Replacing Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in Coastal Festivals: A Critical Evaluation of Bio-Based, Biodegradable and Compostable Tableware, Regulatory Policies and Public Awareness

Abstract

Single-use plastic (SUP) tableware is one of the top ten items found on beaches worldwide. Bio-based, biodegradable and compostable tableware have emerged as a popular alternative to replace SUPs, however, often used without deep consideration to disposal needs and environmental impact, which are key aspects to ensure litter reduction. This study critically evaluated the usage of six bio-based tableware materials at coastal festivals, examined the gaps between policy regulations and waste management in Germany, Lithuania, Chile and Tunisia, assessed the social perception, awareness and acceptance towards material alternatives, and investigated the materials disintegration under real environments: estuarine water and an industrial composting facility. Our policy analysis revealed that whilst the majority of policies are designed to phase out conventional SUPs, the available infrastructure in the study areas is not equipped to handle alternative materials. Our public survey revealed a general lack of awareness regarding degradability, disposal requirements and ecological footprint of the different materials, indicating knowledge gaps and confusion in the public which could result in improper disposal and littering. Finally, the disintegration experiments demonstrated that only tableware made of palm leaves, cardboard, and sugar cane bagasse fully disintegrated in estuarine water over 1 year, while only PLA tableware fully disintegrated in industrial compost within 12 days, demonstrating that disintegration is highly environment-specific. Our findings bring together important aspects that have not been analyzed in conjunction before and highlight research gaps that become relevant in the revision of the International Plastics Treaty. Highlights Discrepancy between policy goals and waste infrastructure, alternative tableware materials cannot be correctly treated. The public perceived polylactic acid (PLA) tableware to have more negative effects than non-plastic tableware. General misinformation in society regarding correct disposal of bio-based materials, likely to increase littering behavior. Bio-based tableware lacks clear labelling and fails to disintegrate in the short-term. 73–84% of respondents are willing to pay for an alternative material, preferring reusable options.

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