Publications

Plastic Packaging: Recycling and collections best practice, Case Studies – September 2023

A desk-based review which aims to support Target 3 of the European Plastics Pact – Collections, sorting and recycling – by providing information on 5 case studies across Europe which offer insights into conditions and practices that have contributed to the delivery of high recycling rates supporting the drive toward a circular economy. 

Please note this resource does not cover best practice for increasing quality of recyclate outputs, as this was out of scope and would require further focussed investigation.​

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Review – July 2023

A summary of key literature on the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and limitations of EPR.

This report is intended to assist policy makers and businesses alike when considering Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies and how it might impact efforts to increase the recycling of plastics in Europe. It is designed to act as supporting guidance with points to consider, rather than providing specific principles or policies to follow when creating EPR schemes.  

Reducing Virgin Plastics Products and Packaging – October 2022

This study should provide an overview of packaging formats / products that offer the greatest opportunity to reduce the need for plastic products and packaging, while avoiding unintended environmental consequences and delivering the 20% target.

European Plastics Pact report: Country-level Summary of Data and Policies on Plastic Packaging – March 2022

This report provides an overview of plastic packaging recycling, highlighting the different approaches adopted by nations, key factors influencing progress, and future plans, targets and policy developments.  The report also acknowledges any data/country gaps and, where appropriate, proposes recommendations for further work necessary to enable progress against the European Plastics Pact targets.

European Plastics Pact Roadmap – December 2020

The Roadmap outlines key outcomes and activities that need to be implemented in order to deliver the ambitions of the European Plastics Pact. The Roadmap is aligned with existing European initiatives such as the UN Global Partnership on Marine Litter, the Basel Convention, the national Plastics Pacts, the global commitment from Ellen Mac Arthur foundation and the European Commission’s Circular Plastic Alliance.

The Roadmap also intends to convey the crucial role that stakeholders operating in the plastics economy play in reaching the Pact targets. This includes national government departments, city authorities, NGOs, investors, packaging/ product designers, brand owners, retailers and others who are not currently members of the European Plastics Pact.

Achieving these targets will bring important economic, social, and environmental benefits for Europe, however it will require collective action, commitment, and significant investment. No single organisation or individual can do this alone. It requires a systemic shift, fundamentally rethinking the way we produce, use and reuse plastics.

The Roadmap is a living document and will be constantly reviewed and adapted to fulfil its purpose.

The Roadmap was developed by WRAP in collaboration with the Steering Committee of the European Plastics Pact and members of the four Working Groups.