singleuse

Single-use denotes items or processes intended for one-time use and then disposal. It contrasts with reusable items that are cleaned, maintained, and used again. The term is widely applied across consumer products, packaging, medical devices, and laboratory supplies.

Common examples include disposable cups, plates, and cutlery; shopping bags; razors; gloves; syringes; swabs; and sterile drapes. In manufacturing and logistics, single-use components such as packaging films and absorbent pads may be used once in a production run. In healthcare, single-use devices are designed to be sterile for a single patient and disposed after use to reduce infection risk.

Rationale: single-use items offer convenience, ensure sterility, prevent cross-contamination, and reduce cleaning and maintenance requirements. However, they generate waste and consume raw materials, energy, and water, contributing to environmental impact.

Environmental and policy considerations: reliance on plastics has driven regulatory limits in many jurisdictions. Governments promote bans or taxes on certain single-use plastics, and encourage reusable alternatives, recycling, composting, or redesign of products. In some sectors, manufacturing shifts to sterilizable or reusable components require investment and changes to workflows.

See also: related topics include single-use plastics, disposable packaging, medical devices, and sustainability.