Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is the UN Global Compact?

The UN Global Compact helps businesses act responsibly by following 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, promoting a fairer, greener, and more ethical world.

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What is the VerpackG (German Packaging Act)?

VerpackG makes companies responsible for packaging waste by requiring registration, joining recycling systems, meeting targets, and encouraging eco-friendly materials to boost circular economy.

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What is the virgin plastics tax?

The Virgin Plastics Tax charges companies for using new plastic, encouraging recycled materials use. This reduces waste, boosts recycling, and supports a circular, sustainable economy.

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What is the visible fee (WEEE)?

The Visible Fee is a charge on electronics in some European countries to cover recycling costs, raise consumer awareness, and promote responsible disposal of electronic waste.

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What is the Waste Framework Directive?

The Waste Framework Directive guides EU countries to reduce waste, boost recycling, and promote reuse, supporting a circular economy that protects health and the environment.

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What is the WEEE collection target?

WEEE Collection Target ensures old electronics are properly collected and recycled, recovering valuable materials and preventing harmful pollution, supporting a cleaner, circular economy in Europe.

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What is the WEEE Directive?

The WEEE Directive makes producers responsible for recycling electronics, helps people recycle old devices easily, and protects the environment by reducing harmful e-waste.

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What is the WEEE recast?

The WEEE Recast boosts e-waste recycling by making producers responsible, raising targets, improving product design, and ensuring safe handling to protect the environment and save resources.

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What is tonnage reporting?

Tonnage reporting tracks the weight of waste and materials, helping businesses reduce waste, improve recycling, comply with laws, and support a circular economy for better sustainability.

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What is traceability?

Traceability tracks a product’s journey from origin to use, ensuring it’s safe, ethical, and eco-friendly. It supports recycling, reduces waste, and builds trust for better, greener choices.

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What is tracer-based sorting (TBS)?

Tracer-Based Sorting adds tiny markers to materials, helping machines sort plastics and metals accurately. This cuts waste, boosts recycling quality, saves resources, and supports a circular economy.

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What is transboundary waste movement?

Transboundary waste movement is shipping waste across countries. It needs strict rules to prevent pollution and health risks, support recycling, and promote cooperation for a safer, circular economy.

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What is tubes in packaging?

Tubes hold creams and toothpaste, often made from plastic or aluminum. Using recyclable or refillable tubes helps reduce waste and supports a circular economy, protecting the planet’s resources.

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What is tungsten in electronics?

Tungsten’s strength, heat resistance, and recyclability make it vital in electronics, helping devices last longer and supporting sustainability by reducing waste and preserving natural resources.

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What is tyre recovery (ELV)?

Tyre recovery from end-of-life vehicles turns worn tyres into valuable materials or energy, cutting waste and saving resources, boosting Europe’s circular economy and supporting sustainability goals.

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What is ultra-fast fashion?

Ultra-fast fashion creates lots of waste and pollution by making cheap clothes quickly. Choosing sustainable brands, buying less, and recycling helps protect the planet and workers.

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What is upcycling?

Upcycling turns old items into useful new ones, saving resources, cutting waste, and lowering pollution. It supports the circular economy and is a fun, eco-friendly way to protect the planet.

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What is urban mining?

Urban mining recovers valuable materials from city waste like electronics and buildings, reducing raw material use, pollution, and energy, supporting recycling, circular economy, and sustainability.

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What is Valorlux in Luxembourg?

Valorlux manages Luxembourg's packaging waste via the Blue Bag system, reusable bags, and education, helping over 1,000 companies meet EPR goals and promoting recycling and circular economy.

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What is Vana in Denmark?

VANA helps Danish businesses manage packaging waste responsibly, supports recycling, ensures EPR compliance, and fosters circular economy partnerships to reduce environmental impact and boost sustainability.

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What is vehicle type approval (circularity)?

Vehicle Type Approval ensures EU vehicles are safe and eco-friendly by requiring design for easy recycling, use of recycled materials, and proper end-of-life treatment to boost circularity.

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