Berlin is advancing its commitment to becoming a zero-waste city by reducing residual waste through prevention, reuse, and recycling. As part of this transition toward a circular economy, the city is strengthening existing reuse initiatives while developing new structures that encourage the exchange, repair, and continued use of pre-owned products. 

A key focus of the project is extending the lifespan of everyday goods by enabling them to be passed on to new users instead of being discarded after their first use. This approach helps conserve valuable resources, reduces waste generation, and contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Building on the progress achieved so far in the last years, the Re-Use Initiative will continue to expand throughout 2026–2027, further promoting sustainable consumption and embedding reuse practices across Berlin. Next to expert dialogues, two other highlights of the project are the further development of the CO₂ calculator as well as the promotion of the ‘Re-Use Partner Stores’ format.

Ecologic Institute again supports the project for the Berlin Senate Administration by organising, conducting and evaluating two expert dialogues, which are held on re-use-based topics and are aimed at supporting knowledge exchange among a diverse set of stakeholders – ranging from NGOs to companies, researchers and administrative staff.