Circular Economy

This study proposes intersectoral collaboration to achieve zero plastic pollution. The authors an intersectoral dialogue amongst scientists, manufacturers, regulators and representatives of civil society about how to alleviate the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Circular economy offers a framework for selecting non-toxic chemicals, extending product (re)use, and waste reduction, which act to alleviate pollution when applied to plastics. 

The development of End-of-Waste criteria can support the EU’s transition to a circular economy. EU EoW policy must be driven by transparency and traceability, clarity and enforceability, and non-toxicity. This will enable genuine circularity, ensure high protection of human health and the environment, and support the EU's leadership in high-quality waste-derived materials.

Chemicals from food packaging can transfer into foodstuffs, a process known as migration. This article explains the concept of migration, outlines global regulations for food packaging, and touches upon challenges related to food packaging in the circular economy.

This policy brief presents highlights from the significant body of science indicating that plastic building materials contribute to serious health and environmental harms over their life cycle, from fossil fuel extraction to production, use, and disposal.

Developed in collaboration with multiple UN convention groups, technical experts, and organizations working to address toxic pollution, this report discusses the key challenges society faces to eliminate toxic components in the plastics life-cycle, identifies chemicals and sectors of greatest concern, and outlines key approaches for tackling the issues. 

The case studies reveal that countries are unable to handle large volumes of diverse plastics waste streams safely, and the reality that, without regulations requiring plastic ingredients to be labeled, countries are blindly allowing known toxic chemicals onto their markets in plastic products.

This website explains reuse and reuse systems, shares success stories and provides resources. It also offers a call to action for individuals and organizations.

The publication provides data on plastic use in the healthcare sector and successful case studies of reducing plastics. It also offers practical steps on how to measure data for healthcare facility’s plastic consumption.

The main aim of the Zero Waste Cities Manual is to provide a practical guide for the implementation of a zero waste system that emphasises decentralisation, source segregation, resource recovery, and informal sector inclusion. The vision for a zero waste system is to minimise movement of solid waste generated to disposal sites or facilities.

The campaign pushes for ambitious and robust reuse solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. They engage with decision-makers, businesses, municipalities and the wider public to advocate for a future where reusable packaging is scaled up and robust reuse systems are put in place.

This padlet combines reports, policy briefs, analyses, fact sheets and other resources to call on MEPs to support ambitious waste prevention measures & reuse targets in the PPWR to address the triple planetary crisis.

In the ongoing negotiations of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the realities of disposable paper-based food packaging should not be ignored. Legislators must seize the opportunity to curb the growing levels of packaging waste driven by overreliance on single-use products.

Promoting the reuse of packaging is crucial for resource conservation, the fight against plastic pollution, and, even more importantly, is an essential part of a climate-friendly new Circular Economy Action Plan.

The study shows that under the right conditions including a supporting policy framework, reuse can thrive in the EU, and more importantly, it can reduce the environmental impacts of packaging and save companies as well as consumers money.

Reusable packaging will likely become more economically viable, with faster return on investments. In providing more clarity on costs and benefits, this study intends to inform decision-makers in business and policymakers to confidently support reuse.

Plastic pollution is causing a social emergency, as well as an environmental one. The briefing looks at social impacts on different sectors and the vicious circle plastic pollution poses. It also identifies six key areas that need to be addressed by the treaty as part of the solution.

This part of the Plastic Treaty Essential Elements series explains why the role of reuse in facilitating a circular economy and protecting natural resources is an essential solution to the plastic crisis.