Publication Period: 2023

Reusable packaging is in general a more sustainable choice compared to single-use packaging. Research shows that when scaled effectively, reuse systems have (1) a lower carbon impact per use, (2) higher resource efficiency per gram, and (3) lower likelihood of contributing to mismanaged waste such as littering. It is therefore correctly identified by leading organisations such as WWF and Ellen Macarthur Foundation as critical to addressing the current environmental crisis. This is also confirmed by leading coalitions of private sector economic operators, for example the Global Commitment 2022 endorsed by more than 500 organisations (>350 companies) and the Plastic Pacts signed up in many European countries.

Packaging plays an instrumental role in our modern world. It ensures goods remain unscathed during transit, prolongs the lifespan of products, contributes to consumer experience and product performance, and serves as a conduit of essential information within the supply chain and to consumers. Yet, despite these invaluable functions, it has become increasingly clear that our current approach to packaging in the European Union (EU) is unsustainable.

Reusable packaging is in general a more sustainable choice compared to single-use packaging. Research shows that when scaled effectively, reuse systems have (1) a lower carbon impact per use, (2) higher resource efficiency per gram, and (3) lower likelihood of contributing to mismanaged waste such as littering. It is therefore correctly identified by leading organisations such as WWF and Ellen Macarthur Foundation as critical to addressing the current environmental crisis. This is also confirmed by leading coalitions of private sector economic operators, for example the Global Commitment 2022 endorsed by more than 500 organisations (>350 companies) and the Plastic Pacts signed up in many European countries.

The transition to reuse systems offers economic opportunities for European businesses by reducing our dependence on global supply chains while supporting local economies and contributing to sustainable economic growth. Among some of the positive benefits of reuse systems are: lower inventory costs, energy savings, reduced price sensitivity to rising resource costs, and diminished waste management costs.

In this paper, we propose concrete legislative measures that advance the working of EPR, mak- ing it an effective environmental tool that helps to achieve reduction, prevention, separate col- lection and closed-loop recycling targets for a broad range of product categories (at the least packaging, textiles and electronic products). Relying solely on EPR will not be adequate in mini- mizing the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycle. However, when complemented by an appropriate legislative framework, EPR can unlock its full potential.