Achieving more circularity requires smart measures along the whole value chain from design and production to collection, sorting and treatment. The design of a plastic product determines its ecological impact as well as its suitability for high quality recycling. For a better management of plastics and plastic waste, it is key to improve packaging design.

The recently published report “Achieving more circularity in the future global plastics agreement: Common criteria to improve packaging design” aims to provide guidelines for improving the design of plastic packaging by drawing on both circular product design and eco-design principles. It informs stakeholders and decision-makers from the private sector, public institutions, and governments on the potential of improved product design to prevent plastic pollution and drive more circularity.

This report was prepared by cyclos GmbH and includes inputs from the PREVENT sub-working group on circular design. It was funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the PREVENT Waste Alliance.