RT null
T1 Topic Sheet: Materials and Products Substitutions
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
K1 reuse of material
K1 plastic product
K1 circular economy
YR 2023
FD 2023-05
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/42236
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/42236
NO When considering substitution of materials and products that cannot be eliminated or re-designed for reuse, it is key to avoid regrettable substitutions. Based on systems thinking and life cycle approaches, this topic sheet provides guidance to identify trade-offs and prevent burden shifting when substituting materials or products in the market. It draws upon key learnings from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) meta-studies developed by UNEP and the Life Cycle Initiative on single-use plastic products and their alternatives.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 19, 2026