The European Reuse Barometer provides an in-depth analysis of the reusable packaging landscape across Europe. It highlights the environmental and economic benefits of reusable packaging, but also recognises the significant scale required to make these systems viable. Key findings show strong consumer engagement, high return rates, and operational adaptability, especially in sectors like takeaway, retail, and e-commerce. The report underlines the importance of policy support, financial incentives, and collaborative infrastructure to overcome barriers, such as the dominance of single-use packaging and logistical challenges. The barometer ultimately aims to provide stakeholders with critical insights and support the European transition to reusable packaging through annual tracking and assessment.

The first part of the Give rEUse a Green Light report gathers scientific studies explaining how well-designed reusable packaging systems contribute more positively to the environment, the economy, and society than single-use packaging does. Nowadays 40% of plastics and 50% of all paper used in the EU is destined for packaging, therefore showing how recycling cannot be the only option out of the single-use packaging waste crisis. By illustrating the key parameters of an effective reuse system as well as the conditions that are needed to implement them, this report acts as a complete guide to the world of reusable packaging.

The second part of the Give rEUse a Green Light report gives an overview of scientific publications and case studies highlighting how well-designed reusable packaging systems contribute more positively to the environment and the economy than single-use packaging does. A variety of sectors is analysed in the study, with a focus on those included in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): food and beverage takeaway packaging, prepackaged food, beverages, e-commerce packaging, and transport packaging.

This study by Zero Waste Europe and Searious Business dives into the financial benefits of reuse systems. In fact, it explains how adopting circular economy principles could not only benefit Europe environmentally and socially but could also generate a net economic benefit of €1.8 trillion by 2030. The study identifies three parameters to decide on the performance of a financially healthy reuse system: rotation cycles before end of life, return rate and retention time. Moreover, these parameters are applied to 3 packaging categories in an open loop system: food containers for takeaway food, secondary transport packaging and beverage bottles.