This report represents the beginning of a series of analyses and evaluations of plastic-based reusable systems compared to their single-use competitors. Initially, three reusable systems were analysed and shown whether and under which conditions they have an advantage over single-use systems. In the view of the authors, the results already speak in favour of consistently implementing the waste hierarchy and thus the primacy of reusable systems, formulating conditions for deviating from the waste hierarchy and scrutinising existing deviations. A corresponding approach could accelerate the implementation of a circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of packaging.