Supporting a Balanced and Evidence-Based Approach to Reuse in the PET Value Chain

The Reuse Working Group supports PETCORE EUROPE members in navigating the growing role of reuse within the circular economy for PET packaging.

At EU level, the transition from voluntary approaches to binding legislative requirements is now underway with the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) which introduces harmonised rules across all Member States and establishes mandatory targets for reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.

In this evolving landscape, reuse is increasingly positioned alongside recycling as a key lever to reduce environmental impact. At the same time, reuse systems introduce a different concept in the PET value chain—from design and logistics to infrastructure and consumer behaviour.

The Reuse Working Group ensures that reuse is approached in a science-based, practical, and market-relevant way, aligned with both regulatory requirements and operational realities.

Focus & Objectives

The Working Group is focused on enabling the PET value chain to:

  • Understand the role of reuse within the new EU regulatory framework, including PPWR targets and obligations
  • Assess when and where reuse systems are environmentally and economically beneficial
  • Support evidence-based decision-making, recognising that reuse is not a one-size-fits-all solution
  • Validate reuse solutions through robust methodologies - in particular Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • Support coherent and realistic policy implementation at EU and national level

A key principle is that any transition towards reuse must be supported by data and impact assessments, considering logistics, infrastructure, cleaning processes, and actual reuse cycles.

The Working Group also:

  • Developed common definitions and terminology (reuse, refill, return systems)
  • Shares best practices and real-world examples
  • Monitors and analyses regulatory and policy developments
  • Provides input to PETCORE EUROPE advocacy activities

Key Areas of Work

Delivering practical value to members through:

  • State-of-play analysis of reuse systems (LCAs, technologies, business models)
  • Development of a PETCORE EUROPE position on reuse
  • Contribution to fact-based communication and advocacy
  • Continuous monitoring of PPWR and related legislation
  • Best practice sharing, including:
    • Return systems (deposit-based models)
    • Refill at home and on-the-go
    • Industrial refill systems

EU Regulatory Framework and Targets

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) marks a major shift by introducing binding reuse targets across several packaging streams.

Key elements include:

  • Reuse targets by 2030:
    • At least 10% of beverage packaging to be reusable
  • Waste reduction targets:
    • –5% by 2030, –10% by 2035, –15% by 2040 (vs 2018 levels)
  • System-wide requirements:
    • All packaging must be recyclable by 2030
    • Mandatory deposit return systems for beverage containers by 2029 in most Member States

These targets confirm that reuse will play a significant role, but also highlight the need for careful implementation, considering market differences, infrastructure readiness, and environmental performance.

A Complementary Approach: Reuse and Recycling

PETCORE EUROPE promotes a complementary approach, where reuse and recycling coexist to deliver optimal environmental outcomes.

While reuse systems can reduce material consumption under certain conditions, their performance depends on multiple variables:

  • Number of reuse cycles
  • Transport distances and logistics efficiency
  • Energy and water use for cleaning
  • Local infrastructure and consumer behaviour

This reinforces the need for case-by-case assessment, rather than prescriptive, one-size-fits-all solutions.

The Role of Data and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

With the introduction of mandatory targets, ensuring credibility of environmental performance claims is essential.

LCA remains the key methodology to:

  • Quantify environmental impacts across the full lifecycle
  • Compare reuse and single-use systems on a consistent basis
  • Support compliance and informed decision-making

The Working Group actively promotes the use of harmonised methodologies, aligned with EU developments, to ensure consistency and comparability.

A Pragmatic Path Forward

The transition towards increased reuse requires:

  • Significant investments across the value chain
  • Adaptation of production, logistics, and retail systems
  • Strong consumer acceptance and participation

The Working Group supports a pragmatic and evidence-based approach, ensuring that:

  • Regulatory targets are implemented effectively and realistically
  • Solutions remain adapted to local market conditions
  • Environmental benefits are demonstrated through data

Ultimately, the objective is to enable a smart combination of reuse and recycling systems, delivering the best environmental outcomes while maintaining product safety, efficiency, and consumer convenience.

Who Participates?

The Working Group brings together:

  • Industry experts from across the PET value chain
  • Brands, converters, recyclers, and technology providers that are PETCORE EUROPE members
  • Sustainability and regulatory specialists

It operates in close coordination with other PETCORE EUROPE Working Groups, particularly Advocacy and Technical groups, ensuring full alignment across activities.

 

To apply for Working Group membership and to get an overview on the membership fees, please contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..