Welcome to the Circular City Labs Webinar “Initiating Reuse

Welcome to the Circular City Labs Webinar “Initiating Reuse – Perspectives for Businesses and Cities”

During the webinar, please: Mute yourself. Follow the chat for updates and use it to post questions. Be aware that the event will be recorded. Page 2 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Agenda Page 3 Topics Speaker Circular City Labs Jana Schwalm (GIZ) Gender perspective in the Circular Economy Adriana Victoria Mera Sotelo (Gender Focal Point at GIZ Colombia) Reuse businesses Elisabeth Wohlfarth (RECUP) Eckhard von Münchow (ReFrastructure) Roles of cities Magashen Naidoo (ICLEI) Tobias Staufenberg (City of Tübingen) Next steps Jana Schwalm and Angelina Schreiner (GIZ) January 2024 Circular City Labs

Click here to watch our video on reusable packaging systems and the Circular City Labs project Page 4 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Circular City Labs Testing reusable packaging in cities Jana Schwalm (GIZ) Page 5 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Reusable packaging Circular approach Packaging can be cleaned, refilled and used repeatedly for same purpose Small deposit is added to incentivize the consumer to return After consumption, the consumer returns the empty container to collection point to get deposit back Reusable packaging systems can also be set up business-to-business Page 6 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Circular City Labs – Testing reusable packaging systems in cities Project goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through waste prevention. Reusable packaging systems are tested. The participation of women in the local circular economies is strengthened. Project period: 01/2023 to 12/2025 4 selected partner cities: Tirana (Albania), Tbilisi (Georgia), Medellín (Colombia), South Africa or Kosovo (tbd) Sectors: Selection of sectors depends on local demand and interest Page 7 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Content of the Circular City Labs project Design might differ from city to city In each selected city: Multi-stakeholder approach Inviting public sector, academia, civil society and private entities Exchange around CE, reuse and women’s participation in the economy Collaboration with public sector (municipalities) Trainings Local-level incentives on CE and reusable packaging Collaboration with private sector (SMEs) Accelerator programme Target group 14 SMEs 70% women participation Awareness raising measures Page 8 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Trainings Development of implementation plan Coaching sessions 4 months Estimated timeplan 02-03/2024 Page 9 04/24 January 2024 Circular City Labs Selecting best proposal and implementation plan 1 woman-driven business supported to pilot reuse business model Evaluation & Dissemination Call for applications Pilot implementations Start of labs Accelerator Programme Evaluation Sharing results & learnings Identification of long-term financing End Design might differ from city to city 8 months 08/24 03/25 05/25

1. Auf dieses Symbol klicken um neues Fotos einzufügen 2. Folie wieder zurücksetzen 3. ggfs. mit „Zuschneiden“ den Ausschnitt verändern Gender perspective in the Circular Economy Adriana Mera (Gender Focal Point GIZ Colombia)

Some Context “Engaging women in the circular economy – raising awareness on sustainable consumption and encouraging participation in leadership and managerial roles – is indispensable to create good circular systems” According to the OECD women are differentially affected by both sustainable and unsustainable production and consumption patterns because: Are dependent for subsistence on strained natural resources. Are affected by poor labor conditions in a “feminized” workforce. Provide a large amount of informal and unpaid work related to waste management. Are involuntarily and without their knowledge exposed to harmful products and chemicals. Studies* confirm that women has low representation in industrial eco-design and advanced technology-related professions and in senior management roles. *Manuel Albaladejo (2022)

Why is a Gender Perspective important in Circular Economy? The circular model can be seen as a tool to achieve SDGs: SDG 17: Sustainable Development SDG 5: Gender Equality “Gender equality is a central pillar for achieving sustainable development, which is the circular economy’s ultimate aim” According to a 2020 study* companies with improved gender diversity on boards were to reduce: 60% the intensity of energy consumption 39% GHG emissions 46%water use respectively *Period 2013-2018 Circular Economy is still overwhelmingly maledominated: women make up only: 5% of executive board members; 21% of non-executive board members 15% of senior management leadership roles. If the circular economy is to be a game changer for production and consumption patterns, it must do so based on principles of equality.

