The change in the entity’s waste generation per net-value added. Specifically, waste is intended as a non-product output. Water and air polluting emissions, although they are non-product output, are not regarded as waste. The options for waste treatment should first prioritize reuse, re-manufacturing and recycling, accordingly in this order, whenever recoverable. This is aligned with the circular economy principles. Reuse is the further use of a component, part or product after it has been removed from a clearly defined service cycle. Reuse does not involve a manufacturing process; however, cleaning, repair or refurbishing may be performed between uses. Re-manufacturing is the further use of a component, part or product after it has been removed from a clearly defined service cycle in a new manufacturing process that goes beyond cleaning, repair or refurbishing. Recycling is recovery and reuse of materials from scrap or other waste materials for the production of new goods. Energy recovery (or thermal recycling) is regarded as incineration and not recycling. Pre-treatment processes that condition the waste for recycling are regarded as part of the recycling path. It is possible to further distinguish between open- and closed-loop reuse, re-manufacturing and recycling. Open-loop means that the recycled, reused or re-manufactured material is returned to the market, not to the processes of the reporting entity; and closed-loop means that the recycled, reused or re-manufactured material is returned to the processes of the reporting entity.