Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is shrink wrap?

Shrink wrap protects and bundles items using heat-shrinking plastic film. It reduces bulky packaging but can create plastic waste. Recycling and biodegradable options boost its circular economy benefits.

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What is silage wrap or bale wrap film?

Silage wrap protects animal feed by sealing it airtight, reducing waste and methane emissions. Recycling this single-use plastic supports a circular economy and helps protect the environment.

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What is silicon in electronics?

Silicon chips power our devices and are abundant and non-toxic. Recycling them reduces waste and energy use. Cleaner production and better recycling make electronics greener and more sustainable.

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What is Simpler Recycling (UK)?

Simpler Recycling standardizes waste into four streams—residual, food, paper/card, and dry recyclables—to boost recycling, reduce contamination, and support the UK’s 65% waste recycling target by 2035.

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What is single polymer packaging?

Single Polymer Packaging uses one plastic type, making recycling easier and cutting waste. It keeps products fresh, saves energy, and supports a circular economy—good for you and the planet!

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What is smog?

Smog is polluted air from vehicles and factories mixing with sunlight, harming health and the environment. Using public transport, biking, and cleaner energy helps reduce smog and improve air quality.

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What is sociedade ponto verde in Portugal?

Sociedade Ponto Verde, in Portugal, manages packaging waste collection and recycling through a system funded by producers, promoting circular economy, innovation, and environmental education.

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What is solvent-based recycling (dissolution)?

Solvent-based recycling uses special liquids to dissolve and purify plastics, keeping quality high. It handles mixed waste well, saves energy, and supports a circular economy by reducing plastic pollution.

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What is solvolysis?

Solvolysis breaks down plastics using solvents, turning waste into reusable raw materials. It supports circular economy by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and improving recycling quality.

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What is sortation?

Sortation separates materials like plastics, metals, and paper so they can be recycled properly. It boosts recycling efficiency, saves resources, and supports a circular economy for a cleaner planet.

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What is source sorting?

Source sorting means separating waste like paper, plastic, and food right where it's made. This helps recycling work better, saves energy, cuts pollution, and supports a circular, eco-friendly economy.

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What is spare parts reuse?

Spare parts reuse means fixing products with parts from old items, cutting waste, saving resources, and supporting a circular economy. It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reduces pollution.

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What is state of health (SOH)?

State of Health (SOH) shows a battery’s current capacity and efficiency compared to new, helping extend its life, reduce waste, and support sustainable recycling and reuse.

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What is steel packaging (tinplate)?

Tinplate steel packaging is durable, highly recyclable (82% in Europe), energy-saving, and reduces food waste, making it a key player in the circular economy and sustainability efforts.

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What is stretch film?

Stretch film protects goods by securely wrapping items, reducing damage and waste. Made from stretchable plastic, it supports recycling and helps cut food spoilage, boosting sustainability.

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What is supply chain due diligence?

Supply Chain Due Diligence ensures products are made responsibly by checking materials and factories to protect people, environment, and promote sustainability and circular economy values.

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What is supply chain transparency?

Supply chain transparency means openly sharing where materials come from and how products are made, helping companies and consumers choose ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly options.

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What is sustainability?

Sustainability means using resources wisely, reducing waste, and protecting nature so future generations thrive. Small actions like saving energy or recycling make a big difference. Every effort counts!

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What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development means using resources wisely to protect nature, support people, and grow the economy fairly. Try recycling more or saving energy to help create a healthy future for all.

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What is sustainable finance?

Sustainable finance directs money to eco-friendly projects, fair workplaces, and clean technologies, helping fight climate change and build a healthier, fairer world for everyone’s future.

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What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging uses renewable, recycled, or less material to reduce waste and pollution. Choosing recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging helps protect nature and supports a greener future.

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What is sustainable procurement?

Sustainable procurement means buying goods that protect the environment, support fair labor, and boost the economy, helping reduce waste, pollution, and unfair practices for a better future.

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What is takeaway packaging reuse rules?

From 2027, EU requires food outlets to offer reusable or customer containers for takeaways, aiming to cut single-use waste, save resources, and boost circular economy by 2030 targets.

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