WWF Greece is an independent environmental non-governmental organisation, member of the International WWF, a global network of scientists, volunteers and citizens, active in Greece for almost 30 years. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the natural environment, to protect biodiversity, to ensure the sustainable use of renewable natural
resources and to promote the reduction of pollution, wasteful consumption and reduce the human overall footprint on our planet.
The Lifestyle Footprint Reduction department at WWF Greece is on a mission to empower society to make sustainable choices that minimise their environmental impact. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet, and we offer a range of resources and initiatives designed to help shrink our daily footprint. Making Sustainable Swaps in food choices, eco-friendly home, responsible consumption. Beyond daily habits:
• Product Design: We advocate for the ecodesign of products, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle – from raw materials to disposal.
• Reduce, Reuse, Repair: We promote a circular economy by encouraging the reuse and repair of products to extend their lifespan and minimise waste.
Our efforts are concentrated both towards individuals and policy makers to gain the knowledge and tools to make a difference and create a ripple effect, fostering a more sustainable future for the planet.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO)
EU Framework:
1. Analyse the main EU policy and legislative framework relevant to packaging waste prevention and reuse, including the Circular Economy Action Plan and other relevant EU initiatives. Identify objectives and specific
actions related to:
• packaging waste reduction
• reuse systems for takeaway food and beverages
• prevention of single-use packaging waste in public spaces
2. Analyze relevant provisions of the Waste Framework Directive regarding waste prevention, reuse, and the waste hierarchy.
3. Examine the Packaging and Packaging Waste framework, with particular attention to provisions or proposals related to:
• reusable packaging targets
• takeaway packaging
• food and beverage containers
• cups and food service packaging used in urban/public settings
National Legislation and Policy Measures:
1. Choose a selection of EU member states (consider a mix of geographically diverse and economically influential countries, as well as countries with advanced reuse schemes).
2. Research national laws, regulations, and policy instruments that promote reuse systems for packaging, especially for cups and food containers. This could include: deposit-return or borrowing schemes for reusable cups and takeaway food containers, obligations for food service businesses to offer reusable alternatives, measures targeting single-use cups, takeaway packaging, and on-the-go consumption, city-level or municipal regulations for reusable foodware in public spaces, festivals, markets, or public events, hygiene and food safety rules affecting the rollout of reusable systems, public procurement rules encouraging reusable food and drink service ware, incentives or support schemes for businesses operating reuse systems, extended producer responsibility or other economic instruments that favor reuse over disposable packaging
Reuse System Models and Implementation:
1. Explore different operational models for reusable cup and food container systems, such as: return-to-store systems, app-based return systems, deposit-based reusable cup schemes, shared infrastructure systems across multiple vendors, municipal or event-based reusable foodware systems
2. Examine enabling and limiting factors for implementation in public spaces, including: logistics and collection infrastructure, washing and sanitation requirements, consumer participation and convenience. costs for businesses and local authorities, interoperability across retailers or service providers
Comparative Analysis:
1. Compare and contrast the approaches taken by different European countries in regulating and supporting reusable cup and food container systems.
2. Identify best practices, successful policy models, and implementation gaps.
3. Assess which legal and policy tools appear most effective in increasing reuse in public and on-the-go consumption contexts.
Emerging Trends:
1. Explore upcoming EU legislation, national measures, or city-level initiatives related to reusable takeaway packaging and waste prevention in public spaces.
2. Consider the role of innovation and technology, such as: digital tracking of reusable containers, QR/app-based return systems, data systems for measuring reuse performance, digital product passports or related traceability tools where relevant
Deliverables:
- Research Report: A comprehensive report summarising the findings, including: an overview of the EU framework for packaging waste prevention and reuse, analysis of national laws and policy measures in selected European countries, mapping of reusable cup and food container schemes in public-space and takeaway settings, comparative assessment of national and local approaches, insights into emerging trends and practical implementation challenges
- Presentation: Prepare a clear and concise presentation summarising the key findings of the research, with particular emphasis on: legal frameworks for reusable packaging, examples of cup and food container reuse schemes, lessons learned and policy recommendations
ELSA Greece
Athens, Greece
Remote
30/09/2026
31/03/2027
4 month/s
5 month/s
Other: Use of WWF office premises in Athens Greece
Graduate Master
Civil Law - General
Commercial Law - Advanced
Company Law - Advanced
Comparative Law - Advanced
Environmental Law - Advanced
English - Fluent
AND
French - Good
2
20
- Legal Report drafting
- Multilingual if possible