Europe is in the midst of a transition and zero waste is part of it.
Ten years ago, the concept of zero waste was laughed at. Today, zero waste is mainstream, from being considered a practical approach to implementing a circular economy to a trending lifestyle globally. The efforts from civil society groups in Europe and around the world pushed the debate higher in the waste hierarchy. If at any time over the last twenty years reuse and prevention had a chance, it is now. And ZWE is committed to bringing that change forward.
From a content perspective, for the next 3 years, we will focus on bringing IN incentives and funding for the transition, phasing OUT toxics, lifting UP reuse, pushing for BETTER recycling and bringing waste disposal DOWN.
Our Strategic Framework for 2022-24 outlines the ZWE roadmap and goals for the coming years, with the ultimate aim of helping us achieve a zero waste future for Europe (and for the world, while we’re at it).
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.
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
Environmental taxes are economic instruments aimed at affecting behaviour of industries, consumers, and resource managers through market systems. They can be combined with other market-based instruments such as subsidies, deposit-refund systems, resource pricing schemes or with other types of instruments, such as voluntary agreements or traditional command and control measures.
Download the full research paper to find out more.
Available in English
Alongside Rethink Plastic & #breakfreefromplastic, we called on the European Parliament to be at the vanguard of tackling plastic pollution and vote to close the tap of single-use plastic. Read our joint letter!
Available in: English
An ambitious set of taxes designed to influence both producer and consumer behaviour can help Europe curb plastic pollution by encouraging both plastic reduction and greater recycling. ZWE & the Rethink Plastic alliance make the case for taxing plastics.
Available in English.
While disposable sanitary products come at a high cost for women and the environment, but better solutions exist!
#breakfreefromplastic made an infographic on how reusable and toxic-free alternatives will make women’s lives better while protecting the environment for all.
Available in English.
The so called “bioplastics” are still plastics, and neither bio-based nor bio-degradable plastics will solve the plastic pollution crisis. The Rethink Plastic alliance made an infographic to illustrate why.
Available in English
Published by IEEP, with the support of the MAVA Foundation, Zero Waste Europe and EEB, this reports highlights policy options aimed at enhancing the ambition of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for plastic packaging.
Available in English
A joint position paper with a number of European NGO’s exploring ‘false solutions’ to waste reduction and the role that bioplastics play. The report emphasises the need to focus on waste prevention over technological fixes.
Available in: English