Across the world, tightening waste-reduction regulations are encouraging companies to rethink how packaging is designed, produced, used, and disposed of. In Europe, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force on 12 August 2026, aims to reduce unnecessary packaging and increase the adoption of reusable solutions. But there are more drivers than just regulatory compliance propelling the reuse mindset forward.
The environmental case for reuse is well established. Studies suggest that reusable packaging can reduce solid waste by up to 86%, water consumption by 80% and carbon emissions by 60%
compared with single-use alternatives. A 2025 study also found that reuse and return schemes could eradicate almost all of the 66 million tonnes of plastic packaging pollution that enters the global environment each year by 2040.
A separate study by the Journal of Cleaner Production found that reusable polypropylene bags – when used 50 times – had the lowest overall environmental impact when compared to single-use plastic, kraft paper, cotton woven, and biodegradable polymer bags. This demonstrates that, regardless of the material type, what is important is the potential for reusability.
Reusable packaging also creates the conditions for a resilient business model. Recent geopolitical instability has highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains that depend heavily on virgin materials. This year, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz added pressure to the global petrochemical supply, contributing to sharp increases in plastic prices. With around 40% of global plastic production used for packaging, fluctuations in the cost and availability of petrochemical feedstocks can quickly impact packaging and consumer goods. Reusable alternatives can help reduce this exposure.
By keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible, businesses can steadily move away from virgin materials and become impervious to disruptions in supply chains and fluctuations in prices. At scale, businesses can enjoy significant cost efficiencies by prioritising reusable materials. Mainetti, global sustainable packaging producer, is one example of a business investing in reuse systems. The company’s Hangerloop™ process, launched in 1986, is the first-of-its-kind reuse and recycling solution. Through reverse logistics, used hangers are collected and inspected before the materials are either reused or recycled into new hangers, reducing reliance on virgin materials.
With the climate crisis remaining a constant threat, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve to reduce emissions, and businesses must adapt. A transition to reusable packaging acts as a critical lever for businesses looking to navigate an increasingly volatile operating environment – all while making meaningful and lasting progress towards sustainability targets.