New blueprint for high-performing, adaptable local packaging reuse systems launched at the REuse Economy Expo in Paris
Paris, 27 May 2025 – The second edition of the Blueprint for harmonising the implementation of takeaway food and drinks packaging systems for reuse in Europe was launched today at the REuse Economy Expo in Paris.
Created in the context of the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP), the Blueprint draws from the experience and data collected in seven pioneering cities in six EU countries implementing reuse systems for takeaway packaging (Aarhus [DK], Barcelona [ES], Berlin [DE], Ghent, Leuven, [BE], Paris [FR], Rotterdam [NL]).
The five essential system criteria outlined – effectiveness, recognition, interoperability, inclusiveness, and guaranteed safety – provide a structured approach to building reuse systems that are legally compliant, user-friendly, high-performing, and future-proof.
The second edition of the Blueprint includes factsheets for the seven cities that have implemented reuse systems as part of the RSVP project, including findings such as:
- The Reuseable Pilot (Aarhus) showcases the importance of the municipality’s involvement and support. The system has achieved over 85% return rates within a year and significantly reduced waste in public spaces.
- The Statiegeldbeker Pilot (Rotterdam) shows that making reuse the default option significantly boosts uptake and simplifies operations.
- The Mehrweg pilot (Berlin) proves that using an existing shared infrastructure (Deposit Return Systems) for different packaging formats is possible and highlights the need for unified digital interfaces for automated returns.
“This Blueprint lays the foundation for takeaway reuse systems that are not ‘just’ legally compliant. It’s about designing systems that deliver environmental and economic performance for both businesses and consumers, and are optimised over time”. said Nathan Dufour, RSVP leader and Reuse Systems Manager at Zero Waste Europe, during the Blueprint launch. “Public authorities and private entities like Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) now have an additional practical tool to foster prevention and reuse – one built on the learnings from a growing network of European cities – while supporting the right regulatory and economic incentives.”
The second edition of the Reuse Blueprint was also created taking into account the national implementation of the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“To meet the EU’s waste prevention and reuse targets under the PPWR, well-designed local reuse systems are essential. This blueprint outlines the key elements needed to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits. However, reuse systems alone won’t drive the necessary system change — national and local governments must also adopt complementary policy measures, particularly economic instruments, to create a level playing field for reuse.”, remarked Larissa Copello, Packaging & Reuse Policy Officer at Zero Waste Europe, speaking at a REuse Economy Expo PPWR-focused panel.
“Reuse in takeaway is essential to reducing packaging waste. With the Packaging Regulation introducing new obligations for the sector, this blueprint provides key guidance to meet the challenge and implement effective reuse systems.”, added Ulysse Revat-Dontenwill of the European New Reuse Alliance (New ERA), one of the reviewers of the Blueprint.
As part of the Reuse Blueprint launch, ZWE’s capacity-building spin-off, Mission Zero Academy, is introducing a new course on Reusable packaging system fundamentals: from concept to implementation, developed in collaboration with the RSVP project. The course will provide participants with practical knowledge to implement harmonised reuse systems within the context of PPWR, adapting solutions to local contexts, engaging diverse stakeholders, and effectively evaluating performance outcomes. The course represents a critical educational component supporting Europe’s transition to efficient reusable packaging infrastructure across municipalities and regions.
ENDS
Photo credits: Zero Waste Europe, 2025. Available for press use under attribution.
Notes to editors
Other useful materials:
- European Reuse Barometer – first edition (report)
- Facilitating the adoption of takeaway reuse systems (report)
- The economics of reuse systems (study)
- Designing EPR to foster the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy (study)
Press contacts:
Ana Oliveira – Head of Communications at Zero Waste Europe
[email protected] / +32 471 96 55 93
Nathan Dufour – ReuSe Vanguard Project Leader / Reuse Systems Manager at Zero Waste Europe
About the Zero Waste Europe
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) is the European network of communities, local leaders, experts, and change agents working towards a better use of resources and the elimination of waste in our society. We advocate for sustainable systems; for the redesign of our relationship with resources; and for a global shift towards environmental justice, accelerating a just transition towards zero waste for the benefit of people and the planet. www.zerowasteeurope.eu
About the RSVP project
Launched in 2021, the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) plays a major role in putting reuse systems at the centre of the solutions agenda in Europe and beyond. The project creates the conditions for a large uptake of reusable packaging in the most strategic sectors, such as takeaway food and drinks. The RSVP consortium is coordinated by Zero Waste Europe and includes Deutsche Umwelthilfe, ENVIU, Fair Resource Foundation, Reseau Vrac et Reemploi, Rezero, and Plastic Change. www.reusevanguardproject.eu
About the Mission Zero Academy
Mission Zero Academy (MiZA), a Belgium-based non-profit and Zero Waste Europe spin-off, serves as Europe’s leading capacity-building hub for municipalities, SMEs, and organisations advancing zero waste initiatives. Since its creation in 2021, MiZA has collaborated with over 60 client organisations, offering tailored expertise that guides them from the initial stages of their zero-waste journey through to successful implementation. By mainstreaming the Zero Waste Cities programme and providing specialised support, MiZA transforms sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes, accelerating Europe’s transition toward a circular economy. www.missionzeroacademy.eu
About the REuse Economy Expo
The REuse Economy Expo is the only European event dedicated entirely to reuse as a lever for economic performance across various sectors, including packaging, electrical and electronic equipment and professional furniture. The event brings together solution providers, businesses, policymakers and civil society organisations committed to scaling reuse systems. The focus of this edition is: Make reuse profitable at scale in Europe. With over 300 solutions, 70 conferences, masterclasses and workshops, and more than 3,000 expected visitors, this two-day event is designed to help organisations take concrete steps to integrate reuse in their operations. www.reuseeconomyexpo.com