This report examines the challenges in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of reusable versus single-use packaging for takeaway, comparing two industry-commissioned studies with academic analysis. It highlights issues like low return rates, assumptions around washing and transport, and the impact of transparency on credibility. Key findings stress that suboptimal designs in reuse LCAs can skew results, underscoring the need for future-focused systems. The report advocates for realistic assumptions and robust data in evaluating reuse policy, aiming for improved sustainability insights for the fast-food packaging sector.

The report investigates how to promote and optimise reusable packaging systems in Germany, with a focus on reducing packaging waste and improving environmental sustainability. It reviews the current use of reusable packaging, identifies challenges to its wider adoption, and explores strategies for enhancing its effectiveness, particularly in the beverage sector. The research offers recommendations for improving existing systems and unlocking the potential for new reusable packaging solutions across the supply chain and retail industries.

The report explores the potential for increasing reusable packaging systems in Europe. It discusses the economic, environmental, and social benefits of reuse, highlights current challenges such as costs and infrastructure, and identifies key enablers like regulation and consumer behaviour to scale up reuse. The report provides recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to support a shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Its aim is to shed light on this topical issue of packaging reuse in all its aspects, both at the B2B and B2C levels.