Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is deadstock in textiles?

Deadstock in textiles means unused fabric leftover from production. Using it cuts waste, saves resources, and supports circular fashion by giving materials a second life in unique, eco-friendly clothes.

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What is decarbonisation?

Start reducing your carbon footprint by using public transport, switching off unused lights, recycling waste, and choosing energy-efficient products. Small changes make a big difference!

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What is decontamination in recycling?

Decontamination cleans recycled materials by removing dirt and harmful substances, improving quality, safety, and resource savings. Simple steps like rinsing help support a greener, circular economy.

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What is deforestation?

Deforestation is cutting down trees, harming wildlife, soil, and climate. Using recycled wood, protecting forests, and choosing sustainable products help keep forests and the planet healthy.

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What is deinking in paper recycling?

Deinking removes ink from used paper, making it clean for recycling. This saves trees, cuts pollution, and supports a circular economy by turning old paper into new products.

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What is dematerialization?

Dematerialisation means using fewer materials for the same purpose, cutting waste and saving resources. It supports sustainability by reducing pollution and promoting circular economy practices.

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What is depollution (ELV)?

Depollution (ELV) removes harmful fluids and parts from old vehicles, preventing pollution. It ensures safe recycling, protects the environment, and supports a circular economy by recovering valuable materials.

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What is depolymerization?

Depolymerisation breaks plastics into original parts for high-quality recycling, cutting waste and pollution. It supports a circular economy by reusing materials and saving resources.

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What is derelict fishing gear?

Derelict fishing gear harms marine life by ghost fishing and polluting oceans. Using safer gear, recycling nets, and supporting clean-ups helps protect oceans and promote sustainability.

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What is design for disassembly?

Design for Disassembly means making products easy to take apart for repair, reuse, or recycling. This reduces waste, saves resources, and supports a circular, sustainable economy.

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What is design for environment (DfE)?

Design for Environment means making products that use fewer resources, last longer, use less energy, and are easier to recycle—helping reduce waste and protect the planet.

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What is design for longevity?

Design for Longevity means making durable, repairable products that last longer, reduce waste, save resources, and support a circular economy for a healthier planet.

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What is design for recycling?

Design for Recycling means creating products with materials and assembly that make recycling easy, reducing waste and saving resources to support a cleaner, more circular economy.

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What is design for reusability?

Design for reusability means making products to last, be repaired, and used many times, cutting waste and saving resources—a smart way to support a greener, circular economy.

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What is digital watermarking in recycling?

Digital watermarks are invisible codes on packaging that help sort and recycle materials accurately, reducing waste and boosting circular economy by making recycling faster and cleaner.

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What is direct recycling of batteries?

Direct recycling reuses battery materials intact, saving energy and resources. It cuts pollution, reduces mining, supports circular economy, and lowers costs for sustainable battery production.

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What is do no significant harm (DNSH)?

Do No Significant Harm means ensuring projects help the environment without causing serious damage, balancing progress with protecting nature for a healthier, more sustainable future.

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What is door-to-door collection?

Door-to-door collection makes recycling easy and convenient, boosting proper sorting, reducing waste, supporting the circular economy, and keeping neighborhoods clean and green.

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What is double materiality?

Double materiality means companies consider both their impact on people and planet, and how environmental or social changes affect their business, promoting responsibility and long-term success.

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What is double wall packaging (ban)?

The EU’s new rules ban double wall packaging to cut waste and boost recycling. By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable and use less material, supporting a greener, circular economy.

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What is doughnut economics?

Doughnut Economics balances meeting human needs with protecting Earth’s limits, promoting fairness, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable growth for a healthy planet and society.

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What is downcycling?

Downcycling recycles materials into lower-quality products, reducing waste and saving resources but shortening material life. Better design and recycling habits can improve circularity.

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