REUSE FOUNDATION PROMOTING REUSE TO PREVENT PLASTIC WASTE

Highlights

EU Proposes Unified Packaging Labels
	The European Commission introduced a proposal to harmonize packaging labels across the EU as part of implementing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Its goal is to reduce confusion for consumers and improve recycling outcomes by standardizing symbols for recyclability, reusability and disposal, and to ease compliance for brand owners operating in multiple EU markets. Today’s patchwork of national schemes often leads to mis-sorting and contamination. [Image Credit: © EmDee on Wikimedia Commons]
US Plastics Pact Reports Measured Progress
	The US Plastics Pact’s 2024–25 Impact Report shows steady but uneven progress toward a more circular plastics economy. The report highlights better PET recycling and collaboration across the value chain, while calling out lagging performance in flexible packaging. It also emphasizes the need for stronger policy support, investment in collection systems, and clearer labeling to meet 2025 targets and reduce plastic waste nationwide. It highlights an increase in reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging from 50% to 54%, growth in PCR content in plastic packaging to 14% from 11% and the implementation of Roadmap 2.0, its new strategic plan, which includes a new target, focusing on reusable packaging systems.[Image Credit: © U.S. Plastics Pact Inc.]
Austria Links VAT Cut To Plastics Tax
	Austria plans to fund a reduced VAT rate on select food items by introducing a tax on non-recyclable plastics. While details are still being finalized, the policy links consumer price relief with environmental goals and intends to discourage hard-to-recycle packaging and generate revenue for public benefits. [Image Credit: © Richard REVEL on pexels.com]
China Advances Packaging Recycling Plans
	China outlined new packaging recycling initiatives aimed at accelerating its circular economy goals, focusing on reducing excessive packaging, boosting recycling rates and increasing the use of recycled materials, particularly plastics. Authorities are targeting e-commerce, food delivery and consumer goods, sectors that generate large volumes of plastic waste. Measures include clearer recycling standards, stronger enforcement and support for recycling infrastructure. [Image Credit: © Konstantin Mishchenko on Pexels]
Reasons For Kiehl’s Bet On Refillables
	Kiehl’s sees refillable packaging as a major opportunity to cut plastic waste while strengthening customer loyalty, claiming that refill systems can significantly reduce single-use plastic, especially for high-volume personal care products. Kiehl’s is investing in durable primary packaging and refill formats that work both in-store and online. While refillables face hurdles such as consumer behavior and logistics, the company views them as essential to meeting sustainability goals. In 2024, its refill formats helped it reduce its global plastic production by 122 tons.[Image Credit: © Ninjakeg on Wikimedia Commons]
Industry Unites To Modernize Recycling In US
	Leaders from manufacturing, consumer goods and recycling launched The Recycling Leadership Council (RLC): Taking Action to Reduce Plastic Waste, pushing for modernization of US recycling systems. It aims to align industry around policy reform, improved infrastructure and consistent rules across states. With recycling rates stagnating and plastic waste increasing, members argue that outdated systems can’t meet today’s packaging challenges. The council supports extended producer responsibility, standardized labeling and better data reporting. [Image Credit: © Kelly on Pexels]
Plastics In Reuse Systems Debated
	In an interview, Charlie Bradley, a Doctoral Researcher at Brunel University of London, argues that plastics can still play a role in reuse systems if designed correctly. While many reuse advocates favor non-plastic materials, Bradley notes that lightweight, durable plastics can lower emissions and improve system efficiency when reused many times. The key is thoughtful material selection, system design and end-of-life planning. [Image Credit: © Pete Linforth from Pixabay]
WorldStar 2026 Highlights Eco Packaging
	The WorldStar 2026 awards showcase packaging innovations with a strong focus on sustainability. Many winning entries feature reduced plastic use, higher recycled content, recyclable mono-material designs and refill or reuse concepts. Eco-focused packaging stood out across food, beverage and consumer goods categories. Among the 234 winners, from481 entries, are 24 from Japan, 21 from Austria, and 18 each from China and Germany.[Image Credit: © WorldStar]
Questions Raised On Microplastics Research
	New analysis casts doubt on claims that microplastics are found widely throughout the human body. Scientists say some studies may suffer from contamination, inconsistent methods or overstated conclusions. While concern about microplastic exposure remains valid, researchers caution against alarming claims without stronger evidence. The debate highlights the need for standardized testing and clearer definitions. Researchers raise concerns over a “race to publish results, in some cases by groups with limited analytical expertise”. One study, highlighting increased presence of micro- and nanoplastics in brain tissue found during postmortems, is described by a member of a group of scientists raising concern about the study as a “joke”. [Image Credit: © Springer Nature Limited]
Unilever And Saica Cut Promo Plastics
