Kaufland Germany Tests New Packaging Return System For Cosmetics

The project was launched in cooperation with the Zero Waste Innovation Hub in Munich.

Since 30 October, customers have been able to return their empty cosmetics packaging in ten Kaufland stores, as well as three VollCorner stores in the Munich region.

Kaufland aims to make the process of returning the empty packaging as easy as returning drink bottles through this initiative.

Selected products from natural-cosmetic companies Lavera Naturkosmetik, Kneipp, and Logocos Naturkosmetik are marked on shelves in the stores, as well as on the packaging, to make the new system straightforward and customer friendly.

Customers will receive a refund of 29 cent for each empty product.

‘Conscious Consumption’

Steffanie Rainer, CEO of reo, stated, “We want to show that conscious consumption doesn’t mean going the extra mile.

“When sustainable solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, real change becomes possible – for brands, retailers and consumers alike.”

Commenting on the partnership with reo, Jessica Koch, international sales manager at Kaufland, stated, “Together with start-ups, we want to shape the future of retail and create sustainable added value. Start-ups bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the industry, while we contribute our retail expertise.

“Together, we develop innovative approaches to further develop the retail sector and make it future-proof. The partnership with reo is a great example of how this works in practice.”

Kaufland Germany hopes to demonstrate how retailers can combine economic and sustainable goals, and it plans to expand this project further with reo.