Global Single-Use Plastic Packaging Regulations

Global Single-Use Plastic Packaging Regulations

Single-use – also known as disposable – plastics face a number of concerns regarding the appropriate use of natural resources, the challenges of proper disposal, and a growing litter problem on land, along coasts, and in the oceans and other bodies of water.

While governments and people across the globe have historically been reluctant to address these issues, that has been changing in recent years. A dramatic increase in the regulation of single-use plastics – e.g., plastic retail bags, plastic straws and stirrers, take-out containers and cups made from foamed and rigid plastic, plastic cutlery – worldwide has caused uncertainty among suppliers, providers, and end users.

Understanding how various countries and regions see the problem, how they attempt to solve the problem, and what the transition periods look like around the world will help businesses better plan for the coming changes.

This report analyzes the market conditions for key single-use plastic products and outlines the regulations associated with single-use plastic packaging in various countries and regions around the world. Regulatory arrangements are discussed and analyzed for:
United States
Canada
Mexico
European Union
Non-European Union countries in Europe
Africa
Middle East
Asia/Pacific
Central & South America

Scope of the Report
This report outlines the regulations associated with single-use plastic packaging in various countries and regions around the world. Single-use plastic products, which are used for foodservice and other applications, are designed to be used once and then disposed of, largely either as trash or recycling. Regulatory arrangements are discussed and analyzed for United States, Canada, Mexico, European Union, Non-European Union countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia/Pacific, and Central & South America. Also included are analysis of the types of single-use plastics, the pros and cons of single-use plastics, and the types of regulatory schemes (bans/fees, preemptions