Single-use packaging is packaging intended to be discarded after one use or routed into the recycling stream. Its main purpose is to protect products safely and hygienically—especially in the food and beverage sector and in e-commerce.

Typical single-use packaging includes PET bottles, aluminium cans, disposable cups, films, and cardboard packaging. These formats are inexpensive, lightweight, and widely available at scale, but they come with environmental drawbacks due to the high volume of waste generated.

Advantages of single-use packaging:

• High product safety and hygiene
• Low weight and low production costs
• Simple logistics and global standardisation

Disadvantages:

• High consumption of resources
• Environmental impact from waste and CO₂ emissions
• Legal requirements to reduce use and meet recycling targets

Typical applications:

• Beverage industry (water and soft drink bottles, cans)
• Food industry (take-away packaging, disposable trays)
• Cosmetics (sample sizes, sachets)
• Shipping and e-commerce (single-use cardboard boxes, mailing bags)

Standards and quality requirements:

• EU packaging legislation
• Deposit schemes for single-use beverage packaging
• Recycling targets in line with circular economy regulations (e.g., under Germany’s Circular Economy Act)