A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology Umsicht confirms that reusable systems have clear ecological advantages over disposable packaging.
The study carried out on behalf of the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg shows that the cleaning and reuse of reusable boxes and cups is more efficient in terms of energy and water consumption than the recycling of paper, cardboard or plastic packaging. This is particularly true in the B2B sector.
Continuous monitoring required
The researchers led by Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Bertling analysed both system solutions on the basis of data from industry and professional associations. In addition, legal framework conditions and the current state of knowledge on cleaning technologies and resource consumption were recorded and evaluated. According to the study, the existing data basis for recycling in Germany is inadequate; many life cycle assessments are based on outdated or unspecific information. Continuous monitoring is therefore necessary for the transition to a circular economy.
Differences in food contact
According to the study, there are clear differences when it comes to food contact: While recyclates made from plastics and paper can only be used to a limited extent, reusable systems are established due to standardised cleaning processes. According to the study, only around 20 per cent of the final energy and fresh water required for comparable disposable solutions made from recycled cardboard is needed to wash reusable boxes. Reusable cups also perform better in comparison - both compared to paper cups and, in terms of energy consumption, compared to disposable plastic cups.
Circulation losses due to disposable
According to the analysis, disposable packaging also causes significantly higher recycling losses. Depending on the product, they are between 17 and 100 per cent, and even around 80 per cent for cups. In contrast, reusable boxes have loss rates in the low single-digit range. In closed systems such as events, reusable cups also achieve comparable values, while they currently still have higher loss rates in open to-go applications.
The study recommends political measures to introduce and enforce reusable quotas across all material groups. In addition, research into long-life reusable packaging, efficient cleaning processes and pooling systems should be promoted more strongly.
Source: Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM)
