All Reuse articles
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ArticleL’Oréal aims to shape consumer recycling habits with new initiative
L’Oréal has launched a new initiative that aims to explain to consumers in simple terms how to sort and recycle cosmetic packaging.
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PodcastBuilding a deposit return system – spotlight on Austria
Deposit return schemes have gained traction across Europe, with several countries introducing or getting ready to introduce them. Austria is the latest country to introduce such a system. Elisabeth Skoda speaks to Monika Fiala, who is managing director at Recycling Pfand Österreich GmbH, the organisation in charge of implementing the deposit return system in Austria, discussing reasons behind the introduction, challenges to overcome, differences and similarities to systems in other countries, learnings from the scheme several months in, and more.
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ArticleThe problem with reusable packaging (and how to solve it)
Reusable packaging has a huge problem. Consumers express enthusiasm for refillable concepts, but demonstrate dramatically lower willingness to actually seek out refill stations. How can this problem be solved? In this article, Calvin Lakhan, Director of Circular Innovation Hub at York University’s Faculty of Environment and Urban Change, breaks down the findings of a fascinating new study on this issue.
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ArticleWhat can other countries learn from the PPWR?
For all the criticisms levied at the PPWR in its current form, the UK could learn a thing or two from its ambitious and collaborative effort to get things moving.
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ArticleCorplex de-inking technology targets reduced waste and environmental impact
Polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate sheets manufacturer Corplex claims it has successfully adapted a mechanical de-inking process to remove ink from heavily printed PP sheets, including ones treated with UV-based coatings and UV-cured inks.
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ArticleCan reusable period products absorb the leak of packaging waste?
Is stigma around periods fueling the rise in menstrual product packaging waste? Are we over-packaging single-use solutions? Could a transition into reusable products help, or is the answer more complicated? We answer all these questions in this edition of the Brief.
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ArticleSC Johnson launches first soap refill machine in North America
SC Johnson has launched its first refill machine in North America at Canadian pharmacy and retailer London Drugs, allowing customers to refill reusable product bottles with hand or dish soap by brands including method and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
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ArticleUN investigates Coca-Cola’s reusable glass to plastic bottle switch in Samoa
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is accused of driving plastic pollution in Samoa after replacing reusable glass bottles with single-use plastic alternatives – raising concerns about potential violations of environmental laws and human rights standards.
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ArticleHandwash packaged in paper bottle with sap lining and reusable metal pump
SUPA Innovations is distributing handwash in a ‘plastic-free’ paper bottle, featuring a reusable metal hand pump and a waterproof lining made of sap from pine residue.
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ArticleZero-deposit reuse system brings reusable containers to on-site foodservice
Reusables.com’s RFID-enabled, zero-deposit reuse system supplies reusable foodservice containers and smart return bins to university campuses, offices, hospitals, and other institutions in hopes of reducing single-use waste and streamlining operational costs.
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ArticleResults of Aldi and Ocado’s in-store and online refill trials revealed
Refillable packaging trials run by Aldi and Ocado under GoUnpackaged’s Refill Coalition achieved in-store refill rates of up to 57%, while 86% of vessels were returned without deposit incentives – with refillables reportedly exceeding the environmental performance of single-use in only two cycles.
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Article‘Frictionless’ reuse system uses QR and avoids apps for simpler cup returns
Borro has developed a ‘frictionless’ reuse system for beverage cups served at events; its app-free, QR-driven return process is thought to be ‘as easy as single-use’ and aims to improve return rates and consumer satisfaction.
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ArticleTOAST and Kvatt partner for reusable packaging pilot
Clothing company TOAST has teamed up with Kvatt, a start-up seeking to reduce single-use packaging waste in e-commerce, to pilot Kvatt’s reusable packaging solution for UK customers.
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ArticleRefillable pouch or inner-bottle replacement format applied to hotel amenities
Vanity Group’s refillable bottle for hotel amenities, available in a pouch or inner-bottle replacement system format, aims to cut plastic waste by 93% while improving hygiene and efficiency.
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ArticleUnilever has acquired refillable personal care brand Wild – what’s next?
Now that Unilever has acquired personal care brand Wild, the companies are optimistic that refillable toiletries will become more accessible to consumers; yet questions have arisen whether the brand will lose sight of its sustainability focus under the pressure of financial targets.
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ArticleThe key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets
At the end of 2022, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) began an initiative titled the ‘Reuse Roadmap 2030 for Supermarkets’ involving various supermarkets and organisations. In this edition of The Brief, we outline the main pathways identified by the participants and consider how the project’s learnings could impact the structure of supermarket reuse schemes beyond a national level.
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ArticleReusable plant-based coffee cup unveiled by First Editions
Drinkware manufacturer First Editions has revealed its reuseable coffee cup concept, FOAMO, made from renewable plant-based polypropylene and created using all-electric injection moulding machinery from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.
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ArticleMEPs insist PPWR’s industrial packaging reuse quotas need more work
Various MEPs have urged the European Commission to revisit the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s reuse quotas for industrial packaging, arguing that failing to consider contamination in transit or the availability of alternative materials will impact European supply chains.
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ArticleRefillable toothpaste dispenser and ‘biodegradable’ refills hit the market
Mighty Mouthcare’s ‘for life’ refillable toothpaste dispenser and ‘biodegradable’ refills seek to keep single-use pollution and microplastics out of the natural environment without sacrificing convenience.
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ArticleReusable bottles could save Coca-Cola from overconsuming plastic, report says
According to Oceana’s newest report, The Coca-Cola Company’s annual plastic use will exceed 4.1 million metric tons by 2030 if its current practices continue – but it could reportedly avoid this outcome by making 26.4% of its packaging reusable within the same time frame.