The project, promoted by the Pallars Jussà Regional Council and the town councils of Tremp and La Pobla de Segur, was supported by unpublished, which identified and evaluated alternatives to single-use materials, as well as potential pilot tests to be conducted based on their impact and feasibility.
It started at the end of 2024, in the region of Pallars Jussà, Catalunya, SpainIt consisted of a two-month pilot project to test two container reuse systems with six small producers and businesses: 100-gram glass jars and polypropylene containers for serving cooked food.
The project has been recognized in the category of "Public Administration" with the Rezero Catalunya Award, granted by the Rezero FoundationThese awards recognize the best Catalan initiatives in waste prevention.
The award was presented on March 26 at the Zero Waste Festival, organized by Rezero and Zero Waste Europe to coincide with World Zero Waste Day, celebrated on March 30.
A pioneering experience in Catalonia
This is the first experiment of its kind in Catalonia. Until now, the initiatives tested have focused on cups or other environments, usually cafeterias in large workplaces or schools. In this case, two container reuse systems were tested: 100-gram glass jars and polypropylene containers for serving cooked food.
Two small producers participated in the pilot test with glass jars, producing jars of pâté and Tupí cheese, and, indirectly, the small business in Pallars Jussà that sells these products. Regarding the pilot test with containers for cooked food, two establishments in Tremp and two in La Pobla de Segur participated, offering their customers the option to rent a reusable container that could be returned to any of these four establishments. In both cases, the promotion of changing habits was reinforced with a loyalty card and rewards linked to the number of containers returned.
The other winners of the Rezero Catalunya Awards are: in the "Entity" category, the MAP Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been running a home recycling project since 2022; in the "Commerce" category, Suela-Ràpid, which offers repair services for any type of product, uses sustainable materials, and offers an unlimited warranty on its repairs; and in the "Company" category, Saó Prat, an integration company that promotes efficient resource management in construction and renovation activities by introducing the principles of the circular economy.
Photos: Laia Figuera and Dolors Etxalar, from Tremp City Council, with Manuela Santoyo, from inèdit, project manager.
Source: unpublished.
