Abstract
Single-use packaging is one of the major contributors to the growing issue of plastic waste, pollution, and resource depletion. A promising solution is a switch to reusable packaging. However, although the market for reusable packaging is experiencing rapid growth, the large-scale adoption of reuse systems is still challenging. In this chapter, we review the development of reusable packaging systems in the B2C business. We specifically focus on three waste hotspots of consumer-facing packaging: (1) the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, (2) e-commerce, and (3) takeaway food services. We first present a general framework characterizing the fundamental structure of reuse systems, independent of the application. For each application area, we then highlight different challenges to be mastered for large-scale adoption and, thus, effective reduction of single-use packaging. Moreover, we provide some directions for future research in the area of reusable packaging systems.
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Notes
- 1.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- 2.
Apeel developed a plant-based coating consisting of materials found in peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables; https://www.apeel.com (July 7, 2022).
- 3.
- 4.
The packaging register in Germany is “LUCID” https://www.verpackungsregister.org/en/information-orientation/knowledge-base/using-the-lucid-packaging-register
- 5.
The lifespan can increase to up to 40 years when the container is properly maintained; https://www.lotus-containers.com/en/blog/news/lifespan-of-a-shipping-container/
- 6.
The tablet is dissolved in 500 ml of water and glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner; https://www.everdrop.de/en
- 7.
On their website Ecover provides information in which store consumers can find refill stations. Here is an example for the UK; https://www.ecover.com/where-can-i-refill
- 8.
Loop is a “circular packaging solution” launched in 2019 by recycling experts Terracycle; https://buydurable.com/
- 9.
Companies can be retailers (e.g., bottles and cans) but also restaurants or food producers.
- 10.
In June 2022, Starbucks reintroduced personal reusable cups across company operated stores in the USA and is offering customers a $0.10 discount; https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-brings-back-personal-reusable-cups-to-starbucks-cafes-in-the-us/
- 11.
Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/904/oj
- 12.
A study by Deloitte revealed that especially the over 45s are most likely to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic; https://www2.deloitte.com/ch/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/shifting-sands-sustainable-consumer.html
- 13.
- 14.
- 15.
MMP stands for “Milchmehrwegpool,” translated as reusable pool for milk products.
- 16.
- 17.
Loop expanded to Canada, the UK, and Japan; https://exploreloop.com
- 18.
- 19.
- 20.
- 21.
- 22.
- 23.
- 24.
- 25.
- 26.
- 27.
Other rules included mandatory deposit schemes for certain single-use beverage containers and a registration obligation for companies that place packaging filled with goods on the German market; https://www.verpackungsgesetz.com/themen/das-neue-verpackungsgesetz-verpackg2-2021/
- 28.
One of the arguments of the McDonalds owner was that the local packaging tax is in conflict with federal waste; https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PACKAGING_TAX_GERMANY_t250108/
- 29.
- 30.
To note is that Beets&Roots sell the reusable containers to customers meaning that once the RC is bought, the customer can only return the RC by purchasing another meal; https://www.beetsandroots.de/en/about-us
- 31.
Various German universities collaborate with external providers of reusable container for takeaway food, e.g., https://stwno.de/en/gastro-en/reusable-packaging/how-does-mehrweg-to-go-work
- 32.
- 33.
See, for example, Relevo; https://stwno.de/en/gastro-en/reusable-packaging/how-does-mehrweg-to-go-work
- 34.
An example is the German restaurant chain Beets&Roots which only sells their own reusable containers that customers can purchase and replace it with the next purchase. However, there is no reimbursement for the return.
- 35.
An example is Australian firm RePlated; https://www.replated.co/how-it-works
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Transchel, S., Taheri-Bavil-Oliaei, M., Petersen, M. (2024). Reusable Packaging for B2C Supply Chains. In: Bouchery, Y., Corbett, C.J., Fransoo, J.C., Tan, T. (eds) Sustainable Supply Chains. Springer Series in Supply Chain Management, vol 23. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45565-0_17
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