Reuse Models: A Viable Path to Solving the Plastic Crisis

Resource scarcity is no longer a distant threat—it's a present-day reality. Global industries are facing rising material costs, unstable supply chains, and increasing regulatory pressure. As packaging manufacturers and stakeholders reassess sustainable strategies, it becomes clear that reuse-based business models are gaining traction across the globe.

Why Recycling Alone Is Not Enough

Recycling has long been positioned as a solution to environmental challenges. However, its effectiveness is limited, especially when compared with reusable systems.

Only 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled globally.

The rest ends up polluting landfills, oceans, and supply chains.

At best, recycling cuts packaging-related emissions by 31%.

In contrast, reuse systems can reduce single-use packaging by 90% and emissions by up to 80%.

In short, recycling maintains the current take-make-waste economy, while reuse disrupts it.

Reuse in the Packaging Industry

The packaging sector, including metal packaging, is uniquely positioned to implement reuse models at scale.

Examples of reusable packaging systems include:

Refillable coffee cups and beverage containers

Reusable food takeout boxes and shampoo bottles

Glass and metal packaging in beverage industries (e.g., Germany's beer sector, where 82% of beer is sold in reusable glass containers)

Reusable metal packaging offers significant advantages:

High durability for multiple use cycles

Recyclability at end-of-life without quality loss

Premium appearance and customization potential

As a metal packaging manufacturer, adopting or supporting reuse-ready product designs aligns with global sustainability trends.

Economic Benefits of Reuse Systems

Studies have shown that reuse models are not only environmentally sound but also economically beneficial.

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, reuse could save $516 per tonne of plastic waste diverted from oceans compared to the current system.

The Business Coalition for a Global Plastic Treaty, representing over 275 companies, has named reuse a top priority in addressing plastic pollution.

These savings and recommendations provide valuable insight for packaging producers considering transitions to reusable product lines.

Barriers to Scale: Standardization and Infrastructure

While consumer demand and technology for reusable packaging exist, the biggest challenge is infrastructure and investment.

Organizations like PR3 – the Global Alliance to Advance Reuse are working to establish:

Global standards for reuse in consumer goods and food packaging

Public-private funding strategies

Cultural shifts through design initiatives such as Rebrand Reuse, involving over 350 design schools worldwide

Standardization in packaging materials like tinplate and metal can play a key role in streamlining collection, cleaning, and reuse processes.

Global Momentum and Government Action

Reuse systems are gaining governmental support worldwide:

Indonesia has introduced a reuse roadmap as part of its Waste Reduction Roadmap for producers.

California now includes reuse targets in its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law (SB54).

Across Europe, reuse policies are already well-established, with companies like Cupstack washing 40 million reusable items annually.

These developments show a clear trend: reusable packaging solutions are becoming integral to regulatory compliance and future market competitiveness.

Final Thoughts: Metal Packaging and the Circular Economy

Metal packaging—including tin boxes, trays, and containers—can be a cornerstone of a circular economy if designed with reuse in mind. Unlike plastic, tinplate and aluminum are highly durable, easily sanitized, and infinitely recyclable without material degradation. Businesses that invest in reusable and recyclable metal packaging today will be better prepared for:

Stricter environmental regulations

Volatile raw material costs

Changing consumer preferences for sustainable packaging

For those in the packaging industry, now is the time to rethink traditional linear business models and explore scalable, sustainable alternatives.

Read the original report:

To end the plastic crisis, we need new business models based on reuse – Reuters