Toolkit for Phasing out Single-use Plastics in the Pacific Tourism Industry
May 2025
Introduction
The Toolkit for Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in Pacific Island Countries’ Tourism Industry is a comprehensive resource designed to support tourism businesses in implementing the Certification Framework, which is guided by the Standards for Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics in the Pacific Islands’ Tourism Industries.
Within this context, SUPs refer to non-durable plastic items designed to be discarded after one brief use or short lifespans, often ending as waste or pollution. This includes problematic and unnecessary plastics that are non-reusable, non-recyclable, or contain hazardous chemicals, as defined by the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. These SUP definitions should align with existing national policies and regulations on plastic reduction to ensure consistency and compliances while providing clear benchmarks for the tourism sector to phase out SUP procurement.
This toolkit provides practical tools, templates, and guidance to help businesses reduce and ultimately eliminate SUPs from their operations, contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Pacific region. In the spirit of not reinventing the wheel, the tools have been sourced from relevant and progressive initiatives in the Pacific and across the globe. This simply means we are not starting something new. We are recognising the efforts of our global community in tackling the impacts of plastic pollution. Tailored to the unique cultural, environmental, and economic context of the Pacific Islands, it recognises tourism’s critical role in protection our islands and oceans and the urgent need to address plastic pollution. By focusing on procurement targets, the toolkit empowers businesses to proactively reduce their plastic footprint at the source, minimising waste and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Role of the Toolkit
The Toolkit is a practical supplement to the Standards and Certification Framework and designed to:
Clarify complex standards
Break down technical requirements into actionable steps.
Provide practical resources
Offer templates, checklists, and case studies to streamline implementation.
Promote consistency and efficiency
Ensure a standardized approach to SUP reduction across the tourism industry.
Build capacity
Equip businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve and maintain certification.
The toolkit builds on existing resources, such as the methodologies, tools, and guidance developed under the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative led by UNEP and UN Tourism, which provides capacity-building support to tourism sector stakeholders on the circular economy of plastics and directly supports the effective implementation of the SPTO-led standards and certification scheme. The toolkit also refers to relevant tools such as Taronga Zoo’s Litter Free Rivers Toolkit for Businesses, while tailoring its content to the unique needs of the Pacific Islands. It serves as a centralized hub for information, saving businesses time and resources while fostering a culture of sustainability and continuous improvement.
By using this toolkit, tourism businesses can not only meet the requirements of the Certification Framework but also enhance their competitiveness, protect the environment, and contribute to the well-being of local communities. The toolkit is a vital tool for advancing environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable tourism practices across the Pacific region.
Who can use the Toolkit
The toolkit is designed for a wide range of stakeholders involved in the tourism industry in Pacific Island Countries, including:
- Tourism Businesses: Accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, cafes, and other tourism-related enterprises seeking to reduce their plastic footprint and achieve certification.
- National Tourism Organisations (NTOs): Agencies responsible for developing and overseeing national certification schemes and supporting businesses in their sustainability efforts.
- Certifying Bodies: Organisations tasked with reviewing and approving certification applications, ensuring compliance with the standards and framework.
- Government Agencies: Policymakers and regulators working to align tourism practices with national and regional sustainability goals.
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Groups advocating for environmental protection and sustainable tourism, providing support and resources to businesses.
How to use the Toolkit
The toolkit is designed to be user-friendly and flexible, allowing businesses to navigate its resources based on their specific needs and certification tier. Here’s how to make the most of the toolkit:
