What we are doing
The Circular City Labs (CCL) project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through waste prevention by promoting reusable packaging systems and enhancing women’s participation in local circular economies. To address these challenges, the project is being implemented in Tirana (Albania), Tbilisi (Georgia), Medellín (Colombia), and South Africa.
Cities worldwide face mounting challenges from single-use packaging waste, which contributes to overflowing landfills, rising GHG emissions, and increasing pressure on urban waste management systems. CCL tackles these issues by promoting reusable packaging across key sectors, including food and beverage, retail, logistics, and e-commerce.
The project supports local businesses in piloting economically viable reuse solutions while ICLEI assists city administrations in developing policies and supportive measures to scale these systems effectively.
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What we are achieving
ICLEI Europe supports Tirana (Albania) and Tbilisi (Georgia) through technical capacity-building activities such as workshops on city action levers, material flow analyses, and replication guides for introducing reusable cups at city events.
ICLEI Colombia and the ICLEI South America Secretariat assist Medellín (Colombia) in integrating reusable packaging into city policies and operations while hosting regional awareness webinars on reuse systems as a solution to waste management challenges.
In South Africa, ICLEI Africa conducted a baseline study on reuse systems in Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and uMhlathuze and is facilitating virtual and in-person public-private engagements, culminating in a national workshop in August 2025 to advance reusable packaging systems and female entrepreneurship.
Finally, the ICLEI World Secretariat leads global initiatives, including international events, peer exchanges, and the development of a policy toolkit for reusable packaging systems.
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