The study sheds light on the background of the prevention of plastic waste from packaging and disposable products by explaining the need for action, the environmental impacts and risks to human health.
Experiences of the members of the PREVENT Waste Alliance and their partners in the prevention of plastic waste by multi-actor partnerships are presented by means of 17 best practice examples.
Finally, the study gives recommendations for the reduction of plastic waste and the further work of the PREVENT Waste Alliance. These include success factors for waste prevention, necessary next steps and conclusions regarding the necessary political framework conditions.
PREVENT Waste Alliance is an international think tank, connecting circular economy practitioners worldwide.
It was launched in May 2019 and serves as a platform for exchange and international cooperation. Organisations from the private sector, academia, civil society and public institutions work together for a circular economy.
Its goal is tominimise waste, eliminate pollutants and maximise the reuse of resources in the economy. It promotes waste prevention, collection and recycling as well as increased uptake of secondary resources.
The members take part in working groups on plastics, e-waste and batteries, and organic waste. The Alliance has also produced a toolbox on Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.
The academic paper "Analysing European Union circular economy policies: words versus actions" comprehensively reviews and analyses the EU’s circular economy (CE) policies. Results show a dichotomy between words and actions, with a discourse that is rather holistic, while policies focus on “end of pipe solutions”.
To address these limitations, the paper proposes a set of 32 science-based policy recommendations which can help strengthen circular economy policies both within and outside the EU. This research thus brings key insights for practitioners and academics seeking to better understand the EU’s CE policies and how to improve circular economy implementation at both national and international level.
See here for more results, insights and recommendations.
Cillian Lohan, Green Economy Foundation CEO, is also EESC vice-president and representative of the ECESP Platform. In this video for Euronews, he gives strong arguments for the circular economy as a motor to regenerate ecosystems, economies and a more sustainable future.
