A new study from Zero Waste Europe and Searious Business demonstrates that reusable packaging is an economically viable alternative to single-use packaging when certain conditions are met.

Three open-loop packaging categories were investigated, using Spain, Italy, and Germany as archetype countries:

Food containers for takeaway food (PP);

Secondary transport packaging (FIBC);

Beverage containers (PET bottles).

The economic viability was based on return on investment for a reuse systems provider and the accumulated costs of single-use plastic packaging versus reusable plastic packaging for a system user.

The study found that:

Reusable takeaway food containers are cheaper for service users, and system providers achieve return on investment between years 3 and 4.

In secondary transport packaging, results show that the return on investment for a system provider is achieved between years 2 and 3, and the user costs are similar.

Reusable beverage containers are economically advantageous for the users, and the return on investment for system providers can be reached between years 5 and 6.

These results prove the business case for investing in reusable business models as a system provider, and that reuse will be profitable for all stakeholders in the longer term. Based on current regulatory developments in Europe, it is believed that the price for single-use packaging will increase, meaning reusable packaging will continue to gain economic advantage.

Hunan green star is a professional manufacturer of packaging raw materials, the company in the establishment of these years, focusing on the research and development and production of environmentally friendly packaging materials, mainly including, compostable and  biodegradable pla coated paper,  water-based coated paper  that can be recycled directly to make pulp, and fully biodegradable carry bags etc.

More details, check:https://www.biogreenstar.com/