Understanding national variations in reusable packaging: Commercial drivers, regulatory factors, and provisioning systems

Abstract

Given the global environmental impacts associated with single-use plastics, alternatives are being considered, including the reuse of product packaging, which aim to retain the functionality of products while reducing waste and broader environmental impacts. Drawing on the Multi-Level Perspective approach, we analyse three national examples of reuse in Denmark, Germany, and Mexico. While the success of reuse initiatives is often attributed to heightened levels of environmental consciousness, we argue that understanding national variations in levels of reuse requires greater attention to the commercial drivers, regulatory factors, and provisioning systems in which they arise. This argument is developed through case studies of the beverage sector in the three national contexts – specifically beer, mineral water, and soft drinks – as this sector is often regarded as a successful illustration of business-to-consumer reuse systems. To conclude, we consider what the implications might be for nations such as the UK where reuse levels remain comparatively low.