Despite environmental challenges associated with single-use packaging, reusable packaging systems are still in their infancy and face significant challenges when it comes to large-scale implementation. To address this evolving landscape, InOff Plastic in collaboration with Zero Waste Europe, New ERA, and Planet Reuse published the first edition of the European Reuse Barometer on September 23, 2024. It provides a detailed assessment of the current state of reusable packaging in Europe and offers insights into recent improvements, ongoing challenges, and potential strategies for accelerating the widespread adoption of reuse systems.
The main objective of the report is to accelerate the development and scaling of reusable packaging systems across Europe. Through its findings, the European Reuse Barometer seeks to provide stakeholders – legislators, businesses, consumers, and investors – with the necessary information to focus their efforts on building effective reuse systems.
The research draws on data collected from 90 European reuse providers, tracking key indicators such as economic performance, environmental impact, and social engagement. The report showcases a variety of businesses, outlining their unique models, challenges, and successes. It emphasizes that while many new businesses have emerged in recent years, the continued growth of the sector will depend on support from legislators, producers, consumers, and investors alike (FPF reported).
78% of surveyed solutions reported return rates above 75%. However, the report also acknowledges that only a small fraction of consumers are actively participating in these systems, highlighting the need for more consumer engagement. Convenience and affordability are critical factors for reuse systems to compete effectively with single-use alternatives, the report finds.
Key challenges that reuse providers face include the development of durable and safe packaging products, alongside creating digital interfaces, take-back solutions, and logistical infrastructure. The authors urge a collective effort from businesses, municipalities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to share resources and reduce transition costs.
The report identifies the need for stronger policy frameworks and incentives to support the growth of reusable packaging systems (FPF reported). The authors argue that ambitious and timely policies are essential to prioritize prevention, reuse, and responsible resource use.
In addition to the findings of the European Reuse Barometer, another report published on September 17, 2024, expands on what is needed to facilitate the adoption of reuse systems. Conducted by Eunomia and commissioned by Zero Waste Europe, this report provides a detailed comparison of the costs associated with single-use packaging versus reusable systems. The report aims to guide an effective transition from single-use packaging to reusable alternatives.
One key finding is that reusable systems, even at high levels of market penetration (85%), tend to cost more for takeaway vendors compared to single-use packaging when no fiscal measures are in place. This cost disparity is largely due to external environmental costs of single-use packaging, such as litter management and carbon emissions, which are not directly included in the costs of single-use packaging. The authors argue that when factoring in these externalities, the societal cost-benefit of switching to reusable systems becomes evident (FPF reported).
To address this imbalance, the report suggests that policy measures are critical to creating a level playing field for reusable packaging. Proposed interventions include taxes, levies, or adjustments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees on single-use packaging, designed to cover external costs.
The authors stress that policies facilitating the transition to reusable systems should go beyond financial instruments. They suggest that gradual bans on single-use takeaway packaging may be necessary to achieve high levels of reuse.
References
InOff Plastic. (September 23, 2024). “European Reuse Barometer (first edition).“ Zero Waste Europe
Zero Waste Europe. (September 17, 2024). “Facilitating the adoption of takeaway reuse systems: Cost assessment of moving from single-use packaging to a takeaway reuse system and assessment of the necessary policy measures.“
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Nicholas Robinson. (September 18, 2024). “Governments urged to push reusable packaging policies.” Food Navigator Europe
