Single-Use Plastic Free Campus Verification

Demonstrate your commitment to eliminating single-use plastics through independent, evidence-based third-party verification.

Single-use plastics are a significant source of environmental pollution due to their short useful life and persistent environmental impacts. TÜV India’s Single-Use Plastic Free (SUP-Free) Verification provides a structured, transparent and evidence-based framework for organizations and campuses to identify, eliminate and control single-use plastics across their operations.

The TUV India methodology, establishes criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of an organization's measures to eliminate single-use plastics and transition towards reusable, recyclable, compostable or other sustainable alternatives.

SUP-Free Verification is an independent third-party verification of an organization's efforts and systems to eliminate single-use plastics within its defined operational boundary.

The verification assesses whether the organization has:

1. Identified and mapped single-use plastic usage
2. Established a SUP-Free policy and operational controls
3. Eliminated prohibited and unnecessary single-use plastics
4. Replaced SUP items with sustainable, reusable or recyclable alternatives
5. Implemented responsible procurement practices
6. Established effective segregation, collection and recycling systems
7. Engaged suppliers, vendors and waste handlers
8. Created awareness among employees, students, customers and other stakeholders
9. Established monitoring, measurement and continual improvement mechanisms
10. Demonstrated compliance with applicable plastic waste management requirements.

Independent & Credible
Independent third-party verification enhances the credibility and reliability of an organization's SUP-Free claim.
Evidence-Based Assessment
TUV India evaluates claims using documented records, procurement data, inventory information, supplier declarations and on-site evidence.
Regulatory Alignment
The verification considers applicable national, state and local requirements relating to single-use plastics and plastic waste management.
Beyond Plastic Substitution
The TÜV India approach goes beyond simply replacing plastic products. It emphasizes source reduction, reuse, circularity, responsible procurement, behavioural change and continuous monitoring. 
Strengthening Sustainability Performance
SUP-Free initiatives can contribute to pollution prevention, resource efficiency, circular economy practices, regulatory compliance and institutional sustainability leadership. 

The TUV India SUP-Free Verification methodology can be applied to campuses and organizations seeking to systematically eliminate single-use plastics from their operational boundaries.
Potential applications include:

1. Educational institutions and universities
2. Corporate offices and business campuses
3. Manufacturing facilities
4. IT and technology campuses
5. Hospitals and institutional facilities, subject to applicable medical and health-related exclusions
6. Hotels and hospitality facilities
7. Retail and commercial establishments
8. Industrial parks and large facilities
9. Residential/institutional campuses
10. Events and large gatherings
11. Other organizations seeking independently verified SUP-Free performance

The scope is defined according to the organization's operations, locations, SUP categories and applicable requirements.

The assessment covers the organization's overall SUP management system and operational performance.

1. SUP Inventory & Baseline
Assessment of:

1. SUP items used within the defined boundary
2. Quantity and weight of SUP consumption
3. Procurement and inventory records
4. Historical consumption trends
5. Department-wise usage
6. SUP material flow from procurement through disposal. 

The methodology recommends at least 12 months of SUP data for initial verification. 

2. SUP Elimination & Substitution
Verification of measures implemented to:

1. Eliminate unnecessary SUP items
2. Phase out prohibited SUP items
3. Replace SUP with reusable alternatives
4. Introduce recyclable or appropriate sustainable alternatives
5. Prevent reintroduction of SUP through procurement and supply chains. 

3. Sustainable Procurement
Assessment of:

1. Purchase orders
2. Vendor agreements
3. Supplier declarations
4. Procurement specifications
5. Alternative-material procurement
6. Controls preventing procurement of banned SUP items. 

4. Operations & Usage Controls
Verification across relevant areas such as:

1. Administration
2. Canteens and cafeterias 
3. Catering 
4. Events 
5. Stores and warehouses
6. Internal logistics
7. Dispatch and packaging
8. Other relevant operational activities. 

5. Plastic Waste Management
Assessment of:

1. Source segregation
2. Collection systems
3. Storage
4. Authorized collection/recycling
5. Waste manifests and records
6. Recycler/waste-handler documentation
7. Return-to-supplier and reverse-logistics arrangements, where applicable. 

6. Supplier & Value Chain Controls
The assessment considers whether suppliers, vendors and waste handlers have appropriate controls to prevent the reintroduction of SUP materials into the organization's supply chain. 
 

7. Awareness & Behavioural Change
Verification of:

1. Employee awareness
2. Student/occupant engagement
3. Contractor awareness
4. Training programs
5. Campaigns and communications
6. Signage and awareness materials. 

8. Monitoring & Continual Improvement
Assessment of:

1. Periodic SUP monitoring
2. Internal audits
3. Management review
4. SUP reduction targets
5. Corrective actions
6. Progress against baseline
7. Public sustainability reporting, where applicable

The verification follows a structured, risk-based assessment process.

Step 1 – Application & Agreement
The scope, applicable methodology, regulatory requirements, verification schedule and commercial terms are established.

