Knowledge Resource Library

In this section you will find a variety of different materials all about the topic of plastic and its impacts on the environment, our health, and society in general. There are also resources on creating a different kind of world, without single use plastic and based on zero waste principles.

You can use the search and filters provided to find the information you need. All materials are in the public domain and may be freely downloaded and used without alteration. However please be sure to give the creators proper credit if sharing with others!

The library is updated regularly: if you have any suggestions for it, please contact us.

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What is reuse?

A great introductory guide to reuse – including what it is and what it is not – and how it can work as a system, at a local, national and international level.

Facilitating the Adoption of Takeaway Reuse Systems

Zero Waste Europe presents a cost analysis for businesses looking to move from single-use to reusable packaging for takeaway food and drink and outlines what policy measures are needed to support them.

The New Coal: Plastics and Climate Change

Beyond Plastics explores the link between plastics and climate breakdown, making the case that, in terms of climate impact, plastic is the new coal.

The unbearable cost of single-use plastics

An excellent report by FairFin exploring the financial risks of single-use plastics both for the companies that produce them and the institutions that finance them.

What’s behind food contact paper packaging? Plastic.

Zero Waste Europe looks at the trend towards paper packaging and finds much of the replacement material still contains plastic.

Unpacking Customer Perspectives on Reusable Packaging

An in-depth study of how consumers in the USA engage with reusable packaging, including lessons learned and recommendations.

Unpacking Reuse in Asia

A report focusing on reuse solutions in Asia.

Bottle Free Seas Report

EJF present a case study of their project with the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority to provide 10 public water refill points around the city.

Coca-Cola’s World With Waste

Oceana’s report examines how even a partial move to reusable packaging could greatly reduce Coke’s contribution to marine plastic pollution and the degradation of human health. It also analyses the business risks faced by the company in continuing its commitment to single-use plastic.

Fashion’s Plastic Paralysis

Why are major brands doubling down on synthetic fibres when the toxic effects are well known? This 2024 survey explores the ways fast fashion is covering up its plastic addiction.

Toxic double standards

An explanation of the loophole allowing European companies to produce and export items containing substances banned in the EU to often poorer countries overseas and recommendations to stop this practice.

European Reuse Barometer

A review of 90 reuse solutions across different sectors and their potential scalability, profitability and impact in the current regulatory landscape.

Exiting Petrochemicals Policy Guide

Financing plastics – a guide for investors interested in ESG and environmental and social risk.

ลดพลาสติกอย่างไรให้ยั่งยืน

ลดอย่างไรให้ยั่งยืน ผลกระทบของการผลิต และบริโภคพลาสติกของประเทศไทย และฉากทัศน์ในการแก้ไขปัญหา จาก EJF Thailand

Room for reduction – Towards sustainable production and consumption of plastics in Thailand

An insightful and in-depth country report from EJF Thailand

Plastic Waste Power Play – EIA UK

An investigation of the plastic waste exports from the EU finds that they take up limited recycling capacity in recipient countries – and the vast majority is never even recycled.

Plastic Waste Trade: The Hidden Numbers

Recent analysis by IPEN found that the overall plastic trade is more than 40% higher than previous estimates, and even this number fails to reflect the trade of plastics and wastes in textiles, rubber, plastic contamination of paper bales, and other sources.

Primary Microplastics in the Oceans

A report detailing the seven key sources of microplastics found in the ocean.

Refill Store Toolkit

The toolkit provides guidance and resources for establishing and running refill stores, promoting sustainable and zero-waste practices – in Bahasa Indonesia.

Demystifying Compostable and Biodegradable Plastics – Beyond Plastics

This report provides an overview of bioplastic materials currently on the market, the voluntary standards that govern their design and scientific research findings to date on their safety.

pmeier_2m0rvum9Knowledge Resource Library