Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What are electrochemical performance parameters?

Electrochemical performance measures how well batteries and devices store, deliver, and save energy. Better capacity, efficiency, and cycle life mean longer-lasting, greener tech supporting sustainability.

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What are end-of-waste criteria?

End-of-Waste Criteria are rules that show when waste is treated enough to be safely reused as a resource, boosting recycling, saving energy, and supporting a circular, sustainable economy.

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What are enforcement and penalties (EPR)?

Enforcement and penalties in EPR make sure companies manage product waste responsibly. They encourage recycling, fairness, and innovation, reducing pollution and supporting a cleaner, sustainable future.

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What are European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)?

The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) guide large EU companies to disclose clear, consistent info on their environmental, social, and governance actions. They require reports on climate, biodiversity, labor, and governance, focusing on both company impacts and financial risks. This promotes transparency and supports the EU’s sustainability goals.

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What are finite resources?

Start by recycling more, using energy-efficient products, and choosing items made from recycled materials. Small changes like turning off lights help save finite resources and protect the planet.

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What are food containers (single-use)?

Single-use food containers create waste and pollution. Switching to reusable or biodegradable options reduces environmental harm and saves resources. Small changes help build a greener world.

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What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels come from ancient plants and animals, powering much of today’s world but harming the environment. Using renewables and saving energy helps protect the planet’s future.

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What are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?

Greenhouse gases trap heat, warming Earth. Too much causes climate change. Cutting emissions by using clean energy, recycling, and saving energy helps protect our planet’s future.

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What are hazardous substances in batteries?

Batteries contain harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and lithium. Recycling and proper disposal prevent pollution, protect health, and save energy, helping create a cleaner, safer planet.

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What are healthy seas?

Healthy Seas removes harmful ghost nets from oceans, recycles them into new products, spreads awareness, and supports a circular economy to protect marine life and fight pollution.

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What are large household appliances (WEEE)?

Large Household Appliances (WEEE) need proper recycling to recover valuable materials, prevent pollution, and support a circular economy. Returning old appliances helps protect the environment and save resources.

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What are lightweight plastic carrier bags?

Lightweight plastic bags are handy but harm the environment when discarded. Using reusable bags cuts waste, protects animals, and supports a cleaner planet. Try bringing your own bag!

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What are medical devices (WEEE)?

Medical devices under the EU WEEE Directive must be recycled properly, except infectious or implantable ones. Manufacturers handle collection and recycling, promoting a circular, eco-friendly approach.

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What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces from broken waste and products. They harm wildlife and may affect humans. Preventing pollution by reducing plastic use and supporting recycling helps protect health and nature.

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What are natural resources?

You can save natural resources by recycling, using less water and energy, choosing sustainable products, and reducing waste—small daily actions that protect our planet for the future.

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What are oxo-degradable plastics?

Oxo-degradable plastics break into tiny pieces but don’t fully disappear, causing microplastic pollution and recycling issues. Europe favors safer, recyclable, or biodegradable alternatives.

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What are oxo-degradable plastics (ban)?

Oxo-degradable plastics break into microplastics, harming the environment. The EU banned them in 2021 to reduce pollution and promote sustainable alternatives globally.

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What are packaging functionality criteria?

Packaging at home could improve by using resealable, recyclable materials that protect and preserve products, are easy to handle, and reduce waste, supporting both convenience and sustainability.

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