Main Obstacles for Leadership of Women in the Sector Gender dimensions of the circular economy faces the following challenges: laws, policies, regulations, and institutional practices as high taxes, lack of government incentives and subsidies to small businesses. cultural norms and beliefs. gender roles, responsibilities, and time use. access to and control over assets and resources. patterns of power and decision-making. lack of information on available business education, training programs, and technical support for entrepreneurs.

The Case of Colombia National Circular Economy Strategy (ENEC) : Strategy to retain the value of materials; Alternative to prevent the generation of waste and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. A research of GIZ* about circular economy in 4 cities in Colombia, shows women have participation of: 69% in jobs 74% in management positions 70% in the ownership of reuse initiatives 43.8% of female entrepreneurs in Colombia exhibited entrepreneurial intentions, but only 4.9% of them ran established businesses (2018). *Circular Economy in Colombia (giz.de) Bogotá, has “Bogotá Circular” strategy, along and coordinated with stakeholders from different sectors of society.

Final Reflection How can a circular economy prevent gender disparities from the transition stage? How to account for and address the practical and strategic needs of women? How to ensure the active inclusion of women in circular-economy-related activities? It is imperative to systematically incorporate a gender lens in circular economy design since it requires understanding consumer behavior and local/ traditional sustainable practices, which are domains where women are often the knowledge holders. Investigating “gender roles and behavioral preferences in consumption as well as waste generation and prevention” could lead to addressing gender inequalities “through recognizing the value of jobs supporting circular economies” (OECD, 2020).

Reuse businesses Elisabeth Wohlfarth (RECUP) Eckhard von Münchow (ReFrastructure) Page 16 January 2024 Circular City Labs

13 Billion single-use packaging items are yearly used and thrown away in Germany. 17

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Comparison reuse systems Availability: one store, chain or city, a shared pool of several chains, nationwide or international Business Model: Pay-per-use, membership payment Handling: analog (deposit) or/and digital (penalty system) Products: shape, size, material, diversity 19

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Monthly fixed payment independent from order volume & daily usage all products deposit is not real cost after break even point cheaper than single use 22

20.000 partners in the network Small & big. Active cities RECUP/REBOWL partner 23

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25 ReFrastructure Foundation the Digital Infrastructure for Reuse Systems

Current reuse systems face problems X Reusable tableware has to be returned to the respective partners Too few return points X On its own, each system has too low volumes to run cleaning and logistics economically No central cleaning facility End customer Reuse system start-up Restaurant operator Foodtruck operator

ReFrastructure Foundation enables “Return Anywhere” - a broad return network for all reusable containers. Benefits for citizens: Convenient return of reusable containers Our digital platform enables a cross-system infrastructure for logistics and cleaning. Benefits for restaurants & Co: Convenient way to offer reusable containers Our USP: As a neutral non-profit platform, ReFrastructure Foundation enables cooperation between all stakeholders, including competitors. Scaling effects will be reaped without creating monopolistic structures. Benefit for everyone: Economies of a common-good platform

How REFRASTRUCTURE works in practice Decentralized dispensing & return Centralized return 1. 2. A digital twin is created of each container API* Logistics API API 3. Anonymized data collection & analysis for logistical optimization, leveraging of synergies (logistics/ washing) & compliance with legal requirements (reporting obligation) Logistics API By scanning each ID, tracking of containers and deposit clearing between system participants is made possible via interfaces and our digital platform. Cleaning *Application Programming Interface

Neutrality is based on our legal format and IT-system architecture Infrastructure & clearing system is neutral and cannot be sold. TRUSTE D BROKER Legal format: Foundation ReFrastructure Technical design maintains data sovereignty of stakeholders

Pilot in Munich/Haar - Awareness

Pilot in Munich/Haar - Infopoint

ReFrastructure pilot – some learnings Information campaign is crucial professional design personal interaction select appropriate communication channels for target audiences Digital infrastructure did work – scanning and database professional SW development with student support saves funds invest in initial case studies Institutional support (here municipality Haar) opens many doors Reuse is not inherently attractive – neither for gastronomy nor for users hen/egg issue: little user demand - limited offers Voluntary work can start a lot – difficult for long-term processes Project courage pays off - “Can do” proof opens new opportunities - scaling from Haar (23,000 citizens) to Stuttgart (630,000) - extension from take-away to e-commerce

