Characterisation and Environmental Value Proposition of Reuse Models for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods: Reusable Packaging and Products

Problem: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) are products that purchased and consumed frequently to satisfy continuous consumer demand. In a linear economy, FMCGs typically offered as single-use disposable products. Limitations in product design, insufficient collection systems, inefficient recovery processes prevent high recycling rates. As result, often end up landfill or the environment, contributing waste accumulation, pollution. Whilst is most common prevention strategy practiced by industry, process limited addressing only final stage of life cycle, omitting overproduction consumption materials typical FMCGs. Instead, reuse capable extending value resources slowing material flows. Novel models require interact with durable primary packaging emerging FMCG industry. However, constituent elements operation principles such not fully understood. The aim this research develop comprehensive characterisation evaluate their potential deliver environmental value. Method: Ninety-two offerings were selected analysed identify system elements. analysis led identification framework including five models, which also evaluated establish capability when compared conventional Results: Currently sector, reusable mostly packaging, bottles containers for beverages, foods, personal home care goods, infrequently products, baby razors nappies. Three involve exclusive reuse, behaviour used kept single user throughout lifetime. users provided either (model 1), preparation infrastructure 2), access 3). Two sequential multiple lifetime returned after each use provider. provider-operated services 4), 5). can operate standalone, some found embed multi-model approach. Both delivering reducing natural retaining economy. particular, have greater increase share recyclable offering closure loops. Conclusions: Consumers currently choose between behaviours. When adopted conjunction recycling, enable more efficient Providing necessary key successful sustainable deployment models.