Together against packaging waste

Plastic packaging is still a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves - especially for long-life products such as nuts, dried fruit and snacks. However, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is constantly growing. More and more consumersare paying attention not only to the contents, but also to the packaging when shopping.

In order to actively shape this change, Seeberger is launching a three-month pilot project for reusable packaging in 18 REWE Südwest stores together with the start-up CU Reusable. Since February 24, 2025, four Seeberger products have been offered there in reusable returnable cups with a deposit system.

Lisa Weichhart

22.04.2025

in #Environment

Lesedauer: 4 minutes

Wiederverwendbare Behälter aus Edelstahl und Kunststoff, ordentlich gestapelt auf einem Tisch, fördern Nachhaltigkeit im Alltag.

Reusable systems in Germany: an overview

Reusable packaging is designed to be used multiple times. After use, they are professionally cleaned, checked for quality and refilled. The aim: less packaging waste, lower resource consumption and a better carbon footprint.

Depending on the material and design, reusable packaging can achieve between 10 and 200 cycles before it needs to be replaced. This means that they offer clear ecological advantages over disposable packaging - with the right return rate.

In Germany, reusable systems have proven their worth, especially in the beverage sector. According to the Federal Environment Agency, around 43% of all beverage packaging is sold as reusable - that's around 6.5 billion bottles per year. These are cleaned, checked and reused up to 50 times.

Die Vorteile:

Less waste: reuse reduces packaging waste
Lower emissions: Reusable saves up to 70% CO₂ compared to disposable
Conservation of resources: fewer raw materials required for packaging

The challenges:

Logistics: take-back, cleaning and distribution must be well organized
Acceptance: Consumers: must be prepared to return packaging
Hygiene: Strict standards, especially in the food sector

Mehrweg-Verpackungslösungen auf einem Tisch, bestehend aus wiederverwendbaren Behältern und Beuteln in verschiedenen Größen und Materialien.

Sustainable packaging solutions for snacks

Seeberger sees reusable systems as a useful addition in the area of sustainable food packaging - especially for long-life products such as cashews, dried fruit and snack mixes, which are currently sold in disposable packaging.

With the pilot project at REWE, Seeberger wants to gather practical experience and gain realistic assessments of everyday suitability and logistical implementation.

Four popular products - cashews, Genuss-Mix, Nuts'n'Berries and banana chips - are offered in robust reusable cups with a €0.50 deposit. They can be easily returned via the deposit machines in participating REWE stores.

After being returned, the cups are collected, cleaned, checked and recirculated by CU Mehrweg. Seeberger takes over the refilling with fresh products - a closed packaging cycle that saves resources and avoids waste.

Farbige Mehrwegbecher stehen in einer modernen Küche auf einer Arbeitsplatte, umgeben von Pflanzen und umweltfreundlichen Utensilien.

Taking responsibility: Sustainability at Seeberger

Sustainability is not a trend for Seeberger, but a central component of the corporate strategy - from cultivation to packaging. The reusable project is a further step towards greater environmental awareness in retail.

Packaging innovation: Seeberger is constantly working on new solutions that are both functional and environmentally friendly. In addition to the reusable project, current developments also include paper packaging and recyclable plastic packaging.

Cooperation with start-ups: With CU Mehrweg, Seeberger is relying on a partner that combines an innovative reusable system with know-how and infrastructure - and thus makes the implementation of sustainable packaging projects possible.

Future prospects: Whether the reusable system will be used permanently depends on the results of the test phase. If the concept proves successful, there are plans to expand it to other products and markets. Until then, it is important to gather sound findings, optimize processes and further promote the willingness of all those involved

Conclusion: Reusable as an opportunity for retailers

Mehrwegverpackungen bieten großes Potenzial, den Verpackungsmüll im Einzelhandel nachhaltig zu reduzieren – auch im Bereich haltbarer Lebensmittel. Das Pilotprojekt von Seeberger und CU Mehrweg ist ein wichtiger Schritt, um zukunftsfähige Lösungen im Supermarkt zu erproben und weiterzuentwickeln.

Du möchtest mehr erfahren? Dann klicke hier.

Nun bist du gefragt! Nimm dir ein paar Minuten Zeit und mach mit bei einer kurzen Umfrage zu Seeberger mit CU Mehrweg. Mit deiner Teilnahme unterstützt du, das System noch besser an deine Bedürfnisse anzupassen - und das Beste: Am Ende der Umfrage wartet ein Gewinnspiel auf dich!

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Collection: Together against packaging waste

Reusable systems in Germany: an overview

Sustainable packaging solutions for snacks

Taking responsibility: Sustainability at Seeberger

Conclusion: Reusable as an opportunity for retailers

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