New ERA General Assembly

On January 16, 2023, New ERA held its first annual General Assembly online, bringing together members and leaders from across the reuse and refill industry to discuss crucial topics and set the strategic direction for the coming year. The meeting, which included pioneering members such as Jean Bouteille, Bumerang, reCIRCLE, fritz-kola, SEA ME, Recup/Rebowl, and Opopop, focused on organisational matters, advocacy strategies, and financial planning to ensure New ERA’s continued growth and impact.

Key discussions included the progress on registration of New ERA in the EU Transparency Register, aimed at strengthening its advocacy efforts within European institutions. Members were updated on the current composition of the Board of Directors and the upcoming call for new candidates in the spring.

The assembly also highlighted the existence of Planet Reuse, a dedicated platform of the reuse ecosystem that could be used by members to exchange information and collaborate on key issues. The creation of working groups, particularly one focused on lobbying activities related to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, was proposed to boost member participation in advocacy.

Financial planning was another central topic, with discussions on the membership fee structure and potential funding opportunities through organisations like the Plastic Solutions Fund. The meeting concluded with preparations for a welcome online reunion for new members that was held one week later, and a roadmap for the continued development of New ERA’s communications. 

These decisions and action items reflect New ERA’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices and reinforcing its role as a key player in the circular economy movement.