	Unilever and Saica Group announced an ongoing collaboration to reduce plastic in promotional packaging, focusing on replacing plastic components with paper-based alternatives, such as paper bands, while maintaining product visibility and protection. The move targets short-lived promotional materials, a common source of avoidable plastic waste. [Image Credit: © Saica]
Recent Greenwashing Examples Spotlighted
	A new roundup highlights more than 20 recent examples of greenwashing across industries, including packaging and plastics. Common issues include vague recyclability claims, misleading “eco” labels and overstated environmental benefits. Regulators and watchdogs are paying closer attention as consumers demand transparency. As rules tighten, especially around labeling and marketing, brands face higher risks from exaggerated or unclear environmental messaging. Cases from recent years include misleading plastic packing claims from Windex, unclear environmental claims by Unilever and misleading ‘carbon neutral’ product claims for Apple Watch.[Image Credit: © Karolina Grabowska on pexels.com]
Make Waves Launches Recycled Refill System
	In the UK, Make Waves introduced an onshore recycled plastic refillable system for deodorants and anti-perspirants designed to cut plastic waste and emissions, using recycled plastic sourced and processed domestically. The refill format allows consumers to replace only the product cartridge, keeping the outer case. Consumers can sign up to a subscription service for the refills.[Image Credit: © Make Waves (via Facebook video)]
Study Examines In-Store Refill Adoption
	A new study from the Philippines explores how in-store refill systems influence consumer purchase intentions for personal care products. It found that environmental concern, perceived convenience and trust in hygiene all affect willingness to adopt refills. While consumers express interest in reducing plastic waste, barriers such as habit and uncertainty remain, and the study suggests education, clear pricing and easy-to-use systems are critical for success. [Image Credit: © Sarah Chai on Pexels]
California Delays Packaging EPR Rules
	California regulators are again putting off finalizing rules for the state’s landmark packaging extended producer responsibility law, SB 54. The delay creates uncertainty for packaging producers planning compliance investments but officials cited the need to revisit definitions and implementation details, particularly for food and agricultural packaging. While the law’s goals remain unchanged, industry groups worry that repeated delays compress timelines and raise costs. [Image Credit: © Marta Ortigosa on Pexels]
Unilever Pressured On Sachet Use
	A Greenpeace report argues that Unilever must move faster to phase out plastic sachets, widely used in developing markets but rarely recycled. The report links sachets to significant plastic pollution and calls for investment in reuse and refill systems. Unilever acknowledges the challenge but cites affordability and infrastructure barriers. A 2025 investigation by journalist Saabira Chaudhuri looked at global CPG companies’ business models around disposable plastic, including how Unilever was involved in turning single-use sachets into an important packaging format by unlocking low-income consumer markets. Greenpeace also says that reuse and refill systems aren’t expanding, not because of a lack of interest, but because “corporations hadn’t set them up to succeed and haven’t invested meaningfully and across sectors to support the policy change and concerted effort needed to properly support the reuse revolution”. Greenpeace argues that neighbourhood stores in Manila, Philippines, for example, operate as “reuse and refill hubs”, and a pilot project in India replaced sachets with refillable shampoo bottles, preventing over 5,000 sachets. [Image Credit: © Greenpeace International]
Korea Pushes Recycled Packaging Use
	South Korean beverage and beauty companies are increasing recycled packaging use to meet stricter government regulations. New rules set higher minimum recycled content levels and tighter reporting requirements. Major brands are redesigning bottles, switching materials and securing recycled resin supplies. The shift is also driven by consumer pressure and global sustainability commitments. [Image Credit: © Engin Akyurt on pexels.com]
New US Packaging Laws In 2026
	Several US state packaging laws take effect in 2026, covering plastic bags, foam containers, PFAS restrictions and hotel packaging. They vary by state but collectively raise compliance demands for national brands. Companies must track material choices, labeling and reporting more closely to avoid penalties. This patchwork approach increases complexity, especially for plastic packaging, and strengthen the case for a more consistent national framework.[Image Credit: © Aninge Fetzer on Unsplash]
Recycling Cooperation Meets Antitrust Scrutiny
	An industry push to make toothpaste tubes recyclable became a flashpoint in a growing antitrust debate. After Colgate redesigned toothpaste tubes to be recyclable plastic and shared the technology with competitors, the vast majority of tubes sold in the US adopted the new format. Critics, including several Republican state attorneys general, argue that such collaboration to reduce plastic waste may violate antitrust laws by limiting competition. They call it “a front assault” on the 1890 Sherman Act. Attorneys general argue companies that cooperate on more recyclable packaging are forcing environmental standards on consumers that haven’t voted for them. It reflects broader concern antitrust laws are serving to discourage collaboration on ESG issues generally.[Image Credit: © Miriam Alonso on Pexels ]