On World Refill Day, the Portuguese environmental association ZERO – Sustainable Earth System Association issued a strong appeal for immediate and ambitious implementation of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Their demands are not only timely, but also urgent, as Portugal and the rest of Europe face rising levels of packaging waste, despite new EU targets for reduction.

According to Eurostat data from 2022, the average European citizen generated 186.5 kilograms of packaging waste. Portugal slightly exceeded this with 188 kilograms per capita, reflecting a worrying 20% increase over the last decade. With new EU regulations setting binding targets to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 (all compared to 2018 levels), the pressure is mounting on governments and industries to act now.

ZERO's list of priorities targets three key stakeholders: the government, businesses, and consumers. At the government level, the organization insists on the immediate implementation of legislation requiring reusable packaging in the take-away food and beverage sector. Although this measure was supposed to take effect in January 2024, it was postponed until July 2025, and the ordinance needed to operationalize it is still pending.

"It is urgent that the government ensures restaurants and retailers offer a reusable packaging option, backed by disincentives for single-use alternatives," emphasized ZERO.

The association also calls for a robust awareness campaign that incorporates prevention measures already enshrined in Portuguese law, such as:

• The right of consumers to use their own packaging when buying bulk goods.
• The obligation for take-away providers to accept customer-provided containers.
• The availability of sanitized, reusable cups and tap water for in-store consumption at food establishments.

Another strong demand is to end the free distribution of carrier bags, regardless of the material. ZERO believes that the true cost of convenience must be internalized by both consumers and retailers to encourage sustainable practices.

The environmental association is also urging the government to install public refill stations for water bottles in parks, public transit areas, educational institutions, and high-footfall locations. Moreover, refill and reuse models should become the new norm in public events, festivals, and large gatherings.

ZERO is critical of current event policies that allow reusable cups to be treated as disposable, leading to unnecessary waste. They argue for immediate legal reforms to ensure genuine reusability in such settings.

To support bulk purchasing habits, the organization suggests using the Environmental Fund to finance the creation of more bulk stores, a strategy already tested in Italy. On the consumer side, ZERO encourages the public to shift their behavior by:

• Bringing reusable containers and bags when shopping.
• Opting for bulk over packaged products whenever possible.

World Refill Day has become more than symbolic—it's a rallying cry for a packaging paradigm shift. With EU mandates now in place, the window for voluntary action is closing, and the need for enforced change has never been clearer. ZERO’s proposals offer a comprehensive roadmap to ensure Portugal can meet its environmental commitments while fostering a culture of refill, reuse, and responsibility.