Reusable packaging to be compulsory from 2023
As of 01.01.2023, the "Mehrwegpflicht " (mandatory offering of reusable packaging) will be established in Germany (VerpackG § 33 & 34). This means that catering businesses (this includes delivery services, caterers and self-service counters) must offer reusable packaging as an alternative to single-use packaging. Disposable plastic food packaging and disposable beverage cups are to be reduced in everyday life. Find out what this means for you in this article.
What does the reusable packaging law entail?
Reusable products are not a novelty. Many cafés have been offering their coffee in reusable cups for some time. What is new, however, is that the offer of these reusable alternatives will be mandatory as of 2023 - and this does not only apply to cups. In practical terms, this means that if a customer orders a coffee-to-go in a reusable cup, you must be able to offer him or her such a cup. Whether you sell one or regulate the whole thing via a deposit system - that's your decision. The only thing that matters is that you offer an alternative to single-use packaging. Also, you are obliged to take back your own reusable containers, which you handed out to your customers.
The deposit-free, free and clever solution
As already mentioned: The use of the lending function of the merways®-App is basically free of charge. There are also some optional additional features that can be booked, but these are not necessary to be able to use the app in everyday life. What happens after you have scanned the borrowed containers? Your customers now have two weeks to return the containers to you free of charge. If this does not happen, the app automatically reminds your customers to return them and charges them a reminder fee of 99 cents per week. In total, merways®-App reminds your customers regularly, extending the loan period up to eight times. In the event of a lost container or non-return, you will be refunded 5 euros per container - also completely automated, you don't have to do anything. You can also find more information on the merways® YouTube channel.
Reusable packaging law for all containers - not only for cups
This regulation does not only apply to cups. If a customer orders a salad to go in a reusable bowl, there must also be an appropriate container for this. Bowls brought in by customers must also be filled on request. The law applies to the last distributor who filled the packaging. Businesses with a maximum of five employees and a sales area of up to 80 square metres are exempt from this obligation. However, the offer to fill customers' own containers remains valid.
Obligation to provide information
All catering establishments, without exception, are obliged to provide information on the subject of reusable packaging. This includes information boards and signs that refer to the reusable offer and inform about the system of the respective restaurant. Appropriate information must also be visible when ordering online.
Sign up for our greenbox newsletter for more information, helpful tips or exciting product news. Get an additional €5 discount¹ on your next order.
¹Redeemable from a purchase value of €50 and only once as a newsletter subscriber:in. All data will be treated confidentially. Unsubscription is possible at any time
- ✔ Exclusive offers for subscribers
- ✔ Exciting news
- ✔ Helpful tips
- ✔ New products
Would you like to read more such articles, or do you have a critical comment on the content? Then please send us an email with a reference to the specific article to feedback@greenbox.bio. This way we can continue to provide you with interesting content.