Bypassing packaging tax in Karlsruhe with circ Nette reusable containers

The city of Karlsruhe is considering the introduction of a packaging tax based on the example of Tübingen. Restaurateurs there already have to pay a tax of 50 cents per disposable packaging and 20 cents for disposable cutlery. The Federal Constitutional Court has also confirmed the tax - a clear signal for sustainable alternatives. But how can restaurateurs in Karlsruhe avoid the packaging tax?

The solution: circ Nette reusable containers! Our durable, individually printable reusable products offer a sustainable alternative. Restaurateurs can give their customers a simple choice - just like in Tübingen: Either pay the tax on disposable packaging or use a practical reusable container system instead for a deposit fee. The implementation is up to the restaurateur, but we offer the perfect solution.

The perfect reusable alternative for every to-go offer

Our circ Nette reusable containers are suitable for a wide range of catering areas:

Double-walled cups: ideal for hot drinks such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate - no additional packaging tax required! Perfect for cafés, bakeries and coffee stands.

To-go boxes: Perfect for hot dishes to take away, from pasta dishes to Asian food. Particularly suitable for restaurants with a takeaway offer.

• Coffee To Go cups: Suitable for hot drinks of all kinds, double-walled to protect against scalded hands.
• Salad bowls: Stylish and sustainable packaging for fresh bowls and crunchy salads - ideal for healthy food trends.
• Cutlery sets: Sturdy, reusable alternatives to disposable cutlery - ideal for food trucks, canteens and snack bars.
• Cold drink cups: Perfect for smoothies, lemonades and iced coffee, ideal for ice cream cafés, bars and drinks stands.
• Soup To Go cups: Safe and leak-proof solution for soups and stews - perfect for soup kitchens and restaurants serving lunch.
• Delicatessen cups for weekly markets: Ideal for dips, sauces or fresh food, ideal for market traders and delicatessens.

Why restaurateurs should opt for reusable packaging now

The packaging tax could soon become a reality in Karlsruhe - and that means rising costs for catering businesses. Our reusable containers help to prepare for new legal regulations in good time and avoid additional costs. Further advantages:

Cost reduction: save in the long term by using reusable packaging again and again.
Sustainable image: Act in an environmentally conscious manner and win new, environmentally conscious customers.
Customer friendliness: A simple reusable system keeps customers satisfied.
Individual branding: Our reusable containers can be individually printed - for greater recognition value!
Sample calculation: Packaging tax vs. reusable containers

A catering business sells 100 coffees a day in disposable cups:

• Cost per disposable cup: € 0.07
• Costs for 100 cups per day: 100 x € 0.07 = € 7.00
• Costs per month (for 26 working days): 7,00 € x 26 = 182,00 €
• Costs per year: €182.00 x 12 = €2,184.00

A catering business uses 100 reusable cups instead, which cost €2.07 each:

• Investment costs for 100 reusable cups: 100 x €2.07 = €207.00 (one-off)
• These cups are durable and can be used several times. Even with 200 uses per cup, the annual costs are very low.

Result of the example calculation disposable vs. reusable cups

Disposable cups incur annual costs of €2,184.00, while investing in reusable cups is significantly cheaper in the long term. Switching to reusable cups pays for itself after just a few months!

Calculating the number of cups required

If you use 100 reusable cups a day, but not all the cups are returned, you will need more cups to compensate for the loss. Assume that 80% of the cups are returned and 20% are lost. To ensure that you always have enough cups available, you need to buy more cups:

• Cups required for operation: 100
• Return rate: 80
• Loss rate (cups not returned): 20%

Calculation:

• Total number of cups required= 1001-0.20=1000.80=125
• Total number of cups required= 1-0.20100=0.80100=125

Why reusable cups are the better choice even with an 80% return rate

Even if only 80% of reusable cups are returned, investing in reusable cups is still the more cost-effective and sustainable option in the long term compared to disposable cups.

The example calculation shows that a catering business spends €2,184.00 a year on disposable cups. If 100 reusable cups are used and the return rate is 80%, 125 cups would be needed to compensate for the loss of unreturned cups. Even with this loss rate, the costs for the purchase of 125 reusable cups of € 2,587.50 (at a price of € 2.07 per cup) would still be significantly lower than the annual costs for disposable cups.

Exemplary result of the sample calculation:

Even with an 80% return rate, reusable cups remain the better choice compared to disposable cups due to their longevity and lower long-term costs. This makes reusable cups a worthwhile investment that not only saves costs, but also makes a positive contribution to the environment.

Switching to reusable is worthwhile - even with a return rate of 80%. And by additionally avoiding the packaging tax, restaurateurs save twice over.

So in order to have enough cups for daily operations, you should buy 125 cups to compensate for the loss from unreturned cups.

Frequently asked questions about reusable cups and packaging tax (FAQ)

1. How exactly does the packaging tax work?

The packaging tax levies a tax of 50 cents on disposable packaging and 20 cents on cutlery and straws. This tax is passed on to customers by the restaurateurs.

2. As a restaurateur, do I have to offer a deposit system?

No, but it is a tried and tested solution. In Tübingen, many restaurateurs issue reusable containers for a deposit, which customers are refunded when they return them.

3. Are circ Nette reusable containers suitable for all types of food?

Yes, our product range includes containers for hot and cold food and drinks - ideal for restaurants, cafés and weekly markets.

4. Are reusable containers really hygienic?

Yes, our products are dishwasher-safe and made from food-safe materials.

5. How can I test circ Nette reusable containers?

Get advice from our experts or request a free product sample!
Switch to reusable containers now and avoid packaging tax!

Take the opportunity to act more sustainably and economically. Contact us today for advice or test our circ Nette reusable containers free of charge!