Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534344
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 APRIL 2025 6 COMMERCIAL BYOC first anniversary THE Bring Your Own Contain- er (BYOC) initiative introduced by Circular Economy Malta which tackles single-use plas- tics, plays a crucial role in the transition towards a circular economy. The ambitious path towards climate neutrality in 2050 is outlined in the Europe- an Union's Green Deal and re- inforced by key policies such as the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Single-Use Plas- tics directive. The BYOC initiative aims to empower individuals to re- duce single-use waste by opt- ing for using reusable alterna- tives when shopping. From food packaging to plastic bags, everyday items contribute to excessive waste. Customers can directly contribute to re- ducing the environmental im- pact while promoting a more sustainable lifestyle by bring- ing their own containers. This seemingly small habit can lead to meaningful change which reduces waste generation and fosters a culture of mindful consumption. Since the launch of the BYOC initiative in 2024 it has gained significant momentum, which reflects a growing commitment among economic operators to reduce single-us plastics. Ini- tially 180 economic operators had joined the initiative, em- bracing sustainable practices by encouraging customers to use their own containers. Over the past year, the number of registered economic operators has increased to 300 marking a 60% increase. The increase in participation demonstrates the shifting mindset towards more eco-conscious consumption. These 300 registered econom- ic operator can be found in the BYOC Map: Find recognised partners on the Bring Your Own Container (BYOC) Map - CE Malta By reducing the number of single-use containers, this in- itiative significantly contrib- utes to the reduction of plas- tic waste. Since April 2024, this initiative has successfully prevented the use of 63,524 single-use containers, mak- ing a significant impact on the reduction of plastic waste. Notably detergent containers made up the majority of this reduction with 54,966 few- er containers being disposed of, highlighting the growing shift towards more sustaina- ble consumption. According to a recent survey conducted by CEMalta 81% of respond- ents actively avoid single-use items, and 67% of respondents stating that they actively sup- port businesses who priorities sustainable waste management, demonstrating how crucial ini- tiatives like BYOC in reducing waste and shaping consumer behavior. One frequent participant in the initiative revealed: "I wasn't sure it would be practical at first, but after a few weeks it became second nature. I now carry my reusa- ble containers everywhere and feel good that I'm reducing sin- gle-use waste" Another customer noted: "The businesses participating in the initiative offer financial incentive when bringing your own container. It makes me feel good to help the environ- ment while getting something in return" The success of the BYOC in- itiative would not have been possible without the local eco- nomic operators that actively participated and encouraged customers to bring their own containers. "We've seen an increase in customers who specifically choose us because we support BYOC. It's great to be part of something that's helping both the planet and our community." For more information visit: BRING YOUR OWN CON- TAINER (BYOC) Initiative - CE Malta