Can re-use really replace 'largely ineffective' plastic recycling?

clock • 7 min read
Credit: iStock
Image:

Credit: iStock

New report argues reuse, not recycling, is the most effective solution towards the global plastic crisis, but warns the huge potential of re-use models is being systematically ignored

The global plastics crisis is only getting worse. While the material may have revolutionised consumer goods packaging by providing lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials for countless products,...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Recycling

Apple hits record of 30 per cent recycled content across all products in 2025

Apple hits record of 30 per cent recycled content across all products in 2025

Tech giant hails series of sustainability milestones in new Environmental Progress Report

clock 17 April 2026 • 3 min read
'Simpler Recycling': New rules to ensure a maximum of four bin collections

'Simpler Recycling': New rules to ensure a maximum of four bin collections

Long-awaited rules to standardise waste collections to cover food and garden waste, paper and card, dry recyclable materials, and residual waste

James Murray
clock 31 March 2026 • 4 min read
 'The vapocalypse continues':  Is the ban on single-use vapes working?

'The vapocalypse continues': Is the ban on single-use vapes working?

New research warns the ban on single-use vapes has not changed behaviour with consumers continuing to discard vapes incorrectly, leading to fires, lost resources, and ongoing environmental harm

clock 27 March 2026 • 6 min read