Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity RECOUP has joined forces with environmental charity PECT on a single-use packaging waste toolkit for UK businesses.

The new toolkit is designed for businesses and communities to help address the growing problem of single-use packaging by encouraging returnable packaging schemes.

It features instructions for setting up and managing a reusable packaging scheme and tips to communicate new scheme/s to audiences, which is typically a major hurdle in initiating successful recycling behaviours.

The toolkit also advises on the business case for understanding how efforts can reduce waste and save money and case studies showcasing the benefits of reusable packaging schemes, from single-use waste reduction to customer loyalty.

The project was developed following a range of behaviour change pilots which tested the barriers and enablers to successfully launch a reusable packaging scheme in different locations, including schools, community hubs, offices and café networks.

It is one of six projects around the UK funded by Hubbub and Starbucks’ Bring It Back Fund, which was set up to fund solutions and systems for sustainable packaging in the food and drink industry.

PECT CEO Stuart Dawks commented: “The toolkit is a fantastic starting point for any organisation looking to start a reusable packaging scheme.”

The charities are inviting communities and businesses across the UK to use the toolkit with the goal of reducing waste throughout the nation.

RECOUP recently held its annual Plastics Resource & Recycling Conference, which held debates and presentations focused on the theme of sustainability and the circular economy.