Empack 2023: Planet Reuse: Reusable packaging is the “new normal”

PackagingInsights spoke to Marcel Keuenhof, co-initiator of Planet Reuse and sustainable packaging expert at the Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging. 

Keuenhof highlights there are many approaches toward waste reduction.

“The simplest way is to reduce the amount of packaging or to reject unnecessary packaging pieces. But as a platform focused on reusable packaging, our focus is the reuse of packaging where we can and where it makes sense,” he says.

“We are not dogmatic. We only recommend switching to reusables where an environmental, and ideally a financial benefit, can be expected.”

Keuenhof continues by explaining the transition to reusables also includes other strategies, such as recycling. “At the end of life, you want to recycle reusable packaging wherever possible and reduce packaging needed,” he says.