Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

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

What is a converter (packaging)?

A packaging converter turns raw or recycled materials into finished packaging, focusing on sustainability by reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and designing for recycling and reuse.

Read

What is a crab pot?

Crab pots catch crabs sustainably by reducing habitat damage, limiting bycatch, and lasting many uses. They support circular economy and protect marine life when used responsibly.

Read

What is a cradle-to-gate assessment?

Cradle-to-Gate Assessment measures a product’s environmental impact from raw materials to factory exit, helping companies reduce resource use, meet rules, and offer greener choices to customers.

Read

What is a creel?

Creels hold and feed yarn smoothly in textile production, reducing waste and energy use. They support recycling and circularity by turning old fibers into new fabric, helping make fashion more sustainable.

Read

What is a customer's own container?

Customer’s Own Container means bringing your reusable jar or bottle to refill products, cutting single-use waste, saving resources, and supporting a circular economy for a cleaner planet.

Read

What is a declaration of conformity?

A Declaration of Conformity shows a product meets EU safety and environmental rules, ensuring it’s safe, eco-friendly, easier to recycle, and supports a circular, sustainable economy.

Read

What is a digital product passport (DPP)?

A Digital Product Passport is a digital record with detailed product info, boosting transparency, sustainability, and circularity by guiding consumers and businesses on materials, use, and recycling.

Read

What is a distance seller (EPR)?

A Distance Seller under EPR sells products across borders and must manage their waste responsibly, ensuring recycling and supporting a cleaner environment no matter where customers live.

Read

What is a distributor in EPR?

Distributors in EPR ensure products reach consumers and support recycling by guiding disposal, reporting data, funding waste management, and advising on eco-friendly design for circularity.

Read

What is a dolly rope?

Dolly rope is a natural, biodegradable rope made from plant fibers like hemp. It supports sustainability by reducing plastic waste and fits well within circular economy goals.

Read

What is a drift net?

Drift nets catch fish but harm marine life through bycatch and ghost nets, causing pollution. EU bans large drift nets to protect oceans. Sustainable fishing and seafood choices help preserve marine ecosystems.

Read

What is a final distributor?

A final distributor delivers products to consumers, promotes recycling and reuse, manages packaging waste, and encourages greener choices, playing a big role in reducing waste and boosting circularity.

Read

What is a fish aggregating device (FAD)?

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) attract fish to one spot, making fishing easier and more efficient. Sustainable FADs reduce pollution and bycatch, helping protect ocean life while supporting fishing communities.

Read

What is a fishing gear take-back scheme?

Fishing Gear Take-Back Schemes collect old fishing gear to stop ocean pollution and ghost fishing. They recycle materials, protect marine life, save resources, and support sustainable fishing.

Read

What is a fish trap?

Fish traps catch fish gently, reduce bycatch, and protect habitats. Made from natural, reusable materials, they support sustainability and circular economy by minimizing environmental harm.

Read

What is a free rider in EPR?

A free rider in EPR is a producer who avoids paying waste management fees but still benefits from recycling systems, causing unfair costs and weakening recycling and sustainability efforts.

Read

What is a fresh produce overwrap ban?

Fresh Produce Overwrap Bans stop plastic packaging on fruits and veggies under 1.5 kg to cut plastic waste, boost sustainability, and encourage reusable, eco-friendly packaging options.

Read

What is a fulfilment house?

Fulfilment houses boost sustainability by optimizing shipping, using eco-friendly packaging, managing returns, and reducing waste—helping businesses and customers support a circular economy.

Read

What is a fulfilment service provider?

A Fulfilment Service Provider stores, packs, and ships products, boosting efficiency and cutting costs. They support sustainability by reducing waste and enabling circular economy practices.

Read

What is a full-sleeve label (recycling issue)?

Full-sleeve labels can block plastic sorting in recycling. Using partial coverage, perforated labels, or floatable materials helps improve recycling and supports circular, sustainable packaging.

Read

What is a functional unit in LCA?

A Functional Unit in LCA defines the exact function a product provides, like “protecting 1 kg of food,” ensuring fair, clear environmental impact comparisons focused on real use and sustainability.

Read

What is a gillnet?

Gillnets catch fish efficiently but can trap unwanted animals and cause pollution if lost. Using eco-friendly nets, following rules, and recycling gear helps protect marine life and supports circular economy.

Read