Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is marine entanglement?

Marine entanglement happens when animals get caught in fishing gear or plastic waste, causing harm or death. Reducing plastic, improving gear, and cleaning oceans help protect marine life.

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What is marine litter?

Marine litter is human-made trash, especially plastic, harming marine life, water quality, and tourism. Reducing it needs better waste management, recycling, and using reusable or biodegradable products.

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What is marketplace due diligence?

Marketplace due diligence checks environmental, social, and economic practices in a market to ensure products support sustainability, circular economy, fair labor, and local economies.

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What is market surveillance regulation?

The Market Surveillance Regulation ensures products in the EU are safe, eco-friendly, and meet quality standards, promoting sustainability, protecting consumers, and supporting a circular economy.

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What is MARPOL Annex V?

MARPOL Annex V stops ships from dumping plastics and controls other waste at sea, protecting marine life and promoting better waste handling to keep oceans cleaner and safer.

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What is material criticality assessment?

Material Criticality Assessment identifies materials vital yet at risk of shortage, guiding smarter use, recycling, and alternatives to support sustainability and a circular economy.

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What is material flow analysis?

Material Flow Analysis tracks materials from start to end, showing where they come from, go, and how they're used or wasted. It helps reduce waste and supports recycling for a greener future.

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What is material footprint?

Material Footprint shows the total natural resources used to make products, encouraging recycling and smarter choices to reduce waste and support a circular economy for a healthier planet.

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What is materials reclamation?

Materials reclamation means recovering useful parts from waste to reuse them, saving energy and reducing pollution. You can reclaim items like paper, metal, glass, and plastics at home.

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What is material substitution?

Material substitution means swapping harmful materials for eco-friendlier ones, like recycled or natural options, to cut waste, save resources, and boost recycling, helping protect our planet.

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What is mechanical recycling?

Mechanical recycling reuses plastics by cleaning, shredding, and melting them into new products. It saves energy, reduces waste, and supports a circular economy, though quality may decline over time.

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What is mechanical textile recycling?

Mechanical textile recycling breaks down old fabrics into fibers to make new materials, reducing waste, saving water and energy, and supporting a circular economy by extending textile life.

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What is mercury in batteries?

Mercury in batteries is toxic and harms health and the environment. Many laws now ban it. Using mercury-free batteries and recycling old ones helps protect nature and supports a circular economy.

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What is metallized film?

Metallised film is plastic coated with thin metal, used for food packaging and insulation. It preserves freshness and saves energy but is hard to recycle. Innovations aim to improve its sustainability.

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What is methanolysis?

Methanolysis breaks down plastics and fats using methanol, turning waste into reusable materials or biodiesel. It supports recycling, reduces pollution, and promotes a circular, sustainable economy.

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What is microfibre pollution?

Microfibre pollution comes from tiny fibers shed by synthetic clothes in washing. Use filters, wash less often, choose natural fabrics, and wash in cold water to help reduce this hidden plastic pollution.

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What is mixed materials in fishing gear?

Fishing gear made from mixed materials like plastics and metals is hard to recycle and harms marine life. Using simpler, single materials and recycling helps protect oceans and supports circularity.

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What is mixed waste?

Mixed waste mixes different trash, making recycling tough and harming the environment. Sorting waste properly saves resources, cuts pollution, and supports a cleaner, circular economy.

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What is modular design?

Modular design makes products with replaceable parts, reducing waste and boosting recycling. It saves resources, extends product life, and supports a circular economy for a greener future.

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What is monofilament fishing line?

Monofilament fishing lines are strong and flexible but can harm wildlife if lost. Recycling and proper disposal help reduce pollution and support a circular economy for a cleaner environment.

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What is mono-material film?

Look for packaging labeled with a single recycling symbol or type, like “PE” for polyethylene. It’s usually soft, flexible plastic film, like snack bags or wrappers, easy to recycle at home.

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What is mono-material fishing gear?

Mono-material fishing gear uses one recyclable material, making recycling easier, reducing ocean pollution, protecting marine life, and supporting a circular economy for cleaner seas.

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What is mono-material packaging?

Mono-material packaging, made from one material, simplifies recycling, supports circular economy, reduces waste and emissions, and helps companies meet environmental goals—all boosting sustainability.

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What is moulded fibre packaging?

Moulded fibre packaging is strong, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable, made from recycled fibers. It protects products, reduces plastic use, and supports a circular economy.

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