The


Manifesto

We, the undersigned companies and associations, recognise the urgent need to address the environmental crisis caused by single-use packaging waste. We acknowledge that the current linear system of "make it, use it, waste it" is unsustainable and detrimental to our planet's well-being. Therefore, we commit to taking bold action and implementing and extending reuse systems as a key solution for creating a circular economy of packaging.

These companies and associations have signed the manifesto:

1.
Embrace
reuse systems

We envision a future where there are systems in place across Europe, with sufficient return options and logistics so that reusable packaging, supported by an adequate incentive, can be reused multiple times. We are actively working to make this a reality.

2.
System design and environmental impact

Well-designed reuse systems are a key factor to mitigating major ecological consequences of our linear economy. By shifting from single-use to reusable packaging, we can minimise the amount of packaging waste, the extraction of raw materials, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and disposal of single-use packaging.

3.
Driving
change

We acknowledge that change starts with us. As agents of change, we commit to continuously improving our operations, supply chains, and product packaging to align with the principles of reuse and circularity. By doing so, we will inspire others to join us in embracing a sustainable and regenerative future.

4.
Accessible
infrastructure

We recognise the need for convenient and accessible infrastructure to support the return, collection, cleaning, and recycling at the end-of-life of reusable packaging. We will work together on establishing a network for the collection, sorting and cleaning as well as for subsequent reverse logistics. By doing so, we enable reuse systems to scale, further improve economic and ecologic performance, and increase consumer acceptance by enabling them to easily return their packaging.

5.
Collaborative
approach

We believe that the transition to reuse systems offers the opportunity to create new jobs and offers economic opportunities for European businesses. This will stimulate innovation, reduce our dependence on global supply chains and support local economies, increase the resilience of businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

6.
Job creation and
economic growth

We believe that the transition to reuse systems offers the opportunity to create new jobs and offers economic opportunities for European businesses. This will stimulate innovation, reduce our dependence on global supply chains and support local economies, increase the resilience of businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

7.
Clear and
ambitious legislation

By setting clear, achievable measures and providing the right incentives, policymakers can accelerate the adoption of reuse systems, create a level playing field, and drive industry-wide transformation. Legal certainty is key to boost investments towards circular business models. 

8.
Innovate
for circularity

We understand the importance of consumer awareness and education in fostering behaviour change and making reuse systems work. We will proactively strive to highlight the environmental benefits of reusable packaging to consumers and encourage them to adopt reusable packaging in their daily habits. By doing so, we contribute to driving a collective shift towards sustainable behaviours, creating a more mindful and environmentally conscious society.

9.
Educate and
engage consumers

We will report regularly on our progress towards the adoption of reusable packaging, sharing for example key performance indicators, milestones achieved, or lessons learned. Through transparent reporting, we aim to inspire others, build trust, and be held accountable for our commitments.

10.
Transparent
reporting

We will report regularly on our progress towards the adoption of reusable packaging, sharing for example key performance indicators, milestones achieved, or lessons learned. Through transparent reporting, we aim to inspire others, build trust, and be held accountable for our commitments.

1. Embrace reuse systems

We envision a future where there are systems in place across Europe, with sufficient return options and logistics so that reusable packaging, supported by an adequate incentive, can be reused multiple times. We are actively working to make this a reality.

2. System design and environmental impact

Well-designed reuse systems are a key factor to mitigating major ecological consequences of our linear economy. By shifting from single-use to reusable packaging, we can minimise the amount of packaging waste, the extraction of raw materials, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and disposal of single-use packaging.

3. Driving change

We acknowledge that change starts with us. As agents of change, we commit to continuously improving our operations, supply chains, and product packaging to align with the principles of reuse and circularity. By doing so, we will inspire others to join us in embracing a sustainable and regenerative future.

4. Accessible infrastructure

We recognise the need for convenient and accessible infrastructure to support the return, collection, cleaning, and recycling at the end-of-life of reusable packaging. We will work together on establishing a network for the collection, sorting and cleaning as well as for subsequent reverse logistics. By doing so, we enable reuse systems to scale, further improve economic and ecologic performance, and increase consumer acceptance by enabling them to easily return their packaging.

5. Collaborative approach

We believe that collaboration is key to driving meaningful change. We commit to working together with brands, retailers, consumers, organizations, and policymakers to establish and strengthen  reuse systems across Europe. By fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing, we can create and expand effective solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

6. Job creation and economic growth

We believe that the transition to reuse systems offers the opportunity to create new jobs and offers economic opportunities for European businesses. This will stimulate innovation, reduce our dependence on global supply chains and support local economies, increase the resilience of businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

7. Clear and ambitious legislation

By setting clear, achievable measures and providing the right incentives, policymakers can accelerate the adoption of reuse systems, create a level playing field, and drive industry-wide transformation. Legal certainty is key to boost investments towards circular business models. 

8. Innovate for circularity

We will invest in research and development to drive innovation in reusable packaging design, labelling, traceability, transport, sorting and cleaning. By leveraging new technologies, materials, and designs, we aim to maximise the efficiency, durability, and user experience of reuse systems.

9. Educate and engage consumers

We understand the importance of consumer awareness and education in fostering behaviour change and making reuse systems work. We will proactively strive to highlight the environmental benefits of reusable packaging to consumers and encourage them to adopt reusable packaging in their daily habits. By doing so, we contribute to driving a collective shift towards sustainable behaviours, creating a more mindful and environmentally conscious society.

10. Transparent reporting

We will report regularly on our progress towards the adoption of reusable packaging, sharing for example key performance indicators, milestones achieved, or lessons learned. Through transparent reporting, we aim to inspire others, build trust, and be held accountable for our commitments.

Take Action


Join other businesses to demand support from decision-makers at the EU level.
We commit to taking bold action and implementing reuse systems
as a key solution for creating a circular economy of packaging.


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