What is ISO 14040 (LCA framework)?
ISO 14040 guides Life Cycle Assessment to check a product’s full environmental impact, helping reduce waste and support a circular economy by promoting smarter, greener choices.
Glossary
EPR and sustainability, explained.
Plain-language definitions for EPR, waste management, and environmental compliance. No jargon, no filler.
What is ISO 14044 (LCA requirements)?
ISO 14044 guides clear, consistent Life Cycle Assessments to measure a product’s full environmental impact, helping businesses, consumers, and policymakers make greener, smarter choices.
What is ISO 18604 material recycling standard?
ISO 18604:2013 guides packaging design to be recyclable, helping reduce waste and support resource efficiency. It works with ISO 18601 to assess compliance and promote sustainability.
What is IT and telecommunications equipment (WEEE)?
The WEEE Directive targets IT and telecom devices like computers and phones, promoting recycling and reuse to reduce e-waste impact, with clear disposal rules marked by a crossed-out bin symbol.
What is IUU fishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated)?
IUU fishing breaks rules, harming fish stocks, oceans, and fishing communities. Fighting it with laws, tracking, and choosing certified seafood helps protect marine life and supports sustainable fishing.
What is kerbside collection (curbside recycling)?
Kerbside collection picks up recyclables from homes, making recycling easy and boosting participation. It reduces landfill waste, supports a circular economy, and helps protect the environment.
What is kraft paper?
Kraft paper is strong, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging made from managed forests. It’s great for wrapping, bags, and boxes, helping reduce waste and protect the planet.
What is Latvijas Zaļais Punkts (Latvia)?
Latvijas Zaļais punkts leads Latvia’s packaging and waste recycling, managing diverse waste streams and promoting sorting, recycling, and community awareness for a landfill-free future.
What is LDPE (low-density polyethylene)?
LDPE is a flexible plastic used in bags and wraps. It’s recyclable but must be clean. Reusing and recycling LDPE helps reduce waste and supports a circular economy for a healthier planet.
What is lead recovery target?
A lead recovery target sets a goal for how much lead to recycle from waste, reducing pollution, saving resources, and supporting a circular economy by keeping lead in use and out of the environment.
What is life cycle assessment (LCA)?
Life Cycle Assessment measures a product’s total environmental impact—from raw materials to disposal—helping reduce waste, improve recycling, and support a circular, sustainable economy.
What is life cycle impact assessment (LCIA)?
Seeing the full life cycle of everyday items reveals their true environmental impact, inspiring smarter choices like using less, recycling more, and supporting greener products for a healthier planet.
What is lighting equipment (WEEE)?
Lighting WEEE must be recycled properly to avoid hazards like mercury and recover valuable materials. EU rules and groups like EucoLight help boost collection and recycling for a greener future.
What is lightweighting?
Lightweighting means making products lighter using fewer or lighter materials, saving resources, reducing waste, and cutting emissions—helping the planet while keeping products strong and efficient.
What is lithium in batteries?
Lithium batteries power many devices and clean energy tools. Recycling and smart use reduce mining impacts, helping protect nature and support a greener, more circular economy for the future.
What is litter management cost allocation?
Litter management cost allocation shares cleanup costs fairly among waste creators and communities, encouraging less waste, supporting local budgets, and protecting the environment.
What is local authority waste?
Local Authorities manage local waste by collecting, recycling, and safely disposing of trash. They educate, enforce rules, and plan to reduce waste, protect health, and support a greener future.
What is longline fishing?
Longline fishing uses long lines with many hooks to catch fish but can harm other sea animals and fish stocks. Sustainable practices and rules help protect ocean life and ensure future fish supply.
What is magnetic separation?
Magnetic separation uses magnets to pull out metals like iron from waste, helping recycle materials, reduce landfill, cut pollution, and support a cleaner, circular economy.
What is making available on the market?
Making Available on the Market" means the first sale of a product in a region, ensuring it meets environmental rules for safety, recycling, and sustainability throughout its life cycle.
What is mandatory EPR vs. voluntary EPR?
Mandatory EPR requires all producers by law to manage product waste, ensuring higher recycling and fairness. Voluntary EPR lets companies choose participation, offering flexibility but less impact and risk of free-riding.
What is manganese in batteries?
Manganese in batteries makes them safer, cheaper, and longer-lasting. It’s more eco-friendly, supports recycling, and helps reduce mining harm, boosting sustainability and circular economy efforts.
What is Marelitt Baltic?
MARELITT Baltic tackled ghost nets in the Baltic Sea by mapping, retrieving, recycling gear, and preventing loss. Their work supports marine health and promotes circular economy in fishing.
What is marine biodegradable?
Marine biodegradable materials break down safely in the ocean, protecting marine life by reducing plastic pollution. They help keep seas cleaner, supporting healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable future.