Reuse in a circular economy
Reuse is an essential element of a circular economy, where the life of products and materials are extended through resale, rental, and sharing models.
The dominant linear economy guides materials through supply chains assuming they have only one intended use before recycling or disposal. Reuse, in the context of a circular economy, disrupts the single-use consumption model, and instead supports products being used over and over again at their highest value.
Reuse defined
Refill refers to consumer-owned and managed containers, such as bring-your-own programs. These containers are designed to be refilled multiple times for the same or similar purpose, in their original format.
Returnable Reusable Packaging involves a business-run system where containers or other forms of packaging are returned and reused multiple times for the same or similar purpose.
Refurbish means returning a product to good working order by repairing or replacing components, updating specifications or improving appearance.
Remanufacture means re-engineering products and components to as-new condition with the same, or improved, level of performance as a newly manufactured one.
Definitions are adapted from
Ellen MacArthur Foundation and
Upstream Solutions.
Benefits of reuse
Shifting to reusable and refillable products is preferable to disposable, compostable, and recyclable single-use items.
Shifting to reuse can help government and businesses deliver on sustainability and circular economy commitments. Reuse models help to reduce waste .They can offer cost savings by avoiding the purchasing of new products, and energy and resource savings by displacing the need to manufacture new items from raw materials. Reuse systems often rely on collaboration and community engagement, offering a social benefit.