In this report, we explore the current state of PET-based bottle recycling in Europe, as well as its potential for improvement, alongside analysis of common claims made to consumers on bottle labels relating to recycling. We argue that such claims can give an impression of ‘plastic bottle circularity’ that does [...]
This study involved modelling to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reusable takeaway packaging compared to single-use equivalents. The results indicate that, for most types of takeaway packaging used in Europe, reuse through a safe, efficient system for collection, washing, inspection, and redistribution has potential to yield greater environmental [...]
The objective of this discussion paper is to draw attention to some of the challenges associated with Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that compare reusable packaging with single-use options, specifically focusing on the demanding take-away sector, which presents unique complexities for implementing reuse practices. By comparing two recent studies commissioned by [...]
Currently, there are no common recyclate specifications or consensuses in the European market to align the secondary plastics industry. While several scientific and EU publications have emphasized the need for high quality recyclate, and standards such as the EN standards currently exist, the definition of quality remains unclear, and a [...]
EU circular economy policies are designed to accelerate progress towards sustainable resource use and circular economic practices globally. It is crucial that any risks that the policies will deliver adverse impacts abroad are identified so they can be mitigated, and potential fears can be addressed appropriately. Additionally, assessing potential opportunities [...]
In 2019, CO2 equivalent emissions from domestic road transport accounted for 27% of the UK’s total emissions. Of this, over one quarter was attributed to road freight. Whilst some of the negative externalities associated with road freight (i.e., exhaust emissions) can be addressed through electrification, others (e.g., non-tailpipe emissions) require [...]
Our latest report for Zero Waste Europe analyses the decarbonisation pathways for single-use drinks packaging, namely glass, PET (plastic) and aluminium. Following on from our work looking at global materials we now turn our attention to the product level, how do they stack up against each other and align with [...]
Textiles have some of the most significant environmental impacts in Europe after food, housing and transport. Key to reducing these impacts will be enabling circular use and end-of-life solutions through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), reducing the vast quantities of disposed, landfilled or incinerated textiles. In this report we argue that [...]
The European Union has led the world since the 1970s in thought and action on how to responsibly prevent and manage waste. The EU economy as a whole still wastes a great deal, however – spending money to discard resources as waste and then spending more on extracting and importing [...]
This project has been undertaken to evaluate the impacts of developing and implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in the Yukon. The Yukon Government is considering the development of an EPR program in the territory and is seeking to evaluate the current state of recycling in the territory as [...]