Ending the era of single-use plastic
Together with European cities and progressive businesses, we demand an EPR that works: stop backing single-use, make producers pay their share, and put prevention and reuse at the heart of a real circular economy.
About
In July 2025, a coalition of pioneering European cities and forward-thinking businesses launched an open manifesto calling for a reform of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems under the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act. Nearly 40 endorsers have already joined the call.
Current EPR schemes are failing. They remain locked in outdated, end-of-pipe approaches that do little to tackle the root causes of the waste crisis. Instead of driving prevention and reuse, they continue to reward disposable, single-use models.
Our message to EU policymakers is clear
We need modern EPR systems that:
- Prioritise waste prevention over disposal
- Enable reuse at scale
- Hold producers fully accountable for the lifecycle of their packaging
📢 Join us! Cities and businesses across Europe are invited to endorse the manifesto and demand a system that truly supports a circular future.
For questions, please contact Manon Jourdan at [email protected].
Check out the webinar
Read the manifesto
Who signed the manifesto?
Get in touch
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Manon JourdanWaste Prevention Manager -
Larissa CopelloPackaging & Reuse Policy Officer -
Giulia LodiCommunications & Network Officer
Funded by
The campaign was developed under the ERIC (Elevating Reuse in Cities) project, which helps 18–30 EU municipalities create Plastic Prevention Plans (PPPs). These plans drive local waste prevention by embedding reuse in areas under municipal control, such as public events, buildings, spaces, and procurement.