FAQ Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging in the catering industry
Reusable packaging: For some time now, it has been indispensable in many sectors of the catering industry. Since the introduction of the new reusable packaging requirement, reusable products have become very important for almost all catering establishments. However, it makes sense to increasingly use reusable packaging in your restaurant or snack bar, and not just for legal reasons! In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about modern take-away packaging - and also why it is worthwhile for you too.
reusable packaging definition
Reusable packaging is a container that is designed for multiple use. Unlike disposable packaging, which must be disposed of after a single use, reusable packaging can be used again and again after appropriate cleaning and processing. Reusable products are often made of robust materials such as glass, stainless steel, plastic or even bamboo, which ensure a long service life. It is important to note that, from a legal point of view, packaging is only reusable packaging if the catering establishment has the appropriate logistics to ensure return and reuse and actually practices this.
Everything about reusable packaging
Welcome to our FAQ page on reusable packaging! Here we answer the most common questions about reusable packaging - from materials and cleaning to sizes and possible uses. Whether you run a sustainable business or simply want to learn more about environmentally friendly alternatives, you will find all the important information at a glance here.
What are examples of reusable packaging?
What are examples of reusable packaging?
Reusable packaging in the catering industry includes reusable cups (both reusable coffee cups and reusable drinking cups for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages) and reusable food containers (from reusable pizza boxes to reusable salad bowls). Reusable cutlery is often listed as an example of reusable packaging in order to create awareness of versatile alternatives not only to disposable packaging, but also to conventional disposable cutlery.
Who is subject to the reusable requirement?
Who is subject to the reusable requirement?
The reusable requirement applies in principle to all catering establishments that offer food and drinks to take away. This includes cafés, restaurants, snack bars and delivery services. The only exceptions to the reusable requirement are small-sized establishments (maximum of five employees or maximum of 80m² of sales area).
How does the reusable system work?
How does the reusable system work?
The reusable system usually works on the basis of a deposit system. Customers pay a deposit fee when making a purchase, which they get back when they return the reusable packaging. After it has been returned, the reusable packaging is cleaned by the restaurateurs and then offered to the next customer as an alternative to disposable packaging. This completes the environmentally friendly cycle.
What are the disadvantages of reusable packaging?
What are the disadvantages of reusable packaging?
A reusable system has more than just advantages, which we don't want to hide. Firstly, there are the acquisition costs: reusable packaging is more expensive than disposable packaging, which is why more money has to be spent when initiating a reusable system. Secondly, there are the logistics: the return and cleaning system has to be well organised to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Finally, strict attention must be paid to hygiene in order not to endanger the health of consumers.
What are the advantages of reusable packaging?
However, once reusable packaging has been purchased, a reusable system has been set up and hygienic standards have been ensured, the advantages of reusable packaging clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
• Cost efficiency: In the long term, reusable packaging is more cost-efficient. Purchasing a few reusable packaging items once is cheaper than purchasing a lot of disposable packaging again.
• Environmental protection: Reusable packaging significantly reduces waste and the use of single-use plastic. Cleaning reusable packaging also uses significantly less energy than producing new packaging.
• Image: Restaurants that use reusable products improve their environmental image and attract environmentally conscious customers – of which there will be more and more in the future.
• Legal compliance: Compliance with the reusable packaging requirement protects you from possible penalties. It is also foreseeable that increasingly strict legal requirements for disposable packaging will come into force, which you can easily anticipate.
Ultimately, it's not just the environment that benefits from reusable packaging, but you too. Act sustainably, attract more customers, and save money: switch to reusable packaging now!