From the food and drink on-the-go sector with borrow and return initiatives like Muuse in Hong Kong or Refill Return Cup in the UK, to refillable and reusable packaging in supermarkets by retailers like Carrefour in France or Kaufland in Germany, to brand-led initiatives like Ecover refill stations, industry is trying.

However, legislative change is vital to create a level playing field for businesses to deliver reuse and refill at scale.

Governments globally must implement legally binding reuse targets, supported by a complete ban on unnecessary single-use plastic packaging and full. support for a robust Global Plastics Treaty.

Cutting back on single use isn’t rocket science. Since launching, City to Sea’s Refill campaign has saved an estimated 43 million plastic bottles through simply connecting people with locations where they can refill their reusable water bottles.

The international community has proven that definitive action is possible; however, continued compromise with the plastics industry at successive Global Plastics Treaty negotiations leaves consumers and campaigners frustrated.