How can standards unleash the power of harmonised containers and help curb plastic pollution? – New infographic
By More recyclable single-use packaging is not the solution to the waste pollution problem – but reuse is. To make reuse systems widespread, we will need harmonised rules, reusable containers… and standards will be key in the process. How would this work in practice? Together with the Rethink Plastic alliance, we have summarised this technical topic in an infographic. Discover our vision for a future powered by reusable containers!
Choosing reuse could soon become a little easier in Europe. The European Commission is currently reviewing its rules for packaging in its Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. It is a crucial window of opportunity for the continent to dramatically reduce the amount of single-use packaging and make eco-efficient reusable systems more widespread.
Europe is on the verge of a systemic shift towards reusable packaging, but we are still lacking the key to unlock this potential. A combination of ambitious and sector-specific targets for reuse, together with clear legal definitions and standards can get us there.
How ambitious should EU policymakers be? A target of 50% of reusable packaging in key sectors such as take-away containers and e-commerce packaging can drastically reduce CO2 emissions, water consumption and waste, according to a recent report by the Rethink Plastic alliance.
Harmonised containers can boost reuse
Recycling alone will not reduce the tonnes of packaging that wash up on our beaches every year. To achieve a zero-waste scenario, single-use packaging must be eliminated – and replaced with reusable options. Common formats and rules are key tools to ensure the economic viability and interoperability of reuse systems, and can be a strong driver for reuse to become a truly mainstream option. Standards will help harmonise reusable packaging formats and protocols – a vital lever for the scale-up of reuse.
Harmonised reuse systems can make our lives easier and put an end to throwaway culture, but how would they work in practice? Take a a look at our new infographic!
In our model, standardised packaging formats are made available to consumers and shared among several businesses, while distribution and washing lines are centrally managed. Through this streamlined process, the right combination of requirements and standards have the potential to:
- Maximise environmental benefits and economic viability by reducing investments and fostering economies of scale;
- Set durability requirements, thus increasing the overall eco-efficiency of the system;
- Increase the return rate of used packaging by making it convenient and easy for citizens to return their packaging with interoperable systems;
- Enable proper data collection, monitoring and reporting, supporting legislative quotas, and driving improvements through digital tracking and centralised packaging pool management.
Pushing single-use packaging off the EU market and shifting the focus away from single-use recyclable options is the only way to ensure the full potential of reuse is realised, and finally start solving our resource and waste problem. Reusables need support from legislation and standards. If done right, standardisation can create a fertile ground for reusable packaging to flourish.
(click on the picture to view the infographic in detail)
