What is a PVC label (recycling issue)?
PVC labels harm recycling by contaminating plastics and releasing toxins. Switching to removable or recyclable labels helps improve recycling and supports a cleaner, circular economy.
Glossary
EPR and sustainability, explained.
Plain-language definitions for EPR, waste management, and environmental compliance. No jargon, no filler.
What is a QR code on packaging (PPWR)?
The EU’s PPWR requires QR codes on packaging by 2026 to show material info, recyclability, and reuse options, helping consumers recycle correctly and support a circular economy.
What is aquaculture net?
Eco-friendly aquaculture nets can cut ocean pollution, protect marine life, and boost recycling. This means cleaner seafood and healthier oceans for future generations to enjoy. What would you choose?
What is ARA (Austria - Altstoff Recycling Austria)?
ARA is a non-profit in Austria ensuring packaging waste is sorted, recycled, and reused, achieving high recycling rates and promoting circular economy through collaboration and awareness campaigns.
What is a recycler in the PPWR definition?
A recycler processes used packaging into new materials, cutting waste, saving resources, and supporting a circular economy for a cleaner, greener future in line with PPWR rules.
What is a recycling target?
Recycling targets set clear goals to boost recycling, save energy, cut pollution, and support a circular economy. They unite governments, businesses, and citizens for a cleaner planet.
What is a refill station obligation?
Refill Station Obligation requires shops to offer refill spots for containers, cutting plastic waste, supporting reuse, and saving resources—helping both the environment and businesses thrive.
What is a refund value (deposit)?
Refund Value (Deposit) adds a small fee to a product price, refunded when returned for recycling. It boosts recycling, cuts waste, saves resources, and supports a circular economy.
What is a repair cafe?
Repair Cafes bring people together to fix broken items, cutting waste and saving resources. They build skills, community, and support a circular economy for a greener planet.
What is a reprocessor?
A reprocessor cleans and processes used materials, mainly plastics, turning them into raw materials for new products. They help reduce waste, save resources, and support a circular, sustainable economy.
What is a resin identification code?
The Resin Identification Code labels plastics (1-7) to help sort and recycle them properly. It supports circular economy by improving recycling and reducing plastic waste in landfills.
What is a retailer's EPR obligation?
Retailers must register, join compliance schemes, report sales, pay fees, and ensure proper product disposal under EPR laws, helping boost recycling and reduce waste for a greener future.
What is a reusability label?
A Reusability Label shows a product can be used multiple times, cutting waste and saving resources. It helps consumers choose sustainable, eco-friendly items that support a circular economy.
What is a reuse system?
A reuse system keeps products in use longer by refilling, repairing, or returning them, cutting waste and saving resources. It supports the circular economy and helps protect the environment.
What is a reuse target in beverage packaging?
Europe aims to boost reuse of beverage packaging with targets like 70% reusable in Germany (2022) and 30% in Portugal (2030), supporting waste reduction and a circular economy.
What is a reuse target in transport packaging?
Reuse Target (Transport Packaging) sets goals to reuse crates, pallets, and boxes multiple times, cutting waste, saving resources, and supporting a circular economy for greener, cost-saving transport.
What is a reverse vending machine?
Reverse Vending Machines make recycling easy and rewarding by accepting bottles and cans, sorting them for reuse, reducing waste, and supporting a cleaner environment and circular economy.
What is a second-life battery?
Second-life batteries reuse used electric car batteries for energy storage, reducing waste, saving resources, and supporting clean energy—making energy systems greener and more affordable.
What is a shrink sleeve?
Shrink sleeves wrap products fully with plastic labels, offering great branding but adding plastic waste. Using recyclable or bio-based films and better recycling boosts their sustainability.
What is a solid-state battery?
Solid-state batteries use solid materials, making them safer, longer-lasting, and easier to recycle. They support cleaner energy, reduce waste, and boost circular economy efforts in many sectors.
What is a sorting facility?
Sorting facilities separate mixed recyclables like plastic, paper, and metal using machines and workers. This improves recycling quality, saves energy, reduces waste, and supports a circular economy.
What is asset recovery?
Asset recovery reclaims valuable materials from waste, reducing landfill, saving resources, cutting pollution, and supporting the circular economy by turning old items into new products.
What is a stand-up pouch?
Stand-up pouches save materials and emissions with lightweight design, offer convenience, and reduce waste. Recycling challenges remain, but better materials and systems boost their role in circular packaging.
What is a stewardship plan?
A stewardship plan guides responsible care of land and resources, balancing use with protection to keep nature healthy, support sustainability, and reduce waste for today and future generations.