Nestlé tests reusable packaging in Germany

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2023. 02. 02. 09:31

In Germany, reusable stainless steel packaging is increasingly appearing on shelves in the coffee and cocoa segment. The Frankfurt-based start-up Circolution is testing their compatibility with existing deposit dispensers in supermarkets together with Nestlé and other partners.

Circolution rents the reusable containers to food manufacturers for a service fee, takes care of cleaning, inspection and transport, and provides data to measure the ecological impact.

The packaging solution, called “Anita in Steel”, is suitable for long-life food thanks to its airtight seal. And retailers have nothing to do with it other than with traditional deposit bottles.

Circolution says the new returnable deposit system can be extended to all food segments and distribution channels and will make it easier for consumers to save on packaging waste. Packaging will be returned through the standard deposit machine. Only the aluminium foil needs to be thrown into the yellow bag.

In order to optimise logistics and the financial and environmental efficiency, packaging is digitally recorded at each recycling station.
Circolution is currently testing “Anita” with three brands – Nestlé “Nesquik”, “Hoppenworth & Ploch” and “BE.AN”. Circolution calculates that the ecological impact of Anita is equivalent to that of disposable glass packaging after about five life cycles. The stainless steel container can be used 75 more times, saving 75 disposable bottles, or 36 kilograms of glass. For plastic, the same figure is 5 kilograms.

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