Why restaurateurs should switch to reusable packaging now

Since the introduction of the reusable packaging obligation and the recent court confirmation of the Tübingen packaging tax, catering businesses are facing a clear challenge: disposable packaging is increasingly being restricted - sustainable reusable solutions are the way forward.
Millions of tons of packaging waste are generated in Germany every year - around 19 million tons in 2021 alone, according to the Federal Environment Agency. This growing environmental problem and increasing plastic pollution have led to increased public awareness, supported by environmental organizations and citizens' initiatives.

Chronology of the reusable packaging movement in Germany

  1. Early initiatives: Recup was founded in 2016 as one of the first providers of reusable cup systems. In the years that followed, other companies such as Vytal and Relevo established themselves, specializing in reusable solutions for the to-go market.

  2. European directives: The EU issued directives to reduce single-use plastic, which led to stricter national laws.

  3. Packaging Act: Germany responded with a revision of the Packaging Act and introduced the obligation to offer reusable packaging on January 1, 2023 - catering establishments have had to offer reusable alternatives ever since.

  4. Single-Use Plastic Fund Act: The Single-Use Plastic Fund Act (EWKFondsG) was passed at the end of 2023, further changing the situation for restaurateurs and packaging manufacturers.

  5. Municipal packaging taxes: The court's confirmation of the Tübingen packaging tax has a signal effect - more and more cities are considering similar measures.

The Tübingen packaging tax: what does it mean for your restaurant?

Since the introduction of the packaging tax in Tübingen, every single-use packaging for food and drinks is taxed at 50 cents and every single-use cutlery item or straw at 20 cents. Restaurants are allowed to pass these costs on to their customers - but this makes a simple and environmentally friendly alternative particularly attractive: reusable packaging.

If your guests opt for reusable containers and cutlery, they only pay a deposit, which they get back in full when they return them. No packaging tax, no additional costs - a clear advantage for the wallet and the environment.

It's a real win-win: we can only succeed in switching to sustainable solutions if your customers also think about nature.

What does the Tübingen packaging tax mean for your city?

Tübingen's packaging tax has a signal effect: more and more cities and municipalities are looking at similar measures to reduce packaging waste. Would you like to know whether your city already has plans for a packaging tax or further regulations on reusable packaging?

Municipal packaging tax: cities in Germany break new ground to reduce waste

Many German cities are currently considering the introduction of a municipal packaging tax in order to reduce the amount of waste and protect the environment. Cities such as Hamburgberlin and Munich have already considered concrete plans, while other metropolitan areas such as Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Cologne could implement similar measures in the near future. These tax initiatives are part of a comprehensive plan to promote sustainable urban development and waste management. If a packaging tax is planned or already being implemented in your city, you can find further information on the respective pages for Darmstadtfreiburg, Tübingen, Dresden and many other cities such as Hanover, Kiel, Nuremberg, Wiesbaden, Kassel, Göttingen and Karlsruhe. Each of these projects is helping to actively shape the issue of packaging waste at municipal level. And it is not only these cities that are thinking about introducing a municipal packaging tax.

Our circ reusable solution for your catering business

We offer you a comprehensive reusable system that works simply and conveniently for both your processes and your guests. We clearly differentiate ourselves from other providers such as Recup, Relevo or Vytal by focusing on individual solutions that are a perfect fit for your business.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the packaging tax and how high are the levies?

The packaging tax is a municipal levy on disposable packaging. In Tübingen, it amounts to 50 cents per food and drink packaging and 20 cents per cutlery and drinking straw. Kassel is also currently discussing a similar tax.

2. How can I avoid the packaging tax as a restaurateur?

By using reusable containers such as the circ Nette products! These are exempt from the tax and offer your guests an environmentally friendly alternative.

3. Which reusable products does circ Nette offer?

Our product range includes double-walled coffee cups, to-go boxes, salad bowls, cutlery sets, cold drink cups and soup to go cups.

4. How does the deposit system work?

You give your customers the reusable containers in return for a deposit, which is refunded in full on return. This keeps the solution simple and customer-friendly.

5. Can I have the circ Nette reusable products printed with my logo?

Yes, our reusable containers can be individually printed to strengthen your brand presence.

Act now - discover sustainable solutions!

Don't wait until the packaging tax comes to Kassel. Rely on circ Nette reusable products now and offer your guests a smart alternative!
Test our reusable containers free of charge or visit us at our collection point: Elliehäuser Weg 7-11, 37079 Göttingen at Nette GmbH.

Contact us now and secure your sustainable solution!

Current challenges in implementing the reusable packaging obligation

Despite the reusable packaging obligation in force since January 2023, the use of reusable packaging remains low. According to a study by the WWF, only 0.74% of to-go packaging was used as a reusable solution in 2022; in 2023, this proportion rose to just 1.6%.

This low level of acceptance shows that both consumers and suppliers continue to prefer single-use packaging.

Success stories and best practices

Some food service businesses have successfully switched to reusable packaging and are benefiting from cost savings and increased customer satisfaction. Examples include cafés that offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups or restaurants that cooperate with local reusable systems.

Technological innovations and future developments

The reusable packaging industry is continuously developing new technologies to facilitate the use of reusable packaging. These include digital deposit systems that allow customers to manage their deposit via an app, as well as intelligent return stations that automate the process.

Funding programs and support for restaurateurs

There are various government and private support programs that help restaurateurs switch to reusable systems. These range from financial subsidies for the purchase of reusable containers to advice on implementing sustainable practices.

Consumer education and marketing strategies

The acceptance of reusable packaging depends largely on consumer education. Restaurateurs can use targeted marketing strategies, such as information campaigns or incentives for the use of reusable containers, to promote awareness and willingness among their customers.

Legal framework and future legislative changes

It is important to be informed about current and future legal requirements. In addition to the existing obligation to offer reusable packaging, further regulations could follow that further restrict the use of disposable packaging. Restaurateurs should regularly inform themselves about changes to the Packaging Act and other relevant regulations.
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