RREUSE, Europe’s largest network of social enterprises active in the circular economy, has published a new report urging EU policymakers to adopt binding, ambitious, standalone targets for reuse and preparing for reuse. The report also provides a comprehensive overview of existing targets and their institutional and policy context in EU Member States.
Europe’s material footprint has been growing rapidly. In 2022, an average EU resident purchased over 32 kg of electrical and electronic equipment and 19 kg of textiles, and generated nearly 5 tonnes of waste.
Reuse offers one of the most efficient solutions to cut negative environmental and climate impacts. Reusing a single smartphone saves an estimated 14 kg of resources and 58 kg of CO₂ emissions, while a 10% rise in second-hand clothing purchases would already reduce emissions by 3% and water use by 4%.
Despite the clear benefits of reuse, EU policy has yet to reflect its full potential. “With a more supportive policy framework, reuse could deliver far greater environmental benefits and create many more inclusive local jobs, strengthening local economies and communities. Separate, binding, and quantitative reuse and preparing-for-reuse targets are essential to reduce waste, cut emissions, ease pressure on natural resources, support job creation, and build a truly circular economy where prevention and extending products’ lifecycles are a priority,” commented Neva Nahtigal, RREUSE Director.
As highlighted in RREUSE’s new report, meaningful reuse targets remain absent from EU legislation, and the continued practice of combining reuse and recycling targets undermines the waste hierarchy because it leads to recycling being prioritised. While the EU has yet to address this problem, several Member States, regions, and cities have already introduced reuse and preparing-for-reuse targets and shown that such measures are both desirable and feasible.
As policymakers shape the Circular Economy Act and future waste frameworks, RREUSE stands ready to support the development of robust reuse targets that deliver environmental protection, resource efficiency, and quality jobs across Europe.
