Reuse systems, as a model to reduce plastic pollution, are beginning to emerge across the world but remain constrained by fragmented policies, weak financial incentives and gaps in infrastructure, according to a trio of new reports released today.
The research, launched by the Global Plastics Policy Centre at the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, provides the first comparative analysis of reuse policy across Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.
Drawing on multi-year policy analysis, stakeholder interviews and comparative research, the reports examine how governments are supporting reuse and what must happen next for systems to scale.
Across all three regions, researchers found promising activity but limited systemic policy and financial support. While some countries are beginning to integrate reuse into packaging regulations and extended producer responsibility schemes, clearer targets, stronger institutional coordination and more robust financial mechanisms are still needed.
The findings come amid growing global concern about plastic pollution and the urgent need to transition away from single-use packaging. Reuse is increasingly recognised as one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste and resource use, yet policy frameworks remain underdeveloped in many countries.
Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre Plastics Policy Centre, said: “across Europe, South America and Southeast Asia we are seeing real momentum behind reuse. But these systems are still operating in the gaps between policies designed for a linear economy. Without stronger, coordinated policy frameworks, reuse will struggle to move beyond pilots and voluntary initiatives.”
The reports aim to provide governments and policymakers with practical, evidence-based guidance to help reuse systems develop at scale, supporting both environmental goals and economic resilience.
Dr Tegan Evans, Research Fellow of the Revolution Plastics Institute, said: “reuse is no longer a niche idea - it is a critical part of tackling plastic pollution. Our research shows that governments have a vital role to play in creating the conditions for reuse systems to succeed. With the right policies in place, reuse can deliver environmental, economic and social benefits.”
Although the three reports are independent, together they offer a global picture of what works and what remains missing. The Global Plastics Policy Centre is now working on a global synthesis of the research and plans to continue providing regional policy insights to support the shift towards a more circular economy.
Dr March added: “There is clear momentum, but scaling reuse requires more deliberate policy design. This includes defining reuse more clearly, linking it to existing policy instruments, and creating the conditions for investment and implementation. Continued research and collaboration will be essential to accelerate progress.”
The reports are intended to inform future policy development and contribute to global efforts to reduce plastic pollution by enabling reuse systems to flourish.
The research involved partnerships with organisations across each region, including the New European Reuse Alliance, Circulearth, Enviu, PlastikDiet Indonesia, Fundación Chile and the University of St Andrews, ensuring regional expertise and stakeholder perspectives shaped the findings.
The three reports can be viewed here:
https://plasticspolicy.port.ac.uk/research/report-reuse-policy-southeast-asia/
https://plasticspolicy.port.ac.uk/research/report-reuse-policy-south-america/
https://plasticspolicy.port.ac.uk/research/report-reuse-policy-europe/