Reusable take-away packaging in the catering industry.
Image source: Rebowl
Reusable deposit systems such as those from REBOWL provide catering establishments with environmentally friendly take-away boxes. A deposit must be paid and the box can be returned afterwards. The aim is to reduce disposable packaging and prevent waste.
Since January 1, 2023, all catering establishments in Germany have been required to offer reusable packaging. It demands precisely such solutions for businesses that have more than 80m2 of sales space or employ more than 5 people. This means that in addition to the current one-way solutions in the take-away sector, a reusable alternative must be offered. Containers brought in by customers themselves must also be accepted. However, the obligation only applies to plastic packaging – those who use paper or aluminum containers can still avoid the regulation.
In an initial résumé around a year after the introduction of the law, the interest and commitment of the consumer is criticized above all. Although some restaurateurs have equipped themselves accordingly, customers still prefer the less environmentally friendly disposable container. The main reason for this is the inconvenient way to return them. Other providers, on the other hand, would not even take the obligation seriously, as there are currently hardly any controls or penalties.
Additional measures need to be taken to boost the concept of reusable packaging. For example, the cities of Mainz and Wiesbaden implemented a comprehensive return structure with a large number of participating businesses and return columns in public spaces as part of the “Reusable City Model” pilot project. The results were impressive, the campaign was well received and the return rates were high. The initiators put this down to the good networking of the regional players and successful advertising.
Our conclusion: Without standardized systems that take into account the convenience of the consumer when it comes to returns, the changeover will remain difficult. Reusable concepts must be able to overcome the “convenience” hurdle for the consumer and the distributor. However, the pilot tests show that this is possible, especially in a regional context.