Breaking down the barriers for reuse

Prevention and reuse are key drivers in the transition to more sustainable packaging. Although we have a strong historical basis for reusable packaging in Belgium, there are still a great many obstacles that stand in the way of further growth. Together with our stakeholders, we want to remove them.

Reusable packaging has been well established in Belgium for many years. In 2025, it accounted for 43 per cent (by weight) of all household packaging on the market, and the figure is in fact considerably higher for commercial packaging. The vast majority of reusable household packaging comes from the drinks sector, the best-known example being glass beer and soft drink bottles. However, we’re also seeing a lot of other sectors where reusable packaging is on the rise.

Reuse is on the rise, but consumers are hesitant

Despite this, the reuse sector is facing a number of obstacles that are hindering further growth. This was clear, for example, from the first edition of the Re-Use Barometer, which we published in collaboration with ConsomAction. The publication provides an overview of the current state of the bulk and reuse sector in our country. Businesses in the sector were surveyed for the barometer. 

Closer cooperation in the supply chain and the standardisation of packaging are needed to improve economic viability and simplify logistics, but consumers also need a little extra encouragement. Above all, reuse schemes must be simple, accessible and local.

Building bridges

What’s more, the pressure is mounting. With the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Europe is clearly prioritising prevention and reuse, with ambitious targets for both businesses and member states. "By bringing partners together, sharing expertise and accelerating innovation, Fost Plus is bridging the gap between the new PPWR legislation and the business community’, says Lieven Capon, Program Manager for Sustainable Packaging.

A number of projects have now taken concrete shape. One such initiative is Repasys, a large-scale pilot project that is trialling reusable packaging for fresh food products such as mushrooms in supermarkets in Mechelen. Within Interpool, we’re working with Valipac to investigate what is needed to make reuse systems for glass even easier and more user-friendly across national borders. The campaign relating to the return logo for deposit bottles also forms part of our action plan to raise consumer awareness of reusable packaging.