The Zero – Sustainable Earth System Association emphasized World Refill Day as an opportunity to highlight the role of refill practices in reducing waste production, according to a statement.
Eurostat data from 2022 shows that each European, on average, generated 186.5 kilograms of packaging waste, with Portugal slightly above this average at 188 kilograms—a figure that has increased by approximately 20% over the past decade.
With the publication of the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in February, Member States are required to reduce total packaging waste by 5% by 2030, using 2018 as a reference year. This target increases to 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040, as noted by ZERO.
“We face a significant challenge that requires immediate action,” stated the association, reflecting on the recent trends.
As priority measures for the new Government, ZERO proposed the implementation of a mandate for reusable packaging availability in “take-away” services. This requirement was initially scheduled for January 2024 but was postponed to July of this year.
The ordinance that should outline the implementation of this legal provision has yet to be published, they highlighted.
Therefore, it is “urgent” for the Government to release regulations providing a reusable packaging alternative for restaurants and retailers offering takeaway meals,” ZERO argued.
ZERO also stressed the importance of penalizing disposable options alongside introducing reusable alternatives to ensure effectiveness.
The association mentioned the Government’s plans to launch a communication campaign on waste issues but emphasized the necessity to include prevention measures already established in Portuguese law, such as allowing consumers to use their own containers in bulk product areas like deli, bakery, produce, pastry, butcher, fishmongers, and others.
They also stressed that takeaway outlets should allow customers to use their own containers. Additionally, establishments serving food and beverages should provide free access to tap water and non-disposable cups for on-site consumption.
The Government, according to ZERO, should ban the provision of complimentary checkout bags, regardless of their material composition.
Another priority pointed out by ZERO is the promotion of public water refill points in parks, transportation stations, educational institutions, public buildings, and popular venues while making refilling and reusing packaging a hallmark of events.
ZERO considered revising event and festival legislation crucial to preventing reusable cups from being treated as single-use items.
To encourage bulk sales, ZERO suggested that the Environmental Fund might support the establishment of more such stores, following Italy’s example.
ZERO advised consumers to purchase reusable containers and opt for buying products in bulk, bringing their own bags for all shopping activities.