Time for Questions! With Elisabeth Wohlfarth (RECUP) and Eckhard von Münchow (ReFrastructure) Page 33 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Role of Cities Magashen Naidoo (ICLEI) Tobias Staufenberg (City of Tübingen) Page 34 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Circular City Labs - Webinar “Initiating Reuse - Perspectives for Business and Cities” “The role of municipalities to promote and enable reuse models: Policy and holistic considerations” Magash Naidoo, 16/01/2024

Our Mission ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (known as “ICLEI”) is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, naturebased, equitable, resilient and circular development. 2,500 LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS ACTIVE IN 125 COUNTRIES 600 EXPERTS IN 27 OFFICES WORLDWIDE

ICLEI Offices Around The World British Columbia Office Victoria, Canada World Secretariat Bonn, Germany Berlin Office Berlin, Germany East Asia Secretariat Seoul, Republic of Korea Canada Office Toronto, Canada Korea Office Suwon, Republic of Korea USA Office Denver, USA Quebec Office Montreal, Canada Mexico, Central America & Caribbean Secretariat Mexico City, Mexico Secretariat Office Country Office Project Office Brussels Office Brussels, Belgium European Secretariat Freiburg, Germany Beijing Office Beijing, China Bangladesh Project Office Dhaka,Bangladesh Kaohsiung Capacity Center Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei South Asia Secretariat New Delhi, India South India Center Hyderabad, India Colombia Office Medellin, Colombia Argentina Office Rosario, Argentina South America Secretariat São Paulo, Brazil Japan Office Tokyo, Japan Indonesia Project Office Jakarta, Indonesia South East Asia Secretariat Manila, Philippines Africa Secretariat Cape Town, South Africa Oceania Secretariat Melbourne, Australia

Role of cities? Integration: Critical but complex to balance multiple objectives over many thematic areas, e.g. banning single use items vs. unemployment and livelihoods. Enabler: Primary power lies in Regulatory environment, Policies, By-laws, Strategies and Plans. Not forgetting the ability to institute incentives and enforcement mechanisms. E.g. Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans that move towards zero-waste; implementation of separation at source infrastructure and enforcement of proper use. Conduit: Legitimate lobby power with other key stakeholders, e.g. national government to institute laws that promote Reuse; and contribute to Global Treaties. Convener: A safe platform for all perspectives to be shared and objectives achieved for the greater good. End-user: City Administrations also consumer a lot.

Circular Economy Policy Tool Box Local governments’ instruments to build a sound policy framework to further circular economy and reuse measures include: REGULATORY AND PLANNING Regulations and strategic plans Monitoring and enforcement Environmental assessment and permits Spatial planning Strategic plans Multi-level governance Asset management ECONOMIC Fees and user charges Certificate trading Public procurement Financial support Investment programs Public-private partnerships Tax incentives COOPERATION Voluntary agreements Technology transfer Partnerships for knowledge development Provide access to space and noneconomic resources EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE Communication and awareness campaigns Education and curriculum Guidelines and handbooks Monitoring systems Research and development

Important considerations Shifting the environmental burden and unintended consequences?: In instances we solve a problem and create another, e.g. replacing single-use plastic bags with paper bags. Sustainable outcomes: Will the benefits continue after the end-life of initiatives?. Economic flows: Shifting of productive activities to outside of city economies need to be limited, coordinated or supplemented with new activities. Social aspects: Are we taking into account three important dimensions? Access, Participation and Opportunity.

Circular Cities Action Framework and Reuse Circular Cities Action Framework Reuse: Design and regulate for extended use. Facilitate second-hand markets, sharing and exchange platforms. Support resume, repair, remanufacturing and maintenance of existing resources, products, spaces and infrastructure.

