A reuse conversation pulse-check
Takeaways from the Spring conference circuit
From Circularity, to the WWF Plastics Policy Summit, to SPC Impact, SustPack and more—this was a busy spring in the world of sustainability, plastics reduction, and packaging-focused conferences. Upstream’s thought leaders were present to make the case for reuse and to share insights into advancements in policy and implementation. They noted some themes and throughlines in the conversations occurring at these conferences that provide a snapshot of where reuse is gaining traction, and where it is hitting snags, in the broader context of single-use packaging and waste management concerns.
The Hits
With Maryland and Washington both passing packaging EPR legislation this spring, there are now seven EPR laws around the US, all with some form of reuse provisions—and this traction was evident in robust panels and conversations at many conferences. Stakeholders understand the importance of harmonization and standardization in state-level EPR, so these national forums were a critical meeting place for exchanging ideas. Though we know EPR will be different in every state, many agreed that having some federal standards around definitions and covered materials would help create some unity.
Perhaps most importantly, the brands attending the conferences where EPR was covered were highly motivated to attend those sessions because they know they need to plan for implementation. Reusable packaging will provide advantages to brands under most programs, despite the differences between each statute. Circularity hosted a three-hour reuse-themed workshop with packed attendance. Increasing interest from brands and policymakers in the role of reuse and refill in packaging policy is a hopeful signal of what’s to come.
At the WWF Summit, Policy Director Sydney Harris had the opportunity to lead a discussion about Deposit-Return Systems (or DRS) alongside EPR. There is often very little, if any, room to talk about why DRS should be enacted as a complementary policy to EPR (one of Upstream’s policy principles) at these events, so hopefully this signals a shift in momentum.
Reuse in schools is another topic that continues to garner appeal, given the intersection of instilling reuse behavior and protecting children’s health. We were glad to see this topic spotlighted at the WWF Summit. During a dedicated session on behavior change, we made the case that while schools are an excellent place to build lasting cultural change, the main issue facing the roll out of these systems is more systemic than behavioral. We were happy to be able to spark engagement in breakouts on this subject, while brainstorming with attendees solutions to overcome real implementation barriers.
A final benefit that should not be undervalued was the ability to connect face-to-face with thought leaders, policy makers, reuse service providers, and other advocates for reuse and waste reduction. We are part of a wide-reaching, cross-sector movement, and coming together to discuss and workshop challenges and opportunities is an essential catalyzing force in advancing reuse.
The Misses
On the theme of convergence, we noted a missed opportunity to better blend diverse perspectives from stakeholders across the spectrum. When brands, industry groups, government representatives, NGOs, environmental justice advocates, and more are all in the same place at the same time, this offers invaluable potential to come together in meaningful, moderated discussions—rather than, as is too often the case, reciting talking points for the audience on a staged panel. Only a real, robust dialogue will overcome opposing interests that stymy success.
We were also dismayed to find that in some of these spaces, recyclable and compostable packaging continue to be emphasized as ultimate solutions—a backslide from previous conferences where there was more acknowledgement of the pitfalls and challenges of these materials. We noted a disjunct in that many participants were interested in and excited by reusable packaging, but their commitments and practices were focused on recyclables and compostables—providing all the more motivation for us to enact widespread implementation of reuse to show that it is practicable and not just a concept.
Finally, we are glad that reuse continues to be featured at conferences dedicated to broader waste and packaging issues. And, we take it as a sign of continual new interest that often the same topics arise —such as questions of consumer behaviour and barriers to scale. The reuse movement, however, has matured, and we think everyone, from new initiates to reuse veterans, would benefit from fresh conversations and solutions-oriented frameworks.
The Takeaway
We find ourselves at a “yes, and” juncture. It is critical to continue to feature reuse at circularity, packaging, waste management, and plastics reduction conferences. AND, we think it is time to carry the conversation on reuse beyond dedicated panels or keynotes and into its own sphere, in order to truly advance the dialogue and start to move the needle on scale.
We are ready to take this conversation far beyond packaging, waste, and recycling. Reuse is transformative economics in action, creating community resilience through shared, interconnected systems that keep value circulating locally.
A reuse economy checks every box that society needs right now. It suppresses extraction of natural resources, reduces waste, creates safe, meaningful jobs that can’t be exported, grows community wealth, creates independence from volatile global supply chains, and builds climate, economic, and social resilience. Let's have sophisticated, in-depth conversations and work together to question the status quo and change it.
