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This Rapid Evidence Review synthesizes the current evidence base on the design and scalability of “refill on the go” and “return on the go” plastic reuse models in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With plastic pollution rising sharply, transitioning from single-use to reuse systems presents a significant opportunity to reduce waste and emissions. While such systems offer environmental and economic benefits—such as reduced material use, job creation, and lower life cycle emissions—scaling them remains challenging due to infrastructure constraints, inconsistent policy frameworks, and consumer behaviour dynamics. The review highlights key enablers for scaling, including reliable water and energy supplies, robust transport infrastructure, cultural acceptance, regulatory support, and product traceability. Case studies from countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, and India illustrate diverse approaches, from corporate-led reuse initiatives to local community-driven solutions. However, most evidence stems from pilot programs with limited evaluation data. A coordinated, context-specific, and system-wide approach, underpinned by supportive policies and stakeholder collaboration, is essential to mainstream reusable packaging models across LMICs.
