Single-Use Packaging and the End-of-Life Challenge

The growing demand for convenience has driven the widespread use of disposable packaging, commonly known as single-use packaging. Present in key sectors such as food, cosmetics, logistics, and pharmaceuticals, this type of packaging accounts for a significant portion of global municipal solid waste. It is estimated that over 141 million tonnes of single-use plastics were produced in 2021, most of them used in packaging (UNEP, 2023).

However, the issue goes beyond consumption itself. What truly matters is what happens after disposal — a stage referred to as End of Life Material. The traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose” is no longer sustainable and demands a shift toward alternatives that support a circular use of resources.

Single-Use Packaging: The problem behind convenience

Single-use packaging is designed to be discarded after just one use. It is often made from multilayer plastics, aluminum, paper with additives, and other complex materials that make recycling extremely difficult — or even impossible (EMF, 2020). Combined with a low global plastic recycling rate — only around 9% (OECD, 2022) — these materials contribute significantly to environmental degradation.

Moreover, in many countries, packaging is disposed of improperly due to limited waste management infrastructure, ending up in landfills, incinerators, or worse, polluting natural environments. This mismanagement harms ecosystems, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and poses risks to human health.

The role of the paper industry as a sustainable alternative

In recent years, the paper industry has emerged as a more sustainable option for replacing some single-use plastic packaging. Paper and corrugated cardboard packaging is largely recyclable and biodegradable and benefits from well-established reverse logistics chains in many countries.

Sectors such as food delivery, solid cosmetics, and e-commerce have successfully adopted paper-based packaging solutions that meet protection and branding requirements (Two Sides, 2023). However, significant challenges remain: paper still cannot replace plastic in segments requiring barriers against gases, liquids, or extended durability, such as wet foods, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals (Packaging Europe, 2023). The addition of plastic films or impermeable coatings may improve functionality but often reduces recyclability.

End-of-Life Material: What happens after disposal?

End-of-Life Material refers to the final destination of a material once it is discarded. The way this material is managed directly influences its environmental footprint. Common end-of-life routes include:

• ♻️ Recycling: viable when the material is clean, pure, and a recycling infrastructure is available.

• 🌱 Composting: applicable to certified biodegradable materials.

• 🔥 Incineration: with or without energy recovery.

• 🗑️ Landfilling: still widespread but environmentally harmful.

• 🌊 Environmental leakage: often caused by poor waste management.

The challenge is that most packaging lacks a clear post-use pathway. Addressing this requires coordinated efforts between product design, public policy, and consumer behavior.

Pathways to circularity and sustainable solutions

To tackle these challenges, several strategies are being highlighted:

• Design for End-of-Life: designing packaging that allows for easier separation, reuse, or composting.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): policies that hold companies accountable for the end-of-life impact of their products.

• Circular economy: a system based on reducing, reusing, and regenerating materials (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).

• Clear labeling and education: simple, accessible information about how to properly dispose of materials boosts recycling rates.

Ecosign’s contribution to a more sustainable future

Ecosign Technologies has long championed sustainable solutions and operates across industries that promote circular economy models. The company actively invests in innovation, environmental education, and technical support to help its clients redesign supply chains with a focus on waste reduction and material valorization.

By fostering awareness and creating viable alternatives, Ecosign plays a vital role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

References

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics & catalysing action. Retrieved from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

• EMF (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). (2020). Upstream Innovation: A guide to packaging solutions. Retrieved from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/upstream-innovation

• OECD. (2022). Global Plastics Outlook: Economic Drivers, Environmental Impacts and Policy Options. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en

• Packaging Europe. (2023). Why Paper Can’t Replace Plastic Everywhere – Yet. Retrieved from https://www.packagingeurope.com

• Two Sides. (2023). Paper Packaging: The Natural Choice. Retrieved from https://www.twosides.info

·        UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). (2023). Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/turning-tap