The impact of packaging on the possibility of reducing the ecological footprint of the city of Ludbreg

Abstract

U ovom radu analiziran je utjecaj ambalaže na ekološki otisak s posebnim osvrtom na Grad Ludbreg, koji je primjer dobre prakse u održivom gospodarenju otpadom u Republici Hrvatskoj. U kontekstu sveprisutne ambalaže i rastućeg problema otpada, istraženi su modeli upravljanja otpadom, s naglaskom na odvojeno prikupljanje, reciklažu i smanjenje plastične ambalaže. Grad Ludbreg u razdoblju od 2018. do 2023. godine bilježi porast ukupnog otpada, ali i značajan napredak u stopi odvojenog prikupljanja otpada – s 34,45 % na 52,18 %, čime premašuje nacionalne ciljeve. U radu su obuhvaćene i mjere koje grad provodi za smanjenje ekološkog otiska, uključujući edukaciju građana, poticanje kružnog gospodarstva, sadnju drveća te primjenu obnovljivih izvora energije. Iako konkretna mjerenja ekološkog otiska na lokalnoj razini nisu dostupna, dostupni pokazatelji potvrđuju pozitivan trend. Zaključno, Ludbreg pokazuje kako se sinergijom zakonodavstva, lokalne politike i angažmana zajednice može ostvariti održiv i odgovoran razvoj.This paper analyzes the impact of packaging on the ecological footprint, with a particular focus on the City of Ludbreg, which serves as an example of best practices in sustainable waste management in the Republic of Croatia. In the context of omnipresent packaging and the growing waste problem, waste management models were examined, with emphasis on separate collection, recycling, and reduction of plastic packaging. Between 2018 and 2023, Ludbreg recorded an increase in total waste but also a significant improvement in the rate of separately collected waste – from 34.45% to 52.18%, thereby surpassing national targets. The paper also outlines the measures the city is implementing to reduce its ecological footprint, including citizen education, promotion of the circular economy, tree planting, and the use of renewable energy sources. Although concrete measurements of the ecological footprint at the local level are not available, the existing indicators confirm a positive trend. In conclusion, Ludbreg demonstrates how the synergy of legislation, local policies, and community engagement can lead to sustainable and responsible development