Leveraging public procurement to cut packaging waste and promote reuse in European cities

European cities are tackling the growing burden of single-use packaging waste from food and beverages, which are filling up urban waste streams. Packaging represents 36% of all plastic produced globally, and most is used once before being discarded. 

Cities are at the frontline of managing the environmental and economic consequences of this system. As municipalities transition toward circular economy strategies, public procurement can support the roll-out of reuse systems at scale. Well-designed and scaled reuse systems, such as deposit schemes, refill stations and return logistics, can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared with single-use packaging by avoiding raw material extraction, manufacturing and energy-intensive waste processing.

According to the City Practitioners Handbook: Reuse Starter Kit for Food and Beverages, cities can leverage their purchasing power to shift markets by prioritising durable, reusable solutions in their own operations. The report highlights that replacing single-use items in public canteens, school meal programmes, or municipal facilities is an “easy-to-implement” intervention with immediate impact, reducing waste volumes while modelling behaviour for residents and businesses. 

Public authorities can also procure the infrastructure required for reuse, such as washing hubs, logistics systems, and digital tracking tools. The Handbook notes that when smaller businesses cannot individually reach the scale needed for viable reuse operations, cities can use procurement to pool demand, helping to establish shared washing and redistribution services that support hundreds of restaurants or vendors. 

A recent Circular Cities Declaration webinar highlighted the key findings of the Handbook and how several municipalities and practitioners are shifting to reuse systems through strategic planning and procurement.

Kalamata, Greece, showcased its Local Green Deal on water, where the city is procuring smart refill stations powered by solar panels and distributing reusable bottles to citizens. This investment reduces plastic consumption while strengthening trust in public tap water through transparent monitoring.

Manchester, UK, shared its decade-long experience operating reusable cup systems at major events, including its iconic Christmas Markets. The city procures and owns its cup inventory of 75,000 units, which traders borrow for events via a deposit scheme. While effective, Manchester noted challenges around cup loss rates and supporting external event organisers without dedicated washing infrastructure.

And Sanem, Luxembourg, is piloting reusable takeaway packaging. Here, procurement intersects with logistics, as cities must assess washing capacity, transport needs, material standards, and cost-sharing models with restaurants.

Across all cases, one message was clear: reuse systems succeed when procurement, policy and community engagement align. Public procurement is a lever to help cities redesign material flows, reduce waste management costs, stimulate local green jobs, and build trust in new reuse systems. As more cities prepare for upcoming EU requirements on reusable packaging, strategic procurement will be key to building circular, resource-efficient urban systems. 

Find out more about reuse in cities in the  City Practitioners Handbook: Reuse Starter Kit for Food and Beverages 

Rewatch the Circular Cities Declaration webinar on the CCD website or on YouTube.