A survey by Plastic Change revealed that 92% of Danish people are open to returning packaging in reuse systems. Plastic Change, a Danish NGO dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, has joined the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP), a European initiative championing reusable packaging systems.
This collaboration aims to foster the widespread adoption of reusable takeaway packaging solutions across cities in Europe, tackling the continent’s packaging waste crisis. The RSVP project, initiated in 2021, is promoting reuse systems in key sectors, with Plastic Change’s involvement set to enhance its pan-European influence. Plastic Change joins other partners, including Rezero, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Fair Resource Foundation, Enviu, and Réseau Vrac et Réemploi.
Zero Waste Europe Reuse Systems manager and RSVP leader Nathan Dufour said: “With Plastic Change joining RSVP, we have a great add-on to prove that cities across Europe, also in Denmark, can lead the way in replacing single-use waste with sustainable, reusable systems – making real change happen where it matters most.
“Our research shows that switching to these systems may reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 54% in Aarhus and reduce our material consumption overall. By showcasing this success, we aim to inspire other cities across Europe to adopt similar initiatives, driving a collective movement towards a zero-waste future.”
Denmark is recognised as a global leader in environmental initiatives, particularly in implementing reuse systems for takeaway packaging. Plastic Change’s survey revealed that 92% of Danes are willing to return packaging in reuse systems. The organisation has been evaluating the Rotake Reusable project’s environmental and economic impacts to demonstrate how cities can effectively reduce waste at the source.
Since January 2024, the city of Aarhus has observed a significant decrease in disposable cup waste. This decline was driven by the project’s collaboration with 57 HoReCa sector partners and the support of 30 reverse vending machines (RVMs).
This system allows customers to use reusable cups for a small deposit, which is refundable at any RVM across the city. Plastic Change managing director Louise Lerche-Gredal said: “Scalable reuse systems are crucial for a green transition away from our single-use and takeaway culture, but many cities are hesitant to challenge the status quo.
“With Plastic Change as a partner in the ReuSe Vanguard Project, city authorities gain valuable insights from Denmark into how to build an effective reuse system at the city level, from consumer behaviour and pricing to the undeniable environmental benefits.”
