Hattie Ellis
RESEARCH released today by environmental charity City to Sea revealed the public overwhelmingly agree that reusable packaging must replace single-use packaging to tackle single-use waste.
This comes as 69 per cent believe the government should set legally binding targets for reusable and refillable packaging to drive change.
Whilst recycling has been touted as a solution to the plastic waste crisis, only nine per cent of plastic has ever been successfully recycled, leading the rest to be dumped in landfills, incinerated or left in the environment[1].
Alternative solutions have been on the rise, including reusable, refillable and returnable packaging that can be returned to shops after use to be cleaned and reused.
The majority of shoppers (64 per cent) across the country agree that reusable, refillable and returnable packaging systems are more effective at reducing waste than recycling.
Supermarkets in the UK have been implementing reusable packaging schemes with positive engagement from consumers.
Meanwhile online retailers including Ocado and Abel & Cole have recently expanded their pre-filled returnable packaging schemes to more products.
With the urgent need to tackle single-use plastic pollution at scale, 77 per cent want to see all retailers offer reusable, refillable, and returnable packaging long-term, instead of short-term pilot schemes.
City to Sea revealed the research in the run up to its Global Reuse Summit on the 12th March 2025 in partnership with Ecosurety.
The event, back for its second year will focus on the global market opportunity offered by refill and return solutions and why the time is now to transition to a reusable economy.
Held in person at We The Curious Bristol, and streamed live, the summit will include a series of inspiring talks, expert panels, and key insights on how businesses can drive profitability, reduce risks and build confidence when adopting reusable packaging, as well as which policies are needed to drive the shift to reuse.
Speakers include Green Party Peer Baroness Natalie Bennett, author and thought leader Margaret Heffernan and Catherine Conway, member of the DEFRA Circular Economy Taskforce alongside business specialists including Safia Qureshi, Founder & CEO, Club Zero.
Consumer demand for change is clear, with the polling showing 75 per cent believe the government and businesses must deliver a sustainable circular economy to tackle climate change.
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea said: “It’s easy to forget that single-use plastic only took over our supermarket shelves in the 60s and 70s, and the decision to use plastic for most of our products was a choice. Half a century later and we understand the damage that single-use plastic causes people and planet. It’s time for retailers to step up and commit to more sustainable packaging systems. Consumers want it, the environment needs it, our economy requires sustainable growth and high street regeneration.
“Imagine a world of refilling and returning, rather than dumping and burning. The Global Reuse Summit 2025 brings together people from around the world to hold critical conversations to unlock the new reuse economy. The market is ready, the opportunity is significant, and the time is now.”
Will Ghali CEO of Ecosurety: “Over the past few years there has been a welcome increase in alternative packaging systems, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions to the single-use packaging crisis.
We have steered retailers and packaged consumer goods brands in the right direction to make sure their reusable packaging systems are safe for consumers whilst protecting the environment, but more retailers and brands need to feel confident making this transition. “
“The Global Reuse Summit is an opportunity to share insights and ideas and discuss data-driven insights that prove reusable packaging can succeed for all retailers and packaged consumer goods brands worldwide.”
For more information on the Global Reuse Summit visit: https://www.refill.org.uk/the-global-reuse-summit/
[1] OECE (2022) Global Plastics Outlook