Step 2 – Data Submission
The organization provides relevant SUP data and supporting documentation, including procurement, usage, substitution, recycling and regulatory records.

Step 3 – Stage I: Readiness & Planning
TUV India reviews:

1. Verification scope 
2. SUP categories 
3. Locations and processes 
4. Regulatory requirements 
5. SUP-Free claims 
6. Existing management controls 
7. Baseline information. 

High-risk SUP categories, procurement practices and substitution measures are identified for detailed assessment. 

Step 4 – Desk Review
 

Submitted information is reviewed to identify gaps, focus areas and key evidence requirements before the detailed verification.
 

Step 5 – Stage II: On-Site Verification
TUV India conducts on-site verification, including:

1. Document and record review 
2. Physical inspection 
3. Procurement verification 
4. Inventory checks 
5. Process observation 
6. Interviews 
7. Supplier/vendor evidence review 
8. Waste management assessment 
9. Verification of SUP elimination and substitution data

 
Step 6 – Findings & Corrective Actions
Identified nonconformities or gaps are communicated to the organization. Appropriate corrective action evidence is reviewed for closure.

Step 7 – Technical Review
An independent TUV India technical review ensures consistency of the verification outcome and credibility of the verified SUP performance.
 

Step 8 – Verification Decision & Statement
Following successful completion of the verification process and technical review, TUV India issues the applicable SUP-Free Verification Statement.
 

Depending on the applicable scope, TUV India evaluates relevant requirements including:

1. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and amendments
2. Single-Use Plastics Prohibition requirements
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for plastic packaging
4. Applicable Central and State regulatory requirements
5. Relevant UNEP guidance
6. Applicable standards relating to plastic recycling and compostability

The methodology specifically identifies the Plastic Waste Management Rules, SUP-related requirements and EPR Guidelines among its normative references.
 

As part of the verification, TUV India may assess applicable requirements relating to:

1. Prohibited single-use plastic items 
2. Carry-bag requirements 
3. Plastic sheets/covers 
4. Plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery 
5. Plastic packaging
6. Compostable plastic products 
7. Product marking and labelling 
8. Plastic waste segregation 
9. Authorized recycling/disposal 
10. EPR registration and obligations, where applicable 
11. Supplier and recycler documentation 
12. Plastic waste traceability

The methodology includes detailed verification protocols covering regulatory compliance, procurement, operations, waste management, alternatives, circularity, monitoring and site inspection. 

Organizations may be required to provide:
SUP Baseline & Inventory

1. SUP inventory  
2. Baseline consumption data 
3. Procurement records
4. Historical SUP usage 
5. Inventory and stock records 

SUP Mapping

1. SUP material flow
2. Department-wise usage mapping
3. Process flow diagrams
4. Disposal and collection routes

Elimination & Substitution

1. SUP-Free policy
2. Reduction/elimination procedures
3. Alternative-material records
4. Purchase orders and invoices
5. Awareness campaign records

Regulatory Compliance

1. Applicable regulatory requirements
2. Compliance evaluation
3. EPR registration, where applicable
4. Evidence of elimination of prohibited items

Waste Management

1. Waste generation data
2. Recycler/waste-handler details
3. Authorization documents
4. Waste transfer records
5. Material balance
6. Return-to-supplier/reverse logistics records

Training & Awareness

1. Training records
2. Attendance records
3. Posters and signage
4. Communication material

Supporting Evidence

1. Supplier/vendor declarations
2. Third-party compliance statements
3. Corrective action records

The complete tentative document list is provided in Annexure 1 of the TUV India methodology.

The methodology provides for a three-year SUP Management Verification cycle, with:

• Year 1 – Initial Verification 
• Year 2 – Surveillance 1 
• Year 3 – Surveillance 2 

A new verification statement is issued annually based on the verified SUP reduction, elimination or diversion performance for the respective year. 
 

TUV India believes that becoming SUP-Free is not simply about replacing one disposable product with another.
A successful SUP-Free program combines:

1. Identify → 
2. Measure →
3. Eliminate → 
4. Substitute → 
5. Reuse → 
6. Segregate → 
7. Recycle → 
8. Monitor → 
9. Improve

This approach helps organizations embed SUP management into procurement, operations, employee behaviour, supplier relationships and waste-management practices.

With TUV India's experience in sustainability, environmental management, waste management, carbon and ESG-related verification, organizations can benefit from an independent assessment framework designed to provide confidence in their SUP-Free claims.

Our verification approach emphasizes:

Impartiality | Competence | Evidence | Traceability | Transparency | Continuous Improvement

These principles are explicitly incorporated into the TUV India SUP-Free methodology. 

Take the next step towards a single-use plastic-free campus or organization with TUV India.
Contact TUV India to discuss your:

1. SUP-Free verification scope 
2. Campus/organizational boundary 
3. SUP baseline and inventory 
4. Regulatory requirements 
5. Verification programme 
6. Assessment timeline 

Talk to our Sustainability Experts