How German buyers can demand multi-use packaging from 2023?

Restaurants and other takeout food establishments in Germany will be required to supply multi-use packaging beginning January 1st. Here’s how German buyers can demand multi-use packaging from 2023 and the implication of the new system for customers.

What’s new for takeout customers in January 2023?

Restaurants, bistros, and cafés that sell takeout food and beverages will be required to deliver their items in recyclable packaging beginning in 2023. According to the Federal Environment Ministry, throwaway plastic packaging should be replaced in particular. In the future, for example, appropriate reusable cups for all sizes of to-go drinks must be accessible. The identical product in reusable packaging must not be more expensive than the same thing in disposable packaging. However, it is permissible to issue reusable packaging in exchange for a deposit, which is refunded when the packaging is returned. The state authorities check compliance. The federal states determine whether or not to delegate the functions to municipalities.

Furthermore, businesses cannot discourage customers from using reusable alternatives by making them more expensive than throwaway plastic. Businesses may get around this a little bit since they can charge clients a deposit for a reusable container. The consumer can receive this back by returning the container, however many to-go customers may not do so.

What additional rules do firms must follow?

Businesses must also explicitly explain – in large font, for example – that reusable choices are available. This must be done at the point of sale, which implies that delivery services might print the information on a flier that is delivered with the meal, but cafés and fast-food restaurants could place a sign on the counter.

What’s the reasoning for this?

Single-use plastic and other packaging are significant sources of garbage, putting significant pressure on both the environment and local governments. According to the Consumer Centre in Berlin, Germans generate 770 tonnes of packaging trash every day from takeout food and beverage packaging. According to research commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency, throwaway plastic items such as to-go cups, food packaging, carrier bags, and cigarette butts alone cost municipalities roughly €434 million per year in cleaning expenditures.

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Who is the amendment intended for?

The new requirement applies to any businesses that provide takeaway food or beverages to consumers, including restaurants, cafés, and bistros, but also canteens, gas stations, supermarkets, and catering agencies. The new guidelines will apply to chain bakeries as well, regardless of the number of employees or floor space. However, this does not apply to smaller stores such as snack bars, late-night shops, and kiosks with a limit of five employees and a shop space of no more than 80 square meters. Customers in these places, on the other hand, have the option of having their food and drinks filled in reusable containers brought with them.

What does this imply for the catering industry?

Affected establishments, according to the Dehoga Hotel and Restaurant Association, are required to advise customers about the option of getting items in reusable packaging. This must be made obvious at the moment of sale. In the case of delivery, this information, for example, must be included on the flyers. According to the group, the new requirement will require a significant amount of labor and expense for the sector. “The mandated distribution of reusable containers involves additional costs for the vast majority of firms,” a Dehoga spokesman stated. Anyone who breaks the new rules faces a punishment of up to 10,000 euros.

How does the reusable tableware system work?

It depends on the business, but most will need consumers to return their containers in a ‘Pfand’ or deposit system.

Initially, operators are only required to return their own supplied reusable packaging, although there are operators that collaborate with third parties who supply reusable solutions. These let you buy a to-go coffee in a reusable cup at Hamburg Central Station and return it to a café in Berlin, for example. Some systems need a deposit, but others use an app-based registration method. The selection of possibilities is currently broad and, according to the Environment Ministry, is expected to expand if the required reusable offer is implemented.

McDonald’s, for example, has stated that it would provide its own reusable packaging solution in exchange for a €2 deposit. Burger King, on the other hand, is collaborating with a reusable system supplier, so consumers will be able to return their reusable cups at any of the company’s locations. Each reusable cup, according to the business, may replace up to 1,000 throwaway cups throughout the course of its life.