Único is the first extended producer responsibility system for single-use plastics in Portugal.
Único - Association for the management of Single-Use Plastics
Único is the result of an initiative by Electrão and five companies that put tobacco products with a filter that contains plastic on the market and arises from the obligation to manage the end of life of this type of products, resulting from a European directive.
We will contribute to the prevention of waste in public spaces and to the efficiency of urban cleaning management in order to reduce the impact of disposable plastic products on the environment, especially the marine environment.
What are Single-Use Plastics?
Single-use plastics are products that are only used once, usually for short periods of time before being discarded, which makes their environmental impact significant.
Tobacco products with filters and filters
Wet wipes
Balloons
Fishing arts
Food containers
Flexible bags and wrappers
Beverage cups
Light plastic bags
Containers for drinks with <3L
The problem with these plastics
Despite their advantages, single-use plastics bring added challenges for the environment and human health, mainly because they are disposed of incorrectly.
80% - 85%
of the EU marine waste consists of plastic
50%
They are unique plastics
A new Directive
In 2019 the European Directive regarding single-use plastics was published and it defines a set of principles that aim to prevent and reduce the impact of these type of products in the environment.
Reducing the incorrect disposal of plastic product waste
Reducing the accumulation of waste in the environment
Limiting the consumption of single-use plastics with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials