Redesign plastic packaging for prevention, non-toxicity and reuse

Working towards the phase-out of single-use plastics (SUP) is key to reducing the overall volume of plastic pollution, both on land and in our ocean. Reusable packaging also needs to become the new norm. With more than a third of plastic produced being packaging, mostly single-use, redesigning packaging and packaging systems can contribute a long way to reducing resource use, waste and pollution. 

The SUP Directive, which included the ban on a number of single-use plastic items, represents a major legislative milestone in this area. Through our advocacy, the Rethink Plastic Alliance played a major role in seeing this law become a reality. What is now key is to implement the SUP Directive on the ground across Europe and, to support that, we are collaborating with civil society groups across Europe and regularly assessing progress made towards full implementation.

In addition to phasing out single-use plastics, the campaign also aims to make packaging-free and reusable packaging the new norm. Although “zero-waste” solutions are growing in popularity, reusable packaging production is at its lowest level in history in Europe. Revising European packaging legislation represents a major opportunity to introduce measures to scale up reuse systems. Proposals and negotiations in this area at the EU level are expected to go on from 2022 until 2024. 

RPa plays an active role in working with stakeholders to design policy interventions that could drive the swift implementation of reusable packaging systems across Europe. The alliance also works towards ensuring that hazardous chemicals are not present in products and packaging to ensure they are safe for use, reuse and, at the end of life, recycling.  This work is done as part of the #WeChooseReuse campaign, bringing together NGOs, citizens, businesses and zero-waste cities supporting the transition to reuse.