Reuse Insights Lab
Keeping valuable materials in play for multiple uses
In today’s world, we create, buy, use and then ultimately dispose of a lot of stuff. This wastes energy, money and precious limited natural resources. Reuse and refill models play a critical role in extending the lifespan of valuable materials, moving away from linear material flows to circular flows that capture the long-term value of resources.
We’re seeing multiple factors driving reuse: the urgency of the climate crisis and pressure from environmentally conscious consumers; growing regulatory pressures in the U.S., including single-use plastic bans in California, New York and Hawaii; business incentives as the economic case for resource efficiency becomes increasingly clear; and emerging technological developments enabling the tracking of reuse.
Across Closed Loop Partners and our Center for the Circular Economy, we are testing, piloting and investing in reusable packaging models in order to accelerate their pathway to scale. We see reuse as a primary means to addressing the mounting single-use plastics waste challenge, reducing the need for virgin plastic extraction and keeping valuable materials in play.
How do we design a system so that reuse is the most accessible, convenient, affordable and attractive choice?
Our Reuse Insights Lab conducts qualitative and quantitative research and data analytics through in-market testing, focus groups and customer interviews, to identify how to design and build the architecture for a reuse system that brings the circular economy to the forefront in our everyday life.
Insights & Analytics
The Playbook
The Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag’s Playbook…
Beyond the Plastic Bag
In this report, Beyond the Plastic Bag, the Consortium…
Bringing Reusable Packaging Systems to Life: Lessons…
The report outlines key lessons learned and sharing…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
The Comeback of Reuse, and the Path Forward
Many feared that the COVID-19 pandemic would push climate…
Implementation of Reusable Packaging Models
In this webinar, Kate Daly, Managing Director at Closed…
Explore more reuse & refill work at Closed Loop Partners
Reuse Series
Blog Post
How Today’s Single-Use Habits Can Inform the Direction…
To build successful reuse systems, we need to make…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
How Personalized Home Delivery Models Could Spur Successful…
Georgia Sherwin, Senior Director at Closed Loop Partners…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
Four Key Needs for the Growth of Reuse in 2023
Many large consumer-facing brands are making sustainable…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
How Climate, Carbon & Reuse Come Together
Georgia Sherwin, Senior Director at Closed Loop Partners…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
How Do We Spark a Seachange for Reuse?
It will take unprecedented collaboration to address…
Reuse Series
Blog Post
The Comeback of Reuse, and the Path Forward
Many feared that the COVID-19 pandemic would push climate…
Closed Loop Venture Fund
Algramo
Incentivizing Reuse Systems
Algramo builds smart dispensing systems that incentivize…
Press Release
Just Salad Receives Investment from Leading Circular…
Just Salad demonstrates pathway to scale reusables…
Press Release
Algramo Introduces State-of-the-Art Refill Model to…
In partnership with small business owners, Algramo…
Closed Loop Venture Fund
Thrilling
The Rise of Resale: Digitizing Vintage
Closed Loop Ventures Group invested in Thrilling, an…
Reuse & Refill Category: NextGen Cup Challenge Winners
These reusable cup solutions are among the winners of the NextGen Cup Challenge.
CLUBZERØ (formerly CupClub)
CLUBZERØ operates a returnable cup ecosystem, providing a service for drinks. Think bike sharing, but for cups.
reCup GmbH
reCup GmbH operates a deposit system for reusable cups. Rent their cup and return it to any participating partner shop. No cleaning of the cup or carrying around required.
Muuse
Muuse operates a deposit-based platform for smart, reusable beverage packaging, connecting their cups–and third party products–to Internet of Things technologies.
Reuse & Refill Category: Beyond the Bag Challenge Winners
These reusable bag solutions are among the winners of the Beyond the Bag Challenge.
ChicoBag
ChicoBag eliminates a common pain point for consumers: remembering your reusable bag. Their service enables customers to borrow bags on-site as part of the sharing economy.
GOATOTE
GOATOTE’s kiosk system allows consumers to access clean, reusable bags anywhere a kiosk is found.
Returnity
For those who shop online or use pick up services, Returnity designs and manufactures reusable shipping bags and boxes for products already on the market, and provides the e-commerce and delivery packaging system that powers how these bags and boxes are used.