Thank you! Get in touch: [email protected] https://circulars.iclei.org/

Stadt und Bürgerschaft Financial incentives to reduce single-use packaging The single use packaging tax in the city of Tübingen Tobias Staufenberg, Environmental and Climate Protection Unit of the municipality of Tübingen

Tübingen 90.000 inhabitants 27.000 university students 30km south of Stuttgart

Why a local tax on packages? Increasing amounts of disposable packagings in public spaces Annual costs of 700.000 for disposal Create an incentive to use reusable packagings No regulation / incentive on the national level Ressource protection Climate protection Fotos: Hans-Peter Kern January 16th 2024 45

How does it work? 0,50 on every single use food package 0,50 on every single use drink package 0,20 on single use cutlery No tax if: Reusable packing is used (e.g. as part of a deposit system) Food/drink are not consumed promptly January 16th 2024 46

How does it work? 440 businesses affected Revenue ist expected to amount to several hundred thousand Euros. 1,5 full-time positions in the tax department needed for tax collection January 16th 2024 47

We support alternatives! Local subsidies for businesses transitioning to reusable packages – 500 for packages (per shop) – 1000 for dishwashers (per shop) 108 businesses have been subsidizied since 2020 – Currently 158 shops with reusable packages Three fairs for reusable packages organized by administration – Connecting local business with companies offering reusable packaging January 16th 2024 48

We support alternatives! Tax is a catalyst for the usage of reusable packages 53.000 in subsidies have been disbursed to local businesses so far 170 businesses offering reusable packagings January 16th 2024 Applications for subsidies 87 88 89 90 81 82 83 84 69 25 25 28 30 2 8 49

Process 12/2018: municipal council orders administration to prepare a tax bylaw. 2019: intensive research into legal and practical affairs Q3 4 2019: meetings with local gastronomers regarding taxing and reusable packagings 01/2020: municipal council enacts the tax bylaw, being in effect as of 01/2021 05/2020: administration starts aid programm for local gastronomy to support transition towards reusable packages January 16th 2024 50

Process 07/2020: due to Covid19 pandemic municipal council shifts start of taxation to 01/2022 07/2021: Information about process of taxation sent to local shops. Q3 4 2021: intense counseling of local shops Q4 2021: Information campaign towards the public January 16th 2024 51

Does it work? Tax has been in effect since January 2022 – Visibly less trash in and around public trash bins – Much more people using reusable packages – Many local businesses completly phased out single-use packagings for food and drinks January 16th 2024 52

Looking forward Tax collecting for 2022 started in fall of 2023 Additional information and counseling of local businesses will be necessary regarding taxation and the use of renewable packages More and more cities ask for information about the tax and think about implementing simmilar taxes January 16th 2024 53

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! Tobias Staufenberg [email protected] 49-7071-204-2485 January 16th 2024 54

Time for Questions! With Magash Naidoo (ICLEI) and Tobias Staufenberg (City of Tübingen) Page 55 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Circular City Labs – Next steps Albania: Open Call for Tender for accelerator implementation in Tirana Colombia: Kick-off event in Medellín: 15th of February Online workshop series: 7th, 14th and 21st of March Georgia: Kick-off event in Tbilisi: end of February or beginning of March Global activities: Leadership Training for Female Multipliers in the Circular Economy: Starting next week Next webinar: Probably October 2024 Page 56 January 2024 Circular City Labs

Get in touch! Share your email address in the chat or contact: CCL Global [email protected] Colombia [email protected] Become part of our brochure "Good Practices for Reusable Packagin g Systems" Project website Page 57 January 2024 Circular City Labs Georgia [email protected] Albania [email protected] and [email protected]

Additional links Study recommendation Reuse city example LCA in takeaway reuse (zerowasteeurope.eu) The story of Tübingen (zerowastecities.eu) Hygiene standards and cleaning of reusable packaging Reuse communities Merkblatt „Pool-Geschirr“ - Hygiene beim Umgang mit M ehrweggeschirren innerhalb von Pfand-Poolsystemen (le bensmittelverband.de) Platform & Network for Reusable Packaging (planetreuse.eu) Reusable packaging system design - washing, sanitizatio n and handling of foodware (resolve.ngo) Community (reuseportal.org) Pfand-Poolsysteme: Worauf du bei Pfandgeschirr aus Po olsystemen achten solltest (youtube.com) (English subtitles can be activated) Page 58 16/05/24 Circular City Labs EU Reuse Alliance (newreusealliance.eu)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Registered offices Bonn and Eschborn, Germany Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 36 53113 Bonn, Germany T 49 228 44 60 - 0 F 49 228 44 60 - 17 66 E [email protected] I www.giz.de Dag-Hammarskjöld-Weg 1 - 5 65760 Eschborn, Germany T 49 61 96 79 - 0 F 49 61 96 79 - 11 15