.

Actions and Implementation

Introducing market restrictions - or ‘bans’ - is an effective method that prevents single-use plastics (SUPs) from being placed on the market. Bans on single-use plastics in specific locations or at specific events can be an effective means of introduction. Regional and local governments can stipulate that reusables are the primary SUP replacement, ensuring the items banned are not replaced with other single-use materials, which would maintain linear and wasteful economies and shift pressures onto limited natural resources.

Outcomes and Impacts

Enacting a legally binding obligation for reusable tableware for in-store consumption in all food and beverage outlets have been introduced in Taiwan and Berkeley, California. A ban was introduced into legislation in the region of Flanders in Belgium, whereby all single-use drinks items at public events (ranging from school parties to festivals), including single-use cups, plastic bottles and cans, would be banned.