The Global Reuse Summit demands "robust" government legislation to encourage the usage of reusable containers.

The second Global Reuse Summit brought together packaging experts, merchants, and industry executives to urge the government to implement "robust policy" in favor of reusable packaging.

The event, which was organized by the environmental organization City to Sea in collaboration with Ecosurety, covered the essential steps required to increase the use of reusable packaging, fuel the shift to a reusable economy, and boost consumer trust.

Speakers covered the transformative potential of reusable containers as a solution to the single-use plastic packaging crisis and the global market opportunities created by reuse economies. Attendees included representatives from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Everyday Plastic, and Greenpeace.

In addition to discussing examples of reuse systems in other countries that the UK might learn from, a global panel led by Alejandra Warren, co-founder and executive director of Plastic Free Future, emphasized the need for structural change, more financing, and a change in public perception.

Réseau Vrac et Réemploi's Celia Rennesson explained how the distribution of 5% of EPR fees into communications and infrastructure to facilitate the shift to reuse has fueled the growth of reuse in France.  NGOs, academics, and corporations who attended the conference demanded that the UK government do the same.

A conversation with Catherine Conway, a member of the DEFRA Circular Economy Taskforce, Lowelle Bryan, a Senior Specialist at WRAP, and James Bull, Head of Packaging at Tesco, as well as audience members were highlights of the agenda. The conversation focused on the necessity of a unified vision and the creation of a sound plan to implement reuse with a clear legislative pathway headed by the government.

Conway emphasised the UK Government has invested in waste management in the past, such as the roll out of kerbside collection which significantly improved recycling rates.

Coinciding with the summit, a new briefing paper titled “Global Insights on Packaging Reuse for the UK” was launched,analyzing effective reuse models and providing a clear learning path for the UK to expand its usage of reusable containers.

The document, written by Eunomia for City to Sea, lists essential conditions for a smooth switch to reusable containers.

This comprises industry technical and quality standards to guarantee compliance and best practices, as well as mandated sector and product-specific reuse and refill targets.

Jane Martin, chief executive, City to Sea, said: “Today’s summit demonstrates that businesses are committed individually, and in collaboration with others, to bring reuse a step closer. In every single discussion the case was made for policy makers to support industry with clear and timely legislation supporting reuse. It was incredibly inspiring to see the brightest minds in our industry – and from all around the world – coming together to disrupt the status quo and to accelerate the transition to the new reuse economy.’

“Research we have conducted shows that 75% of UK consumers believe reusable packaging must replace single-use packaging to bring down plastic waste. The demand is clearly there and there’s no time to waste.”

Green Party Peer Baroness Natalie Bennett said: “Single-use plastic has choked our environment, our bodies, and our water. At present, many of the chemicals in plastic have not been identified, meaning people are gambling with their health every time they come into contact with plastic. From our cookware to clothes, plastic really is synonymous with everyday life.

“What’s worse is our waste management system is designed for recycling, which continues to harm people and planet with the release of further toxic chemicals. With only nine percent of all plastic ever produced being recycled, it is evident change is needed.”

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