As 2024 winds down, it’s time to look back at the year when sustainability truly stole the spotlight. From jaw-dropping innovations to inspiring real-world examples, this year was all about ditching throwaway culture and embracing planet-friendly practices. Reuse systems aren’t just the future—they’re happening right now, and they’re making waves. Let’s recap some of 2024’s standout moments that made us say, “Wow, the planet might just catch a break.”
The Rise of Reusable Packaging in Retail
Picture this: you’re in the grocery store, but instead of grabbing another plastic-wrapped item, you’re favourite products are packed in reusable containers. Sounds futuristic? Nope, it’s happening now! In France, efforts led by organizations like CITEO are creating synchronized, shared reusable container initiatives. By collaborating with retailers and municipalities, they’re building systems where containers can be returned, cleaned, and reused across different businesses seamlessly.
In other European countries like Germany, they are leading the charge, making reusable packaging the new normal in supermarkets. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, reuse programs could slash packaging waste by up to 70%. People love it for the environmental impact and the chic designs. Who knew saving the planet could look this good?
Reuse at Festivals and Large Events
Over in the UK, the Glastonbury Festival stepped up its game with reusable food containers, proving that sustainability can scale up in big ways. Meanwhile, festivals like Coachella joined the movement with deposit-based reusable cup systems that saw return rates as high as 95%. Turns out, when you make it easy (and maybe throw in a small deposit), people are all in for a greener good time.
Citywide Reuse Systems: Copenhagen’s Big Win
If cities were competing for sustainability gold medals, Copenhagen would be on the podium. This year, the city launched a reusable takeout container program that’s as smooth as it is effective. Residents can borrow containers from restaurants and return them at any drop-off point. Easy, right?
The program has already diverted thousands of single-use containers from landfills, earning praise from locals and businesses alike. It’s a masterclass in how governments and communities can team up to make reuse systems work. Copenhagen’s success is inspiring other cities to follow suit—and we’re here for it.
The Environmental Impact of Reuse
Let’s talk numbers because they don’t lie. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated every year, and less than 10% gets recycled. Reuse systems are here to change that. For example, every reusable cup used at festivals or cafes keeps dozens—sometimes hundreds—of single-use cups out of production and disposal.
Reusable packaging systems offer significant environmental and economic benefits. They reduce solid waste, lower CO₂ emissions, and conserve natural resources. For instance, reusable packaging can decrease solid waste by up to 86% and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 60%. Additionally, adopting reusable packaging can lead to job creation. Estimates suggest that managing 10,000 tonnes of waste products can create 36 jobs if recycled and up to 296 jobs if reused, compared to just 1 job if incinerated. By embracing reusable packaging, we not only protect the environment but also stimulate the economy through job creation.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we gear up for 2025, the momentum around reuse systems is only growing stronger. Cities like Copenhagen and even Ottawa (mentioned in our previous newsletter) are creating new programs, retailers are scaling up their innovations, and event organizers are doubling down on their sustainability efforts. The future looks bright—and green.
At Circulr, we’re inspired by these global efforts and are excited to keep fighting the reuse fight.. Our goal for 2025? Build partnerships, launch new programs, and make reuse accessible for everyone. It’s a big leap, but we’re excited to learn, adapt, and make a difference.
A Call to Action
2024 showed us what’s possible when we come together to prioritize sustainability. Now it’s up to all of us to keep the momentum going. Whether it’s shopping local, advocating for greener policies, or simply bringing a reusable mug to your favourite cafe, every action counts.
Let’s carry this energy into 2025 and make sustainability the standard, not the exception. Here’s to a cleaner, greener future for all of us.
