On March 11th, 2022, we signed the Green Deal Anders Verpakt as the REuse Lab together with UAntwerp and more than 80 other parties; an initiative of OVAM, the spearhead cluster VIL, COMEOS, Detic and Fevia Vlaanderen.
With this Green Deal Anders Verpakt, they want to focus on less single-use packaging by avoiding or reusing it, while also reducing the environmental impact of the packaged product. The aim is to reduce disposable packaging in Flanders by 15,000 tons over the next three years.
Packaging is important. Among other things, they protect goods during transport and ensure that foods are stored longer. However, not all packaging is equally necessary, and products can also be packaged differently. Because we need to use our raw materials more sustainably, this Green Deal shifts the focus from collection and recycling to other distribution and consumption models. We are explicitly thinking of prevention (omission of packaging, transport in bulk) and reuse of packaging. Naturally, we strive for a reduced environmental impact. The fundamental rethinking of services and packaging, and the systems in which they are applied, is central to this.
-
GDAV
Project actions of the REuse Lab
The REuse Lab is one of more than 80 projects and wants to carry out various concrete project actions:
- Annual activities such as the Xplore Design Week (XDW) and the Innovation week, during which respectively Bachelor and Master students of Product Development work together for a week on a specific theme or issue.
- We offer the possibility to tackle an assignment from a company or organization as the subject of a master's thesis. The student spends almost the entire 2nd master Product Development on the thesis. Supported by the promotor and other professors, the student researches and designs an innovative product, service or system for 9 months.
- A webinar or workshop (given by one of the members of the REuse Lab) on an appropriate theme within reusable packaging and circular economy.
- Link with ongoing (doctoral) research in the context of reuse.
- Communication of best practices/cases through the development of the REuse Lab website.