| | | April 17, 2024 Reuse Europe: A newsletter by the #WeChooseReuse campaign How far can reuse milestones be reached without a transformation of our economy?
You are reading the latest newsletter by the #WeChooseReuse campaign. We're taking a bit of a different approach to usual - as tastes and technology change, so should how we share all this great reuse news! How reuse policy, both in Europe and globally, has been shaped over the past months. There are also some great case studies to check out that show what a reuse future can look like. But of course, this all about systemic change. Until now, there are barriers to how effective these reuse pilots can be. We give some food for thought on that. Lastly, make sure not to miss the latest collaborative work between the Break Free From Plastic movement and research institute Fairwork, on workers rights in the delivery sector.
Taking stock of where we are
We have reached a significant milestone in Europe's packaging landscape. It has been a rollercoaster ride for reuse, marked by the introduction of groundbreaking EU legislation that incorporates prevention and reuse measures, alongside unprecedented industry lobbying coming from the paper packaging industry and even players like McDonald's. While we can celebrate that the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is setting new targets on reuse and refill for takeaway food and beverages, transport, and grouped packaging, as well as an awaited ban on the harmful PFAs, we are left with a bittersweet feeling whereby the risks of material substitution and greenwashing remain. Our hope now rests on EU Member States seizing the opportunity to go beyond these measures, a cause we will continue to fight for. | | Photo credit: Aarhus Kommune, 2023 | Despite these risks, it is clear that reuse systems are here to stay. You only have to take a look at the many reuse pilot projects popping up across Europe: Aarhus, Denmark, has pioneered a takeaway packaging system that, if scaled, could bring great social and environmental benefits. In the Netherlands, Rotterdam train station has introduced a deposit return machine for reusable coffee cups to prevent the daily disposal of 5,500 single-use cups. A reusable pizza box system, Spesa Sballata, is now in place in Varese, Italy, and reusable alternatives in sports stadiums, cinemas, and concert venues, exemplify the reality of the future of reuse. These pilots clearly show the impact of reuse on plastic reduction efforts, offering numerous benefits to local communities, economies and the environment.
An excellent showcase of these practical solutions can be experienced at the Refill & Reuse Trade Fair in Paris, scheduled for May 13th and 14th, 2024, organised by Réseau Vrac & Réemploi, New Era, and Rcube. |
Break Free From Plastic members in Europe have been working continuously to advocate for these systems to become the norm, be it by showing how unnecessary double packaging is in Belgium or sending out a petition to ban single-use packaging to ensure the UK does not fall behind when the PPWR becomes a reality in Europe. In Germany, an app (Replace App) shows you which retailers have joined the reuse fight and are offering alternatives, with the opportunity to ask retailers lagging behind to set up reuse systems.
The fourth round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty are taking place next week and Break Free From Plastic members will be advocating for reuse as a critical demand measure as well as for the creation of an enabling environment for these reuse systems to thrive. The negotiations will provide the opportunity to educate, inform and raise awareness of the opportunities of reusable packaging systems: the Revolution Plastics Institute from the University of Portsmouth and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation will host a performance event, Demystifying Reuse to share knowledge and build capacity around reuse systems; and the government of Uruguay will host a session on reuse and recycling with a just transition - one not to miss, so if you are lucky enough to be going to INC4, register for the event here. | | Photo credit: Break Free From Plastic, 2023 |
Transforming to a Reuse Economy For reuse systems to function effectively and develop beyond local pilot schemes, a fundamental shift and transformation of the economy is needed. This transformation involves rethinking consumption patterns and waste management systems, as well as adopting principles where resources are used efficiently, products are designed for durability and reuse and waste is minimised. By promoting local, national and EU policies that prioritise prevention, reuse, and responsible resource use, there is an opportunity to reduce Europe's material footprint and environmental impact while ensuring equitable access and affordability for all communities.
This shift has the potential to foster social cohesion and build resilient communities through the implementation of reusable packaging systems. Enabling these systems, supporting the national implementation of legislation, and encouraging businesses to embrace reuse practices are important steps for decision-makers to take. We recognise the value of learning from and supporting other regions to build effective reuse economies globally, acknowledging that while reuse strategies may vary, there are valuable lessons to be shared and applied across different contexts to drive meaningful change. A new article written by Break Free From Plastic, for German magazine, Rundbrief explains just that.
FairWork: reuse systems and workers’ rights in the delivery sector As the food delivery industry expands, so does the tide of single-use packaging. Reusable packaging for the takeaway sector was a sticking point during PPWR negotiations. With concern over the rise in this single-use packaging in the takeaway sector, particularly paper, the #WeChooseReuse campaign was a proponent for ensuring reusable packaging becomes a norm, not just for in-house dining, but also for the food that is wrapped up, packaged and delivered for consumption at home.
But as concerns over takeaway packaging waste and consequential environmental harm are raised, there are more considerations to keep in mind as we advocate for the transition towards reusable packaging for the takeaway sector. Namely, the working conditions of workers in the delivery sector, who will be the ones to handle, carry and deliver reusable packaging. To explore this topic in more detail, Break Free From Plastic partnered with the project Fairwork, to explore the intersection between reuse and workers' rights, examining the potential social impacts within the delivery sector. What resulted from collective discussions and presentations was the development of 10 Key Considerations for implementing reuse systems in the delivery sector. At the core of it, the rights of workers must be safeguarded, with regulations that ensure the health, safety and well-being of workers in the delivery sector as reuse policies advance. | | Thank you for reading! Make sure to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues who are curious about the future of the reuse economy. Don't forget to keep an eye on the #WeChooseReuse website and if you have any reuse news you would like to share in the next newsletter, get in touch with Break Free From Plastic's Solutions Coordinator, Laura Díaz Sánchez: Laura@breakfreefromplastic.org | |
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