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.
Give rEUse a green light, part 2
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.
The economics of reuse systems
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.
The Role of Reuse in Circular Economy for Plastics
This paper, created by the WWF, has two main objectives. The first is to outline the key benefits of well-designed reuse systems; the second is to provide recommendations for implementing effective reuse systems. This WWF global position paper lays out a framework through which reuse systems can support WWF’s ambition for a future where people and nature thrive. It builds on the concept that keeping resources circulating in the system for as long as possible can reduce the demand for virgin materials and reduce the amount of waste that needs to be managed.
This paper, created by the WWF, has two main objectives. The first is to outline the key benefits of well-designed reuse systems; the second is to provide recommendations for implementing effective reuse systems. This WWF global position paper lays out a framework through which reuse systems can support WWF’s ambition for a future where people and nature thrive. It builds on the concept that keeping resources circulating in the system for as long as possible can reduce the demand for virgin materials and reduce the amount of waste that needs to be managed.
This paper, created by the WWF, has two main objectives. The first is to outline the key benefits of well-designed reuse systems; the second is to provide recommendations for implementing effective reuse systems. This WWF global position paper lays out a framework through which reuse systems can support WWF’s ambition for a future where people and nature thrive. It builds on the concept that keeping resources circulating in the system for as long as possible can reduce the demand for virgin materials and reduce the amount of waste that needs to be managed.
Reuse Rethinking Packaging
The Reuse and Rethinking Packaging report provides a framework to understand reuse, identifies six major benefits of reuse, and maps 69 reuse examples. By analysing many positive initiatives and through interviews with experts in the sector, it provides a basic description of how different reuse models work and outlines typical implementation challenges. This work specifically focuses on business-to-consumer (B2C) applications of packaging solutions.
