Hospitality

Mehrweg in der Takeaway – Gastronomie

Kleinhückelkotten et al. (2021)

This document focuses on the environmental impact of single-use packaging in the takeaway food industry and explores sustainable alternatives. It emphasises that reusable packaging is a more environmentally friendly option compared to disposables, especially when used multiple times. The report covers the legal frameworks, ecological and social issues related to disposable packaging, and evaluates the sustainability of reusable systems. It also suggests strategies for increasing the adoption of reusable containers by both businesses and consumers.

Parametric life cycle assessment modeling of reusable and single-use restaurant food container systems

Hitt et al. (2023)

This paper examines the potential for reusable container systems to reduce waste in restaurant takeout, addressing environmental and economic impacts compared to single-use packaging. Using a parametric life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost model, it analyses greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water use, and costs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and assesses the role of customer behaviour. Findings show that reusable containers generally perform better environmentally, but their benefits diminish if customers make separate trips to return containers or excessively wash them at home. The study highlights how customer actions significantly influence the environmental outcomes of reusable systems.

Exploring the Potential Economic and Sustainable Benefits of Reusable Packaging in the Restaurant Industry

Entwistle et al. (2022)

The paper explores the economic and sustainability potential of reusable packaging in the restaurant industry. It highlights the environmental challenges posed by single-use packaging, especially in light of increasing waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic and policies like China’s National Sword. The study emphasises the need for reusable packaging systems to reduce waste and carbon emissions. It evaluates various models and their success based on social, economic, and logistical factors, using a life cycle analysis to assess the environmental impacts of switching from single-use to reusable packaging.

Assessing Climate Impact: Reusable Systems vs. Single-use Takeaway Packaging

Eunomia (2023)

This study involved modelling to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reusable takeaway packaging compared to single-use equivalents. The results indicate that, for most types of takeaway packaging used in Europe, reuse through a safe, efficient system for collection, washing, inspection, and redistribution has potential to yield greater environmental benefits than recycling or discarding single-use containers. The study also highlights key aspects to optimise in designing and operating reuse systems.

Impact report

sykell (2023)

The 2023 Impact Report by sykell provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s efforts in mitigating its environmental footprint, advancing its sustainability objectives, and overcoming challenges in the packaging industry. Key achievements include replacing 1.2 million single-use packages, saving 44,800 kg of waste, 32,600 kg of CO2 emissions, and 658,000 litres of water. The report features an ISO 14040/14044 compliant life cycle assessment, showing that after 50 uses, EINFACH MEHRWEG reduces waste by 91% and water consumption by 74% compared to disposable packaging. The report also emphasises transparency in environmental, social, and corporate governance, and sets concrete sustainability goals for the future.

Becherheld – Mehrweg to go

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (2023)

The article discusses the environmental impact of single-use coffee cups in Germany, which contribute significantly to waste and resource consumption. It outlines the scale of the problem, noting that billions of disposable cups are used annually, leading to considerable waste and CO₂ emissions. The article promotes the “Becherheld” initiative, which encourages the use of reusable cups as a sustainable alternative to disposable ones. It also highlights policy recommendations to reduce single-use waste, such as implementing deposit-return systems, promoting reusable options in cafes and restaurants, and raising public awareness about the benefits of reusables.

Repräsentative Umfrage unter Verbraucher*innen zu ihrer Nutzung von Ein- und Mehrwegverpackungen für Take-away Speisen und Getränke

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (2023)

The document presents the findings of a survey conducted by forsa on behalf of Deutsche Umwelthilfe, which explored the use of single-use and reusable packaging for takeaway food and beverages among 1,502 consumers in Berlin. The survey reveals that while 86% of consumers use single-use packaging for takeaway, only 11% opt for reusable containers provided by shops, and 18% use their own reusable containers. Key barriers to adopting reusable options include the perceived complexity of return systems and the lack of available offerings. Consumers indicated they would be more inclined to use reusable packaging if it were cheaper, lighter, kept food warm, and there were more return points.

Facilitating the Adoption of Takeaway Reuse Systems

Eunomia (2024)

The report “Facilitating the Adoption of Takeaway Reuse Systems” by Eunomia, commissioned by Zero Waste Europe, examines the costs and policy measures needed to transition from single-use to reusable takeaway packaging. It finds that reusable systems, though initially more costly for vendors, offer significant environmental benefits by reducing litter and carbon emissions. The report recommends fiscal measures like taxes or levies on single-use packaging to level the playing field and fund reuse systems. It also suggests setting mandatory targets for reuse rates and implementing supportive policies to ensure high return and rotation rates, ultimately aiming for widespread adoption and significant environmental impact.

Assessing Climate Impact: Reusable Systems vs. Single-use Takeaway Packaging – Addendum Report

Eunomia (2024)

This report is an Addendum to the main report, titled ‘Assessing Climate Impact: Reusable Systems vs. Single-use Takeaway Packaging’ (hereafter referred to as the ‘main report’). The main report demonstrated the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) savings from implementing a reuse system for takeaway items compared to single-use alternatives. The aim of this Addendum is to build on the main report and apply the ‘per serving’ climate impact within the context of reuse schemes in two European cities: Aarhus (Denmark) and Berlin (Germany).

Exploring the environmental performance of alternative food packaging products in the European Union

Sinkko et al., JRC (2024)

This study aligns with the EU’s goals for a circular economy by examining the environmental impacts of single-use and multiple-use packaging in sectors like hotels, restaurants, and catering, including products such as beverage containers and trays. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models, it compares environmental outcomes across six case studies in four scenarios. The findings show that environmental impacts vary by packaging type and reuse frequency, with single-use packaging having lower climate impacts in some cases, while reusable options often excel in water use and broader ecological impact categories.

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