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From waste to worth
November 12, 2025

From waste to worth: reuse is the global revolution

Reuse systems are gaining momentum across the globe. From zero-waste schools in Indonesia to wash-and-refill pilots across Europe, it’s clear that reuse is the key solution to reducing plastic pollution. Grantees of Oak Foundation, including Plastic Solutions Fund, PlasticDiet Indonesia, Global Reuse Alliance, GAIA, Center for International Environmental Law, and Society of Native Nations support […]
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From waste to worth: reuse is the global revolution

Reuse systems are gaining momentum across the globe. From zero-waste schools in Indonesia to wash-and-refill pilots across Europe, it’s clear that reuse is the key solution to reducing plastic pollution. Grantees of Oak Foundation, including Plastic Solutions Fund, PlasticDiet Indonesia, Global Reuse Alliance, GAIA, Center for International Environmental Law, and Society of Native Nations support […]
Written by Oak FoundationNovember 12, 2025
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Campaigns
Reuse in Europe
Policy
Events
February 15, 2021

Greenpeace's #ReuseRevolution

For years, corporations and retailers have blamed each other for the plastic waste polluting our world. But it’s time for them to work together to create something beautiful—refillable and reusable systems to deliver their products and a world free from plastic pollution. Individuals can take action by celebrating businesses that are part of the #reuserevolution. […]
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February 15, 2021

Let's Shift the Narrative around reuse

Plastic Change has created a series of 6 animation films to change the narrative on the plastic crisis, exploring who is responsible and why plastic pollution keeps on increasing. In several of the short animations the Danish NGO focuses on reuse. Visit plasticchange.org to learn more about the campaign and the narrative shift that is […]
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repair appliances
October 2, 2025

Home appliance repair – it pays off

There are a number of myths surrounding the efficiency of new household appliances: the main one being that because they are new, they must be more energy efficient and therefore better for the planet and our bank accounts.  However, there are some myths to debunk here. Evidence is stacking up that repairing rather than simply […]
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March 31, 2021

Building resilience: Evaluating the case for reusable medical protective clothing

Medical protective clothing is essential not only to protect medical professionals from pathogens, but also to protect patients from possible contamination. Surgical masks, respirators, gowns, aprons, gloves, and visors have become indispensable in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, yet this increase in consumption and disposal of single-use products is negatively impacting our environment and […]
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February 15, 2021

Zero Waste Municipalities

Check out the State of Zero Waste Municipalities 2020 by Zero Waste Europe. Explore the reuse case studies, notably Self-service refill machines in Slovenia and Reusable nappies by the Lavanda project.
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February 14, 2021

Webinar: Creating effective systems for reuse

Join Zero Waste Europe on 13th April 2021 · 2:00 PM (CET) The ability to reuse products and materials sits right at the heart of the zero waste approach, as a basic prerequisite for a circular economy to flourish. To get reuse in the mainstream, a number of local and national systems must be both […]
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Electronics

WEEE Directive: A Crucial Stepping Stone Towards a Reuse Economy

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a directive in the European Union that aims to reduce the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment by promoting sustainable production and consumption.  In the EU, 14.4 million tonnes of electrical & electronic equipment is put on the market, 5...

Bethany Keeley
General

How a reuse economy drives employment in social enterprises

The benefits of prioritising reuse go beyond protecting the planet's resources. Reuse and repair social enterprises also offer ways to address social exclusion and poverty by creating employment opportunities. Social enterprises in reuse and repair are a significant source of employment for people struggling to find jobs, as expanding the...

Bethany Keeley
Electronics

Prepare to repair: EU brings in new legislation to mainstream repair practices

The Right to Repair Directive In 2024, the European Union introduced the Right to Repair Directive, a landmark regulation designed to make repairs and the reuse of products more accessible for both consumers and businesses. The newly approved repair regulations focus on strengthening independent repair services to reduce waste, extend...

Bethany Keeley
Featured, Packaging

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation negotiations conclude with compromise deal

The long journey towards a deal on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation reached a conclusion on Monday, 4 March 2024. Agreement between negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament during this last Trilogue means the EU now has the foundations for a final text on legislation that will...

Bethany Keeley
Packaging

#WeChooseReuse partners make a final push for reuse before EU Plenary Vote

The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is making its final steps through the legislative process, with a European Parliament plenary vote expected by the end of November 2023.    The PPWR has seen many delays over the last two years. It has faced a high level of...

Bethany Keeley
From waste to worth
November 12, 2025

From waste to worth: reuse is the global revolution

Reuse systems are gaining momentum across the globe. From zero-waste schools in Indonesia to wash-and-refill pilots across Europe, it’s clear that reuse is the key solution to reducing plastic pollution. Grantees of Oak Foundation, including Plastic Solutions Fund, PlasticDiet Indonesia, Global Reuse Alliance, GAIA, Center for International Environmental Law, and Society of Native Nations support […]
READ STORY
repair appliances
October 2, 2025

Home appliance repair – it pays off

There are a number of myths surrounding the efficiency of new household appliances: the main one being that because they are new, they must be more energy efficient and therefore better for the planet and our bank accounts.  However, there are some myths to debunk here. Evidence is stacking up that repairing rather than simply […]
READ STORY
denim pants are hanged on a rack

The reuse economy for textiles

How many second-hand and vintage shops does your city have? And how many people are employed locally collecting, sorting, reselling, repairing, and upcycling garments? The textile reuse sector is growing, creating new economic opportunities for local circular businesses, entrepreneurs, and endless space to unleash creativity. Reusing garments is a central part of making textiles circular. […]
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A delivery guy wearing green and carrying a bag is taking his bike from a bike rack

The impact of the reuse economy on workers in the delivery sector

As momentum builds across Europe for systems that prioritise reuse over single-use plastics, it’s vital to ask: who’s carrying the weight of this transition? Break Free From Plastic Europe partnered with Fairwork to explore this question, focusing on the experiences and rights of delivery workers—those on the frontlines of many emerging reuse models. The discussion […]
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a wall full of chewed colorful bubblegum with sachets
March 16, 2025

Drowning in Waste: How Reuse Can Save Us from Packaging Pollution

Every year, millions of tonnes of packaging waste are generated, with figures steadily rising. In 2018 alone, 174 kg of packaging waste was generated per person in Europe. The most recent data from 2019 reveals that paper and cardboard made up the largest share at 32.2 million tonnes, followed by plastic at 15.4 million tonnes […]
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