European Reuse Barometer (first edition)

This first edition of the European Reuse Barometer reveals a rapidly growing reuse industry in Europe, highlighting significant advancements in reusable packaging solutions across sectors such as takeaway, retail, and e-commerce. Key findings indicate that the industry is buoyed by engaged consumers, with 78% of solutions reporting return rates above 75%, showcasing strong consumer commitment. However, the report emphasises the need for legislative support and financial investment to sustain this growth and overcome challenges such as high operational costs and competitive pricing with single-use packaging.

Despite the promising growth, the report underscores the urgent need for streamlined and unified efforts to enhance the reuse ecosystem. Recommendations include increasing consumer engagement through awareness campaigns and restrictive single-use packaging policies, setting ambitious policy frameworks to incentivise reuse, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to build shared infrastructure. By addressing these critical areas, the European Reuse Barometer aims to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and economically viable reuse system across Europe.

Report available in English.