03 / REUSE ECONOMY

Packaging

Reuse packaging systems are an essential solution to single-use packaging.

Single-use packaging dominates most sectors and the environmental impact is enormous, leading to a record level of resource use and packaging waste.

Packaging in a reuse system: products are designed and packaged to be used multiple times throughout their lifecycle. This approach minimises waste by enabling the reuse of packaging, with items being returned to producers and reused by different users for the same purpose.

01
Refill & return
Packaging systems that allow consumers to refill products or return containers.
02
Deposit Return Systems
Small refundable deposits are added to beverage containers, encouraging high collection rates.
03
Food delivery
Reusable container systems for meal delivery services that replace disposable packaging.
04
Takeaway Packaging
Reusable cups, boxes, and food containers offered by restaurants and cafés as an alternative to single-use packaging.
05
Cleaning
The washing, sanitising, and quality-control processes that prepare reusable packaging for safe recirculation.

BY THE NUMBERS

Single-use, today.

The average person in the EU generated 177.8 kg of packaging waste in 2023.

Embracing reuse packaging systems offers a crucial pathway to prevent high levels of resource use and packaging waste, both of which contribute to the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises.

The revision of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been at the core of the #WeChooseReuse campaign, with more than 100,000 signatories and supporters calling for strong and ambitious legislation that will prevent the use and sale of unnecessary single-use packaging and support and uplift reusable and refill packaging systems.

EU PACKAGING WASTE / PERSON / YEAR

79.7m

tonnes of packaging waste was generated in the EU in 2023.

100,000+ signatories and supporters of #WeChooseReuse
PPWR revision — core campaign target
2021 EU packaging waste hit a record high

WHO BENEFITS

Consumers, cities, businesses.

People are ready to embrace reuse

Reusable packaging can help consumers curb packaging waste and empower them to contribute to resource conservation with every purchase or reuse.

Cities can pave the way for reuse

Cities currently burdened with the extensive management and disposal of single-use plastics and disproportionate costs for packaging materials flooding the market benefit significantly from promoting reuse within their municipalities.

Businesses are at the forefront of the shift to reuse systems

Businesses can drive environmental sustainability by adopting well-designed reuse systems. This shift presents opportunities for companies to explore new value streams, including sanitation services, material production innovations, and enhanced branding strategies, thereby aligning profitability with environmental responsibility.

Reuse systems are already in place, and members, organisations, networks, small-medium enterprises, and local governments are already implementing successful initiatives across Europe.

PRINCIPLE · INTERSECTIONALITY OF REUSE

Accessible to all social and economic backgrounds.

Reuse systems must be accessible to ensure participation from all social and economic backgrounds. The design and implementation of reuse systems must involve local communities as well as a diversity of groups that will potentially be affected by their implementation.

SECTOR · FOOD DELIVERY

A growing sector, a growing waste stream.

The food delivery sector is growing, and with it, so is single-use packaging, leading to more packaging waste and pollution.To protect human and environmental health and achieve climate targets, we need a delivery sector that uses toxic-free reusable packaging while ensuring fair conditions for workers.

SEE ALL RESOURCES

Packaging

The Business Case for Reusable Packaging

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Packaging

The Business Case for Reusable Packaging

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Packaging

The Business Case for Reusable Packaging

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Packaging

The Business Case for Reusable Packaging

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Packaging

The Business Case for Reusable Packaging

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Packaging

Your Order Has Been Delivered

Surfrider Europe

Campaign to put an end to single use plastic packaging and single use plastic items in food services: video, position paper. This campaign is part of our larger "Break the Plastic Wave" campaign.

Packaging

#GiveUpPlastic

E-Circular | Moldova

Educational online platform for teachers elaborated with the aim to promote sustainable practices and contribute to reducing the use of plastic materials. Through interactive teaching resources, teachers can create an engaging and interactive learning experience for students, thus generating a stronger impact on their consciousness and behavior.

Packaging

Refill App

City to Sea | UK

Refill is an award-winning campaign from City to Sea to help people live with less plastic. Anyone can download the free app to tap into a global network of places to reduce, reuse and refill.

Packaging

Manj je več

Ekologi brez meja | Slovenia

Website with maps of zero waste shops, reuse and repair possibilities (including water fountains)

Packaging

#GetBack Campaign

Zero Waste Europe

The #GETBACK campaign asks for reuse systems to be scaled up and harmonised across Europe through well-designed systems; and for the right infrastructure and policy to be put in place to support this.

01 / Sector

Electronics

Electronics must be designed in a way that prioritizes durability, repairability, and compatibility with reused parts.

02 / Sector

Textiles

A reuse economy offers a holistic approach to addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with the textile industry while promoting sustainability, circularity, and community resilience.

Packaging

A system that uses packaging multiple times — not once.

Refill & return

Deposit Return Systems

Food delivery

Takeaway Packaging

Cleaning

Single-use, today.

tonnes of packaging waste was generated in the EU in 2023.