2.5 Criteria for packaging

Circular economy criteria for packaging

Checklist

• Can you eliminate problematic or unnecessary packaging through redesign and innovation, getting rid of materials, components or formats that:

  • are not reusable, recyclable or compostable;

  • can be avoided altogether;

  • hinder or disrupt recycling;

  • have a high likelihood of being littered;

  • or contain hazardous chemicals?

• Can you replace single-use packaging with reusable formats, i.e. refillable or returnable, or choose to implement alternative delivery models?

• Can you purchase packaging or plastics that are 100% recyclable or compostable, meaning they are effectively recycled or composted in practice and at scale?

• Can you purchase packaging or plastics with recycled content or sourced from renewable (or bio-based) feedstocks?

AVAILABLE RESOURCES:

• REUSE. Rethinking Packaging book

• NPEC Innovation Book (TBC)