Reusable glass is one of the smartest tools we have to cut packaging waste and reduce emissions. It’s durable, endlessly refillable, and already proven in multiple markets.
So what’s holding it back?
Right now, reuse systems stop where country borders begin. A bottle that’s reused in Belgium can’t easily re-enter a system in France. A German bottle can’t seamlessly circulate into the Netherlands. Instead of a smooth European reuse flow, we’re dealing with fragmented systems, different rules, and logistical dead ends.
And that means we’re missing out on massive environmental impact.
Enter INTERPOOL: A cross-border push for reuse
We’re excited to share that INTERPOOL – Breaking Bottlenecks, Not Bottles has officially been selected for funding under Interreg North-West Europe (NWE)!
Led by Fair Resource Foundation, this 3.5-year programme builds on six years of collaboration with Enviu through Mission Reuse. Together, we’ve already helped accelerate reusable packaging in the Netherlands and Belgium—and now we’re taking that momentum across borders into Germany and France.
This isn’t just another project. It’s a historic opportunity to finally connect the dots and build a truly European reuse system.
What we’ll be tackling
Over the coming years, INTERPOOL will:
- Map existing reuse systems in NL, BE, FR, and DE
- Identify bottlenecks—from logistics to policy to tech
- Define what’s needed to make cross-border reuse work in real life
- Learn from retailers, fillers, logistics partners, and innovators
- Deliver a shared policy strategy and scale-up plan for reusable glass packaging
Because reusable glass can only reach its full potential when systems collaborate—not compete.
And with the EU’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) raising the bar on reuse targets, the timing couldn’t be better.
Meet the powerhouse behind INTERPOOL
We’re proud to work with an incredible consortium, including:
Fair Resource Foundation (Lead, NL), Enviu, Provincie Zuid-Holland (NL), Verpact / KIDV (NL), Citeo (FR), Réseau Vrac et Réemploi (FR), Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen eG (DE), Mehrwegverband Deutschland e.V. (DE), Pro Mehrweg (DE), Fost Plus (BE), University of Antwerp – REuseLab (BE), Mission Zero Academy (BE / EU), New ERA (BE / EU), and Zero Waste Europe (BE / EU).
And supported by a strong network of associated partners, from ministries and universities to industry federations and circular economy leaders.
A big thank you to all the market actors who provided the input that formed the basis of this application. Thanks to Bureau BUITEN, Het Subsidiehuis, Esther Veenendaal at Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) for the support. Thanks to all (associated) partners and colleagues that made this application possible!
We’re proud. We’re energised. And we’re ready to get to work.
The road starts here
INTERPOOL kicks off in March 2026, and we can’t wait to share what unfolds as we take the next step toward a truly circular, reusable Europe.
Follow along, and join us as we ‘break bottlenecks, not bottles’.
Want to be part of the change? We’re inviting brands, retailers, and policymakers to connect and discover how you can contribute.
