packaging
REDUCE, REMOVE, REUSE, RECYCLE
goal
100% recyclable packaging, no excessive packaging. All materials are sourced sustainably and the use of recycled content is maximised.
One of the most characteristic manifestations of the consumer society is the increase in the production of packaging waste. Reducing the volume of packaging is crucial. The materials used to make the packaging significantly determine the overall impact of the packaging on the environment. The sustainability of the materials used must be a crucial factor.
At present, the main trend is the transition to a circular economy, which closes material flows in long cycles and emphasises waste prevention, product reuse, recycling and energy conversion instead of mining and landfilling.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Remove/reduce: Minimise primary, secondary and tertiary packaging by removing excessive packaging, taking the need to reduce food waste into account.
Ensure that there are robust specifications in place for the materials used. If specifications are not yet in place, conduct supplier reporting to determine the material supply chains including the current level of recycled content in packaging.
Remove all hard-to-recycle materials from your packaging.
Ensure that when technically possible, packaging is made from recycled materials and designed for easy recycling.
All wood, paper and board should come from 100% sustainable sources (FSC wood or recycled).
Develop a target for resource reduction in packaging.
ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Advocate for a common reporting methodology to improve supply chain transparency.
Support the creation of a central database of materials and their recyclability, places where material can be recycled, etc.
Support the development of reuse/refill systems, extended producer responsibility and clear instructions on each packaging item on how it should be treated.
EXPLORE THE OTHER PRINCIPLES
resource library
wwf reports and case studies
about wwf
WWF is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
As a member of the WWF global network, WWF-CEE exists to promote WWF’s mission across seven countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Member organizations include WWF-Bulgaria, WWF-Hungary, WWF-Romania, WWF-Slovakia, WWF-Ukraine and WWF in Czechia.
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