Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging refers to product packaging solutions that eliminate or significantly reduce the use of disposable plastic materials intended for a single use. In the context of federal procurement, SUP-free packaging supports broader sustainability and environmental protection initiatives led by the U.S. government, aligning with Executive Orders, GSA environmental policies, and global climate commitments.
SUP-free packaging is gaining traction in acquisition planning, particularly in solicitations issued through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and other federal contracting vehicles. Agencies are increasingly encouraging or requiring vendors to minimize plastic waste and provide environmentally preferable packaging alternatives for goods shipped to government facilities.
Policy Background and Federal Sustainability Goals
The push for SUP-free packaging is rooted in government-wide sustainability mandates, including:
- Executive Order 14057: Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, which calls for net-zero emissions from federal procurement and waste reduction across federal operations
- Federal Sustainability Plan: A strategy to advance environmental justice, reduce pollution, and eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics in government purchases
- GSA Sustainable Acquisition Policies: GSA encourages vendors to provide eco-friendly products and packaging, including those that reduce landfill waste, are recyclable, compostable, or reusable
In addition, certain agencies—including the Department of the Interior and Department of Defense—have issued internal directives to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics across their supply chains and operations.
These policies aim to decrease the environmental footprint of federal procurement activities while fostering innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
Characteristics of SUP-Free Packaging
Single-use plastic is commonly found in packaging materials such as polybags, bubble wrap, plastic clamshells, shrink wrap, air pillows, and foam peanuts. SUP-free packaging seeks to replace these with materials that are either recyclable, reusable, compostable, or made from renewable resources.
Typical characteristics of SUP-free packaging include:
- Packaging made from recycled paper, cardboard, or molded fiber that can be recycled or composted
- Elimination of plastic void fill materials like air pillows or foam, replaced by shredded paper, corrugated inserts, or other biodegradable materials
- Use of plant-based films or coatings instead of petroleum-based plastic wraps
- Reusability of outer packaging for return shipments or storage
- Clear labeling to indicate recyclability or compostability, in compliance with FTC Green Guides and federal EPEAT standards
To qualify as SUP-free, packaging should not only reduce the use of plastic but also support a circular economy model—minimizing waste and enabling material recovery.
Federal Procurement Considerations
Incorporating SUP-free packaging into federal procurement is both a sustainability practice and a competitive differentiator. While not yet mandatory across all federal purchases, more solicitations—especially under GSA MAS—are encouraging vendors to propose packaging that avoids single-use plastics.
Key procurement considerations regarding SUP-free packaging include:
- Offerors may be required or encouraged to describe packaging practices in their technical proposals, particularly for product-based contracts
- Vendors may gain evaluation points or preference in best-value procurements for offering sustainable packaging solutions
- Products shipped through GSA Global Supply or GSA Advantage! may be subject to packaging requirements that reduce waste and improve recyclability
- Contractors must ensure compliance with applicable labeling laws and accurately represent the environmental attributes of their packaging materials
- GSA Advantage! catalog entries may include environmental attributes or filters to highlight SUP-free options to buyers
For vendors, offering SUP-free packaging may enhance competitiveness and align with growing agency interest in environmentally responsible sourcing.
Steps for Vendors to Transition to SUP-Free Packaging
Contractors who supply goods to the federal government can take practical steps to eliminate or reduce single-use plastic in their packaging operations. The transition may involve new sourcing, packaging redesign, and internal sustainability initiatives.
Recommended steps for implementing SUP-free packaging in federal supply include:
- Audit current packaging materials to identify single-use plastics in outer and inner packaging, shipping containers, and protective fill
- Source alternative materials such as recycled paperboard, molded pulp, and certified compostable bioplastics where appropriate
- Redesign packaging formats to reduce the need for filler or overwrapping, using custom-fit or minimalistic designs
- Engage with GSA or agency procurement teams to clarify sustainability goals and propose compliant solutions
- Train warehouse, fulfillment, and logistics teams on new packaging standards to ensure consistent implementation
- Label packaging properly to communicate disposal instructions to federal end-users and recycling facilities
Documenting these practices in the vendor’s sustainability policy or product literature also supports credibility and transparency during proposal evaluations.
Conclusion
Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging is an increasingly important element of sustainable federal procurement. It reflects the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and helps agencies meet ambitious waste reduction and climate goals. For contractors, adopting SUP-free packaging practices not only ensures alignment with policy trends but also enhances brand reputation and competitiveness in a procurement environment that increasingly values sustainability. As the federal supply chain evolves, packaging choices will play a growing role in shaping how products are selected, evaluated, and delivered to agency customers.
