University of Portsmouth hosts event to advance national reuse systems

Reuse systems take a significant step forward as leading international experts meet in Portsmouth today (1/4/25) to develop a future policy blueprint for implementing reuse systems.

Hosted by the University of Portsmouth’s Global Plastics Policy Centre (GPPC), the event brings together 50 key stakeholders, including academics, reuse businesses, policymakers, NGOs, producer responsibility organisations (PROs), and policy think tanks.

With global plastic waste reaching record levels, reuse systems, in which single-use plastic items are replaced by reusable items, are increasingly recognised as a more economically and environmentally beneficial solution to the global plastic pollution crisis.  A ten per cent increase in reusable packaging by 2030 can eliminate over 1 trillion single-use plastic bottles and cups, which can prevent up to 153 billion items of litter.

These systems are essential for transitioning to a circular economy and reducing reliance on single-use plastics. However, evidence on what makes effective reuse policies - including regulation, legislation, and system design - remains limited.  The Global Plastics Treaty currently under negotiation is expected to encourage the adoption of reuse initiatives, further highlighting the urgency for well-designed reuse policies.

Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We need urgent solutions to tackle the global plastic pollution crisis that is suffocating our planet. 

“Our reuse event comes at a crucial time. With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations nearing completion, countries, businesses, and industries must prepare for the inevitable changes ahead. The transition will be complex, but by bringing together all stakeholders, we can build a comprehensive understanding of effective reuse policies to support national-level implementation.”

Despite their potential, reuse systems remain largely under-prioritised from a policy perspective. In the EU, packaging accounts for 40 per cent of all plastic use, and plastic packaging waste is projected to increase by 46 per cent by 2030, according to the European Commission. 

Additionally, the ten most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches - along with discarded fishing gear - constitute 70 per cent of all marine litter. Research suggests that scaling up reuse systems could cut plastic pollution by 30 per cent by 2040.

The Global Plastics Policy Centre, in collaboration with the New European Reuse Alliance (New ERA), is conducting ongoing research to assess the design, implementation, and effectiveness of national reuse policies. This research aims to define the optimal suite of policies necessary to enable and sustain reuse systems. Today’s workshop builds on these efforts, addressing gaps in evidence and facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders to shape effective policy solutions.

Participants, selected for their expertise and involvement in reuse initiatives will explore enablers and barriers to effective reuse policy. The discussions and findings from the workshop will contribute to a guideline document, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers.

The University of Portsmouth’s Global Plastics Policy Centre has conducted extensive research into reuse systems. In 2023, it was commissioned by the Break Free From Plastic movement to produce a landmark report titled ‘Making reuse a reality’.

This study consolidated insights from 320 academic papers and reports, alongside 55 interviews with global reuse experts, to establish a universal definition of reuse systems and, for the first time, outline a pathway for nations to move away from disposable packaging. The Portsmouth event will build on these critical findings to drive practical action.

The Global Plastics Policy Centre is part of the Revolution Plastics Institute, a transdisciplinary hub of over 100 researchers whose aim is to support the transition to a sustainable plastics future. 

Professor Steve Fletcher is Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, he said: “There is no universal packaging material or system for reuse, but it must integrate seamlessly into people’s daily lives, unlocking its potential to combat plastic pollution. The rapid rise of single-use packaging is outpacing waste management capacity, making reuse systems an essential component of any solution to tackling plastic pollution. We hope today’s workshop will be a catalyst for national-scale reuse solutions.”

This workshop represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to tackle plastic waste. By fostering collaboration and evidence-based policymaking, the event aims to drive real change and establish reuse systems as a critical part of confronting the global plastic pollution crisis.