The revised Renewable Energy Directive sets a common framework for the promotion of energy from renewable sources such as biomass. This document intends to provide a methodology to guide Member
Unfolding the Single-Use Plastics Directive
In May 2019 the EU formally approved a pioneer legislation to curb single-use plastics – and no, it is not just about banning straws. This paper presents an overview
UN decides to control global plastic waste dumping
UN Decides to Control Global Plastic Waste Dumping Major Plastic Waste Producers Must Get Consent Before Exporting their Toxic Trash to Global South FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 10, 2019 Geneva,
EU politicians pledge to make Europe zero waste
EU politicians pledge to make Europe zero waste On May 26 2019, European citizens will cast their vote to elect the 700 Members of the European Parliament who will represent
Joint position on the Romanian Ministry of Environment new integrated waste management project
The Romanian Ministry of Environment’s new integrated waste management project does not comply with zero waste principles, and promote obsolete technologies that are far from circular. Read our open letter.
EU funding must leapfrog fossil fuel use to renewable energy and energy savings
Environmental NGOs call on the European Parliament to ensure EU funding leapfrogs fossil fuel use to renewable energy and energy savings. Available in English
Residual waste capacity assessment
Our latest report assesses the residual waste treatment capacity of fourteen countries at risk of missing the 2020 targets for reuse and recycling, and includes recommendations to develop their waste
Product policy: repair instructions for a true circular economy
We want our products to be long-lasting, repairable, recyclable and toxic-free. Here are our recommendations to rethink EU product policy and improve product design with circularity in mind. Available
The hidden costs of incineration: the case of Madeira and Azores
Nothing prevents islands from achieving ambitious waste reduction and recycling targets – but waste incineration can slow them down. Available in English, French and Spanish
Carpet producers support mandatory action to make the sector go circular
Carpet manufacturers, industry associations and civil society join voices to make the carpet industry go circular. Available in English
Hidden emissions: a story from the Netherlands
Although presented as state of the art, the youngest incinerator in the Netherlands is far from a clean: long-term tests reveal emissions of dioxin, furan and persistent organic pollutants far
Plastic producers could market single-use items as reusable to dodge EU ban
For immediate release: Brussels, 10/10/18 Plastic producers could market single-use items as reusable to dodge EU ban European Parliament must close loopholes, say campaigners Press Contacts: Roberta Arbinolo, Communications Officer, Zero
Letter to the Members of the European Parliament: cut single-use plastic!
Alongside Rethink Plastic & #breakfreefromplastic, we called on the European Parliament to be at the vanguard of tackling plastic pollution and vote to close the tap of single-use plastic. Read
Policy briefing on the Cohesion Fund post-2020
The Circular Economy legislation creates an opportunity to be either seized or missed for a long time, and it is key that the Cohesion Fund supports this transition. Read our
Coffee to go? Freiburg says tschüss to single-use cups!
For immediate release: Brussels, 20/09/18 Coffee to go? Freiburg says tschüss to single-use cups! Press Contacts: Ferran Rosa, Waste Policy Officer, Zero Waste Europe ferran@zerowasteeurope.eu / +32 (0) 2 73 62 091 Zero
Plastic crisis: taxes are vital to cut pollution, but EU plans fall short, new study finds
For immediate release: Brussels, 4/09/18 Plastic crisis: taxes are vital to cut pollution, but EU plans fall short, new study finds Press Contacts: Ariadna Rodrigo, Sustainable Products Campaigner, Zero Waste Europe
The price is right… or is it? The case for taxing plastics
An ambitious set of taxes designed to influence both producer and consumer behaviour can help Europe curb plastic pollution by encouraging both plastic reduction and greater recycling. ZWE & the
Reusable & toxic-free menstrual products
While disposable sanitary products come at a high cost for women and the environment, but a better solutions exist! #breakfreefromplastic made an infographic on how reusable and toxic-free alternatives will
Reusable & toxic-free menstrual products: making women’s lives better while fighting plastic pollution
Beyond representing a major source of plastic pollution, disposable menstrual products come at a high cost for women, in terms of both budget and health hazard. Zero Waste Europe calls
Why “bioplastics” won’t solve plastic pollution
The so called “bioplastics” are still plastics, and neither bio-based nor bio-degradable plastics will solve the plastic pollution crisis. The Rethink Plastic alliance made an infographic to illustrate why.
EU Parliament backs microplastic bans to tackle plastic pollution
For immediate release: Brussels, 10/07/18 EU Parliament backs microplastic bans to tackle plastic pollution Press Contacts: Roberta Arbinolo, Communications Officer, Rethink Plastic alliance & Zero Waste Europe roberta@rethinkplasticalliance.eu / +32 (0) 491