Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is the HORECA reuse requirement?

The HORECA Reuse Requirement in the EU mandates hotels, restaurants, and cafes to offer reusable packaging—10% by 2030, 40% by 2040—and allow customers to use their own containers.

Read

What is the INdIGO project?

INdIGO develops durable, biodegradable fishing gear with controlled lifespan, boosts gear recycling, and uses tech to find lost gear, cutting marine plastic pollution in the France-Channel-England area.

Read

What is the Industrial Emissions Directive?

The Industrial Emissions Directive limits pollution from industries by enforcing strict permits, using best techniques, reducing waste, and promoting transparency—protecting health and supporting a circular, cleaner environment.

Read

What is the Info-Tri logo in France?

In France, the Info-Tri system uses the Triman logo and clear labels to guide consumers on sorting waste, making recycling easy and supporting a circular, sustainable economy.

Read

What is the landfill directive?

The Landfill Directive protects health and environment by regulating waste types in landfills, reducing biodegradable waste, promoting recycling, and aiming to cut landfill use to 10% by 2035.

Read

What is the lithium recovery target?

Lithium recovery targets set goals to reclaim lithium from old batteries, reducing mining harm, boosting recycling, supporting circular economy, and ensuring sustainable, eco-friendly resource use.

Read

What is the LUCID Register in Germany?

The LUCID Register in Germany tracks packaging waste, requiring companies to register and report packaging to ensure recycling, transparency, and compliance with environmental laws.

Read

What is the market surveillance authority?

A Market Surveillance Authority ensures products meet safety and environmental rules, supports circular economy by promoting recyclable, safe items, and protects consumers and the planet.

Read

What is the mass balance approach?

The Mass Balance Approach tracks materials through production and recycling, ensuring recycled content claims are true. It boosts transparency, supports circular economy, and reduces waste.

Read

What is the micro-enterprise EPR exemption?

Micro-enterprises in the EU may get some EPR exemptions in certain countries, but they’re still encouraged to design eco-friendly, recyclable products for better sustainability and business growth.

Read

What is the Mobius loop (recycling symbol)?

The Möbius Loop, a triangle of arrows, shows recycling’s cycle: collect, process, reuse. It reminds us to recycle and choose products made from recycled materials, supporting a circular economy.

Read

What is the Net Zero Industry Act?

The Net-Zero Industry Act boosts EU clean tech production, aiming for 40% self-supply by 2030, supporting jobs, energy independence, and cutting emissions for a greener future.

Read

What is the nickel recovery target?

Nickel Recovery Target aims to recycle nickel from waste, cutting mining impacts, saving energy, and promoting a circular economy that reuses materials for a cleaner, sustainable future.

Read

What is the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel certifies products in Nordic countries meeting strict sustainability standards across their life cycle, promoting eco-friendly choices and supporting a greener, circular economy.

Read

What is the OK Compost label?

The OK Compost label shows a product safely breaks down in industrial or home composting, cutting waste and pollution while supporting recycling and a healthier planet. Would you try it?

Read

What is the on-pack recycling label (OPRL)?

The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) in the UK guides consumers with clear, consistent recycling info on packaging, helping boost recycling rates and support environmental sustainability.

Read

What is the OSPAR Convention?

The OSPAR Convention unites 15 countries and the EU to protect the North-East Atlantic by reducing pollution, protecting marine life, promoting recycling, and supporting a healthy, sustainable ocean.

Read