New Plastics Economy: Reuse book launched

At its Annual Summit in London, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy initiative introduced its research on reuse models. Globally, converting 20% of plastic packaging into reuse models is a USD 10 billion business opportunity that benefits customers. The research highlights six ways that reuse can bring significant benefits to both users and businesses:

• Cut costs
• Adapt to individual needs
• Optimise operations
• Build brand loyalty
• Improve user experience
• Gather intelligence

As part of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, over 350 organisations have recognised that, wherever possible, reuse business models should be explored to reduce the need for single-use plastic packaging. In fact, over 100 of the business signatories have committed to move, where relevant, from single-use to reusable packaging by 2025.

This work provides a framework to understand reuse, identifies six major benefits of reuse, and maps 69 reuse examples.Based on an evaluation of more than 100 initiatives and interviews with over 50 experts, it aims to inspire and help structure thinking. It provides a basic description of how different reuse models work as well as typical implementation challenges.

Download the book here.