Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is placing on the market?

Placing on the market" means when a product is first sold or offered, triggering rules for safety, environmental standards, and producer responsibility to support recycling and reduce waste.

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What is planned obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence makes products wear out fast, boosting waste and resource use. Choosing durable items, supporting repairs, and buying less helps reduce environmental harm and supports circular economy.

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What is Plastix fishing gear recycling?

Plastix recycles used fishing gear into high-quality plastics called OceanIX, reducing ocean pollution and supporting a circular economy by turning waste into new, useful products like packaging films.

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What is pollution?

Pollution harms air, water, and land, affecting health and nature. Reducing it needs cleaner energy, better waste management, and smarter daily choices like biking and recycling.

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What is polyester in textiles?

Polyester is a strong, easy-care fabric made from fossil fuels. Recycling and blending it with natural fibers help reduce waste and pollution, making polyester more eco-friendly and supporting circularity.

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What is polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene (PP) is a strong, lightweight plastic used in many products. It’s recyclable, helping reduce waste and fossil fuel use, but needs proper sorting. Bio-based PP offers greener options.

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What is polypropylene (PP) in fishing gear?

Polypropylene is strong, light, and water-resistant, making it ideal for fishing gear. Its durability reduces waste, but lost gear can pollute oceans. Recycling and smart design boost circularity.

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What is polystyrene (PS)?

Polystyrene is a common plastic used in packaging and insulation. It's hard to recycle, made from fossil fuels, and persists in nature. Reducing use and choosing reusable items helps cut waste.

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What is post-consumer waste?

Post-consumer waste is what we toss after use, like bottles or paper. Recycling it saves resources and cuts pollution. Try using reusable items or sorting your trash to help the planet!

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What is post-industrial waste (pre-consumer waste)?

Post-industrial waste is leftover material from manufacturing, cleaner and easier to recycle than post-consumer waste. Recycling it saves resources, supports circular economy, and benefits businesses and the environment.

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What is pouch packaging?

Pouch packaging uses less material, cuts transport emissions, and can be reusable or recyclable. It saves space and reduces waste, supporting sustainability when managed and designed for circularity.

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What is PPWR conformity assessment?

A PPWR Conformity Assessment checks packaging meets EU rules on recyclability, safety, and material use. It ensures sustainability, legal compliance, and helps reduce waste across Europe.

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What is PPWR mandatory DRS under Article 50?

Article 50 of the PPWR requires EU countries to set up Deposit Return Systems for beverage containers, boosting recycling, reducing waste, and supporting a circular, sustainable economy.

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What is precious metals recovery from WEEE?

Precious metals recovery from WEEE recycles gold, silver, and platinum from old electronics, saving energy, reducing mining harm, conserving resources, and supporting a circular, sustainable economy.

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What is preventive design?

Choose durable, repairable products and recycle packaging. Fix items instead of discarding them, and support brands that use eco-friendly materials and promote sustainability.

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What is primary packaging (sales packaging)?

Primary packaging holds and protects products, provides info, and keeps items fresh. Sustainable design uses less material, recyclable or reusable options to reduce waste and support a circular economy.

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What is primary production packaging?

Primary packaging is the first layer holding a product, like bottles or jars. Making it recyclable, reusable, or lighter helps cut waste and supports a greener, circular economy.

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What is printed circuit board recycling?

Printed circuit board recycling recovers valuable metals, prevents pollution, and supports a circular economy by reducing mining impacts. Proper recycling keeps electronics eco-friendly and protects the environment.

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What is product as a service?

Product-as-a-Service means renting or sharing products instead of owning them, making products last longer, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy for a greener, smarter future.

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What is product lifespan in textiles?

Textile product lifespan means how long clothes stay useful. Longer use cuts waste and pollution. Choosing quality, caring well, repairing, and recycling help make textiles more sustainable.

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