Engangsartikler

Engangsartikler, a term used in Norwegian waste management, refers to items intended for one-time use and then discarded. They cover a broad range of products used in households, retail, and food service, including plastic cutlery, plates, cups and lids, straws, bags, napkins, wet wipes, coffee cups and sleeves, take-away containers, and various packaging materials.

These items are made from a variety of materials, such as plastics (including polyolefins and polystyrene), paper, cardboard, foil, and bioplastics. They are designed for low cost and convenience and often have short lifespans. Some are advertised as compostable or degradable, but many require industrial composting facilities to break down. Others can persist in the environment as litter or microplastics if not properly disposed of.

Policy and waste management considerations place engangsartikler at the center of efforts to reduce plastic waste. The EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive restricts or bans certain items, and Norway, as a member of the European Economic Area, implements similar measures. Many engangsartikler are subject to extended producer responsibility schemes and packaging regulations that require take-back, recycling, and proper disposal. Sorting and waste streams vary by municipality; some items are recyclable, others are not, and compostable variants require appropriate facilities and conditions to break down.

Alternatives and consumer choices emphasize reducing reliance on one-use products. Reusable tableware and bags, durable containers, refillable bottles, and carefully sourced compostable products are promoted to cut waste. Businesses can switch to reusable or recyclable packaging, improve labeling and collection methods, and encourage customers to select sustainable options.