This report critically examines the European Commission’s JRC study on plastic recycling technologies, exposing major methodological flaws that favour chemical recycling. It challenges the credibility of industry-backed data and highlights the true environmental costs of solvent- and pyrolysis-based methods. With clear recommendations for policymakers, it calls for science-based, transparent assessments to guide sustainable recycling strategies.
Available in English.
Commissioned to A. Rollinson (PhD) by ECOS, Zero Waste Europe, and the Rethink Plastic alliance, this technical paper looks at the concept of “dual-use output” in the accounting for recycled plastic content in the context of the Single-Use Plastic Directive. It proves that this concept betrays the definition of recycling, and poses a threat to the proper promotion of recycled plastic content and high quality recycling.
Available in English.
Written by Zero Waste Europe’s Founder, Joan Marc Simon, and published by Break Free From Plastic, this study critically examines 30 years of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Europe and around the globe, revealing its successes and limitations.
While EPR has mobilized resources for waste management, it has struggled to reduce waste generation, promote reuse, and ensure full cost coverage. The report offers a reimagined approach to EPR—one that prioritises waste prevention, fair compensation for waste workers, and transparent governance, aiming to make EPR a true catalyst for sustainability within planetary boundaries.
Key takeaways:
– While EPR has successfully mobilised resources for waste management, it has not led to a reduction in waste generation. In many cases, waste volumes and absolute environmental impact have increased despite EPR implementation.
– EPR systems have generally improved collection and recycling rates in those places where legislation has provided the right guidance, but have struggled to promote waste prevention and reuse or discourage waste disposal (landfilling or waste burning technologies).
– The implementation of EPR in the Global South faces unique challenges, particularly in ensuring fair prices for waste workers and integrating informal sector workers.
– Governance issues, including lack of transparency, compliance with guidelines and conflicts of interest, have hindered the effectiveness of many EPR systems in delivering the best environmental and social outcome.
Full study available in English.
Adapted study and executive summary to include the national context and examples from Spain) available in Catalan.
In 2022, Colombia took further steps to strengthen the implementation of its National Plan for Sustainable Single-Use Plastics Management. The country has set the goal of making all single-use plastics reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030.
As part of our activities for the 2023 European Week of Waste Reduction, this factsheet analyses Colombia’s Law 2232 on the gradual reduction of the production and consumption of single-use plastic products. The new law bans 14 specific types of plastic products such as plastic bags and straws, as well as packaging containers used for the retail sale of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Available in English.
Zero Waste Europe has been working on policies and measures targeting plastic pollution since the early 2000s, has done extensive research, movement building, and policy advocacy, and has implemented zero waste solutions since then.
This document contains our submission to the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Available in English.
Zero Waste Europe has been working on policies and measures targeting plastic pollution since the early 2000s, has done extensive research, movement building, and policy advocacy, and has implemented zero waste solutions since then.
This document contains our submission to the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Available in English.
Ahead of the first Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) – of which Zero Waste Europe is the European breach – submits its recommendations for the negotiation process towards a global instrument on plastic pollution.
Available in English.
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE), Zero Waste Alliance Ukraine (ZWAU) and Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) sent a letter to the President of the European Commission concerning the role of incineration in Ukraine’s Recovery Plan. The letter puts forward a number of concerns related to the prospective EU funding facilitating the increase of incineration capacity in Ukraine as part of the country’s recovery plan.
Available in English.
In a letter sent to the European Commission, ECOS, Zero Waste Europe, and the Rethink Plastic alliance ask EU Commissioners Thierry Breton and Virginijus Sinkevicius to stop the development of a Standardisation Request on ‘plastics recycling and recycled plastics’. This is the first stage for new standards on the matter.
Available in English.
Zero Waste Europe joined the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and 12 other organisations to request a restriction on all forms of lead-contained in PVC by setting equal-stringent thresholds for lead in virgin and recycled PVC.
Available in English.
In the context of #ReusableNappyWeek 2021, we throw the spotlight on baby nappies by exposing the impacts related to the production and consumption of conventional single-use baby nappies; showcasing the reusable solutions and their benefits; and demanding policy change at the European, national and local level.
Available in English
One third of reported plastic packaging recycling is actually shipped outside of the European Union! Exporting waste externalises the problem, placing the burden on other countries. The revision of the Waste Shipment Regulation offers an opportunity for change! Read our recommendations.
Available in English.
Together with the University of Utrecht and Reloop we released a report highlighting that reusable packaging produces far fewer carbon emissions than their single-use counterparts. Read our policy recommendations to reduce packaging waste and to build efficiently reusable systems.
Available in English
Together with the University of Utrecht and Reloop we released a report highlighting that reusable packaging produces far fewer carbon emissions than their single-use counterparts. Read the report’s key findings in our infographic.
Available in English & Hungarian
Together with the University of Utrecht and Reloop we released a report highlighting that reusable packaging produces far fewer carbon emissions than their single-use counterparts. Download the executive summary and read the report at bit.ly/reusable-packaging
Available in English
Together with the University of Utrecht and Reloop we released a report highlighting that reusable packaging – such as bottles, crates, jars, and others – produces far fewer carbon emissions than their single-use counterparts.
Available in English
Thanks to the words of our Executive Director, Joan Marc Simon – who recently wrote the book “It’s Plastic, Stupid!” – Zero Waste Europe released a booklet which takes you “ back to the future”, describing our world in 2040. A world where circularity is fully implemented and zero waste is a reality.
Available in English
Rethink Plastic alliance report detailing reusable solutions to help governments put a stop to single-use plastic pollution.
Available in English
