The Mannheim-based start-up CU Mehrweg offers a pooling system for reusable plastic food packaging in supermarkets. The labelled boxes can be returned via existing reverse vending machines.
Three food brands - Müller's Mühle, Bohlsener Mühle and Sunflower Family - are already testing the system and using the CU boxes for their products in selected stores. The CU boxes with a 50 cent deposit can be returned to existing reverse vending machines. They are then cleaned and transported back to the bottling plant.
Reusable systems have been established in the beverage sector for a long time - current regulatory developments mean that reusables are now more relevant than ever in other areas too. This year, the young company CU Mehrweg is launching a new solution on the market that is primarily aimed at the beverage industry. suitable for producers of dry and free-flowing products. The durable polypropylene packaging can be refilled many times, thus enabling a closed cycle. For maximum product protection optional sealing film inserted become.
CU Mehrweg works closely with established Partners in the areas of cleaning and logistics to set up a national pooling infrastructure and enable food producers to enter the reusable system easily and efficiently.
Pilot phase already underway
The first pilot phase with 15 selected EDEKA stores is currently underway. The knowledge gained will be used to establish reusable packaging as the standard for the food industry.
„We are delighted to be taking part in this pilot phase together with the dynamic and innovative start-up CU Mehrweg and the Edeka stores. As the market leader in our category, sustainability and new innovative marketing approaches are very high on our agenda.“
Arne Tiemann, Spokesman of the Management Board of Müller's Mühle
CU Mehrweg is confident that the Switch to reusable packaging in various segments will make a contribution to reducing packaging waste and promoting the circular economy.
„Reusable packaging is a sensible solution for many product groups in order to keep packaging in the cycle. However, reusable packaging can only work successfully if we work together with the food industry and food retailers to achieve the necessary quantities and gradually optimise the processes for a circular economy.“
Tatiana Tsarkova, Co-Founder CU Reusable
CU Mehrweg GmbH was supported by the EU funding programme Horizon Europe / SoTecIn Factory, the EXIST start-up grant from the BMWK (via the start-up institute at SRH University Heidelberg) and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, among others.
Source: CU Reusable
