RREUSE - Reuse and Recycling European Union Social Enterprises

We joined the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform's Stakeholder Dialogue with a strong delegation of RREUSE members to ensure the voice of social and circular enterprises was in the room. 📢 It’s reassuring to see the circular economy still high on the European Commission’s agenda. But without putting waste prevention front and centre in the new Circular Economy Act, we’re just circling around the real issue. 🤯 For this reason, we remain committed to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to push for an ambitious CEA that prioritises reuse. #SocialAndCircular #CircularEconomy #WastePrevention #SocialEnterprises #SecondHandFirst

This week, our members gathered in Brussels not just to discuss agendas but to tackle the big questions shaping our future and the kind of economy we want to build together. Our engaging conversations spanned policy, practice, and purpose, reflecting on our current position and mapping out our objectives for the next five years. One message resonated through it all: social enterprises are vital actors in building a fair and inclusive circular economy. 🔄 Their unique ability to blend social objectives with sustainable practices positions them at the forefront of efforts to advance a socially fair and inclusive green transition. RREUSE will continue to ensure their voices are heard in the ongoing and future European initiatives. Thank you to all our members who joined us in person and online throughout these two days for your invaluable energy, ideas, and commitment to our common mission; we're proud to move forward together! 🙏 #SocialAndCircular #SecondHandFirst #SocialEnterprises #SocialEconomy #CircularEconomy

Have you ever wondered what happens to a jacket no longer wanted, a table with a wobbly leg, or a toaster that needs a small fix? ❌ Too often, they end up as waste when they could have a second life. That’s where our social enterprise members step in. Every day, they (prepare for) reuse, and sell pre-loved items, keeping valuable materials in use while creating jobs for those who need them most. 🔄 Ahead of this International #ZeroWasteDay, we must acknowledge that waste isn’t just about discarded materials but lost potential. Every item that gets reused means fewer resources wasted, fewer emissions, and more local and inclusive green jobs. Reuse isn’t the alternative; it’s the solution! #SocialAndCircular #SecondHandFirst #SocialEnterprises #CircularEconomy #Reuse

As part of the Network for Sustainable Development in Public Procurement, we welcome the European Parliament’s push to move beyond the lowest-price mindset and make procurement more accessible to SMEs. That’s a step in the right direction. 🚨 But something big is missing: social and environmental responsibility. Public money should support fair wages, decent jobs, and environmentally responsible practices throughout supply chains - not just the cheapest option. The upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directives is our chance to get this right. Read more about our reaction and recommendations 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQ6VucFz Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) Social Platform EASPD - European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) ENSIE NETWORK Social Services Europe Swedwatch #PublicProcurement #SocialAndCircular

Staying connected with our members is key to understanding the challenges and successes of circular social enterprises on the ground. 🗝️ Yesterday, the RREUSE team visited HERWIN in Ghent, where we met with Eva Verraes and Maarten Landuyt, who shared their network's outstanding and impactful work with us. Did you know that the name HERW!N originates from the Flemish word "herwinnen," which means "to regain"? This perfectly encapsulates their mission of reclaiming value in three significant ways: 🔄 Regaining materials: HERW!N members focus on keeping products and resources in use for as long as possible, contributing to a circular economy. 👷 Regaining work: They create job opportunities for individuals often left out of the traditional labour market, ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive. 🤝 Regaining encounters: They ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to services and a place in the community. In the afternoon, we observed this mission in action at De Kringwinkel Ateljee, a member of HERWIN. There, donated items are carefully collected, sorted, and prepared for new homes. This process not only reduces waste but also creates local, green jobs and promotes a sense of community. In a time when aligning our economy with the planet's limits is crucial, HERW!N and Kringwinkel Ateljee highlight the powerful connection between sustainability and social justice. A heartfelt thank you to Eva, Maarten, and their incredible team for an enlightening visit! #SocialAndCircular #SecondHandFirst #CircularEconomy #SocialEconomy #SocialEnterprise

Decent and quality work serves as a foundation for social inclusion. AERESS member Fundació Solidança is turning this into reality by providing job opportunities for individuals who encounter social and economic barriers. In 2024 alone, Solidança Treball EI S.L. created 200 insertion jobs for migrants, single parents, survivors of gender violence, and other people at risk of exclusion in Catalonia. Their work is making a significant impact: 65% of insertion pathway participants have progressed to stable employment. Workers also benefit from lifelong learning opportunities as a key tool for inclusion. With nearly 1,000 hours of training and hands-on support to almost 100 people in 2024, Solidança is also strengthening skills development opportunities. Across Europe, social and circular enterprises are doing the same - equipping people with skills, creating job opportunities, and proving that an inclusive circular economy is possible. 🔄 👉 Read more about Solidança’s social impact in 2024 https://lnkd.in/e-tnDc2y #SecondHandFirst #SocialAndCircular #SocialEnterprises #SocialEconomy

A big win for social enterprises managing used and waste textiles! 👏 Circular social enterprises are finally getting the recognition they deserve as the revised Waste Framework Directive cements their role in future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes - an essential step toward a fairer, more sustainable textile sector. There’s real progress: social enterprises will have their costs covered when handling textile waste, and Member States can choose to link EPR fees to fast fashion’s practices. But it’s not all good news. The lack of waste prevention targets, unclear EPR governance, and a long implementation timeline leave gaps that still need to be addressed. What happens next matters. 👉 Member States must ensure EPR fees reward circular business models and give social enterprises a real voice in decision-making. The European Commission now has an opportunity to go further with the upcoming Circular Economy Act. Read our full statement 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_-w-cqG #SocialAndCircular #SecondHandFirst #WFD #Textiles #TextileWaste

🌍 The world around us is changing at an incredible pace - new technologies, shifting political landscapes, and urgent global issues are reshaping EU priorities. But to make meaningful progress in tackling poverty, inequality, climate change, and labour market changes, we need more public investment, not less. As a member of Social Platform, we contributed to shaping crucial recommendations for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). If the EU is to build an inclusive, sustainable future, its budget must prioritise long-term investment in people and society. How can the next MFF truly deliver for everyone in Europe? Take a look at Social Platform's insights and recommendations. 👉https://lnkd.in/ePfyB9SH #SocialInvestment #SocialEurope #SocialEconomy

This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re shining a light on the women who make the social and circular economy what it is: meaningful, innovative, resilient and impactful! 🔄 From repairing and preparing items for reuse to sorting donated goods, managing teams and creating innovative products from discarded resources, women in our network play pivotal roles at every level. Every day, they prove that skills and talent have nothing to do with gender. 💪 Let's celebrate and recognise these remarkable women leading the charge toward a fairer and more sustainable world. #IWD2025 #GenderEquality #WomenInSocialEnterprise #SocialAndCircular

As EU budget talks progress, there is a growing risk that crucial social investments could be cut or merged, jeopardising support for millions of Europeans. RREUSE joins 250+ organisations in calling for a well-funded and strong European Social Fund with clear priorities for employment, social inclusion, and poverty reduction. Read our joint statement and support the call for an ambitious EU budget that truly invests in people! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/esM3MrE9 #SocialEconomy #EuropeanSocialFund #EUBudget EASPD - European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities Social Platform Social Services Europe Red Cross EU Office Social Economy Europe Lifelong Learning Platform - European Civil Society for Education European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)