Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

Plain-language definitions for EPR, waste management, and environmental compliance. No jargon, no filler.

What are adhesives in packaging?

Adhesives in packaging hold materials together, ensuring safety and freshness. Eco-friendly adhesives improve recycling, reduce waste, and support a circular economy for a greener future.

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What are advance disposal fees?

Advance Disposal Fees are upfront charges that fund recycling and safe disposal, encouraging better product design and supporting circular economy by covering waste costs from the start.

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What are automatic dispensers (WEEE)?

Automatic dispensers in the EU must be registered under the WEEE Directive. Producers must manage their collection, recycling, and offer free take-back to reduce e-waste and support circularity.

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What are awareness raising measures (SUPD)?

Awareness Raising Measures under the SUPD educate people on plastic waste harm, encouraging reusable choices to reduce single-use plastics, protect nature, and support recycling for a cleaner planet.

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What are battery durability requirements?

Battery durability means batteries last long, stay safe, and perform well in different conditions. This reduces waste, lowers resource use, and supports recycling and a circular economy.

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What are battery labelling requirements?

Battery labels show battery type, capacity, safety warnings, and disposal info. This helps recycling, prevents pollution, and supports a circular economy by keeping materials in use.

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What are best available techniques (BAT)?

Best Available Techniques (BAT) are the best practical methods industries use to reduce pollution, save resources, and protect health, balancing effectiveness and cost under European laws.

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What are bio-based plastics?

Bio-based plastics come from plants, cutting fossil fuel use and carbon emissions. They support a circular economy but need careful farming and disposal to truly help the environment.

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What are biodegradable materials?

Biodegradable materials break down naturally, reducing waste and pollution. They support a circular economy by returning to nature safely. Choosing them helps protect the planet and cut landfill piles.

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What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics come from plants, reducing fossil fuel use and pollution. Some break down naturally, but others need special composting. Using them helps cut waste and supports a greener future.

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What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits let companies buy or sell permission to emit greenhouse gases, encouraging cuts where cheap. They fund green projects and help meet climate goals flexibly and cost-effectively.

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What are compostable packaging labels (PPWR)?

Compostable packaging labels break down in composting, helping reduce waste. From Aug 2028, EU rules require such labels on produce, making recycling easier and supporting a circular economy.

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What are conflict minerals?

Conflict minerals fund violence and harm people and nature. Responsible sourcing, laws, certification, and recycling help stop this, promoting fair mining and protecting communities and the environment.

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What are consumption reduction measures (SUPD)?

Consumption Reduction Measures under SUPD cut single-use plastics by banning items, promoting reusables, improving product design, raising awareness, and boosting recycling to protect nature and save resources.

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What are critical raw materials (CRM)?

Critical Raw Materials are vital for tech and green energy. Recycling, smart design, and sustainable sourcing help secure supplies, reduce waste, and protect the environment for a circular economy.

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What are crop protection containers (EVPP)?

Crop protection containers are key in farming and now see 72% recycling in Europe. Innovations like plasma barriers boost recyclability, supporting a circular economy and cutting plastic waste.

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What are delegated acts?

Delegated Acts help update detailed rules in areas like waste management or energy efficiency quickly, guiding businesses and consumers to meet clear sustainability and circular economy standards.

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What are design for recycling criteria?

Design for Recycling means making products easy to recycle by using simple materials, avoiding harmful substances, enabling easy disassembly, and clear labeling—helping save resources and reduce waste.

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What are design guidelines for packaging?

Packaging should use less material, be strong, easy to recycle or reuse, clearly labeled, and eco-friendly in materials and inks to cut waste and pollution while protecting products well.

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What are distance contracts?

Distance contracts, like online sales, let you cancel within 14 days with a refund. EU laws ensure clear info, protecting consumers and supporting sustainable, resource-saving shopping.

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What are eco-modulated fees?

Eco-modulated fees charge more for products that harm the environment and less for greener options. They encourage recycling, reduce waste, and support Extended Producer Responsibility for a circular economy.

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What are eco-modulation criteria?

Eco-modulation adjusts fees based on a product's eco-friendliness, rewarding sustainable design and recycling to reduce waste and pollution, driving a circular economy and greener products.

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