Finland’s Kesko Tests Reusable Takeaway Containers

The Finnish retailer launched the three-month trial as part of its STOPP project.

Since October 2025, customers at the K-Supermarket Ratina, in Tampere, Finland, have been able to choose a reusable container for any food ordered at the salad bar or service counter.

When customers pay the deposit fee for the reusable container, a sticker is added to the packaging, to indicate the payment.

Kesko noted that the containers can either be returned for the deposit or reused.

Sustainable Packaging

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into effect in 2025, has set the target of ensuring that 10% of takeaway and beverage packaging is available in reusable containers by 2030.

Time Jäske, sustainability director of Kesko’s grocery trade, said,

“One of our sustainability targets is to reduce the amount of packaging waste and promote the circular economy. This also helps us to save valuable and limited natural resources. We have already reduced packaging materials in our own-brand products, but new approaches are needed. Through development projects such as Reusify and STOPP, we are seeking alternative solutions to single-use packaging.”

The Reusify project aims to position Finland among the leaders in reusable packaging solutions.

Successful Trial

Kesko highlighted that the test run for reusable takeaway containers has been a success so far.

“We have had a great deal of positive feedback from our customers for offering an alternative to single-use takeaway containers,” said Marko Laaksonen, retailer of the K-Supermarket Ratina.

“It is important that new solutions that reduce packaging waste are simple and effortless for customers.

“From the store’s perspective, the introduction of the reusable containers has also gone smoothly,” Laaksonen added.

Kesko plans further trials of the reusable containers for two stores in the Helsinki region in early 2026, as part of its Reusify project.