Single-use Products in a Plastics Circular Economy

Single-use plastic (SUP) products are mainly used for the purpose of packaging which ensures the hygiene and safety of the products to be transported from one point to another. However, SUP products have created packaging waste globally because their shelf life in the environment is longer than the time consumed by customers. The increasing awareness of impact of single-use plastic (SUP) products has encouraged related stakeholders to look for replacements without disrupting people’s daily activities.

In Indonesia, a common replacement for SUP products is biobased and bio-degradable plastic which may serve as a temporary solution rather than a long-term solution. CAP SEA pre-study, “Why are biobased and biodegradable plastic not part of the solution to reduce plastic waste?” has discussed that these alternatives are not the main solution because their production requires a higher use of natural resources, and their degradability is uncertain. In addition, these alternatives can increase land use conflicts and other environmental impacts such as eutrophication. Therefore, it should not be considered to be a sustainable alternative in the long term  to curb plastic waste.

This second episode shall enable participants and decision makers to avoid regrettable substitution and have an enhanced understanding of reusable products’ advantages. It brings together the discussions on the environmental impacts of SUP consumption, identified opportunities, and barriers to raise awareness for SUP prevention and reduction in Indonesia, and lesson learned from businesses that support the transition from single-use to reusable products. 

The dialogue series is part of GIZ’s module “Collaborative Actions to Reduce Single Use Plastic in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA)” supported by the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment and NPAP Secretariat. The CAP SEA module is part of GIZ’s global project to support the BMUV’s “Export Initiative Environmental Protection.”