DESIGN FOR RECYCLING INSTEAD OF RECYCLING OUR PRODUCT DESIGN
A new narrative on recycling
It is necessary to rethink recycling in a holistic way, building on what we know today, so that it supports rather than distract from reduction/reuse/refill; and contributes to a circular economy, instead of serving as a conscience cleaner to continue business as usual”. – Joan Marc Simon, Founder of Zero Waste Europe
In a truly circular economy, recycling is the last resort for material management.
However, currently, most products and packaging are not recyclable nor designed to be recycled. From those products and packaging that are indeed recyclable, the majority end up in landfills, incinerators, or dumped in the environment. Recycling has been a nice buzzword for decades but it is now time to make it a reality, or else the circular economy will remain a slogan. For this shift to happen, primary production should ensure by design an effiecient end-of-life treatment.
ZWE is committed to increasing the volumes and quality of recyclates produced in Europe and abroad. The EU goal of having all packaging recyclable and recycled by 2030 will require a new approach to definitions, economic incentives, market restrictions, and labelling, among other things.
Specifically, our work on recycling covers the following areas:
- Safe, toxic-free, and recyclable design;
- Optimised collection;
- A new approach to, and definition of, recyclability;
- Economic incentives;
- Scaling up recycling capacity;
- Stopping waste exports; and
- Reducing waste disposal infrastructure.
