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Since the beginning of the year, reusable packaging has been mandatory in the catering industry, and reusable and deposit systems have become indispensable for drinks packaging. The German environmental organisation Deutsche Umwelthilfe recently called for the deposit system to be extended to beverage cartons. Young companies are also finding sustainable solutions for glass packaging that keep packaging in circulation for longer.
One of these is Circujar. The name of the company is made up of „circular“ and „jar“ for the good old screw-top jar. The idea behind it is a Reusable system that works with universal and climate-neutral jars containing products such as soups, spreads, antipasti and sauces. packaging. The idea is being realised by three dedicated people: Iris, Lucie and Christian.
Particularly important here is the Standardised glass format. The jars can be used by many manufacturers, thus reducing transport routes and making a pool system possible. With the B2B offer, the jars are issued to manufacturers via a pay-per-use system and can be used for a fee and deposit. The filled jar is then sold and taken home with the end consumer. If the glass is spoon-clean, the Jars with or without lids can be returned to the place where they were purchased - via the normal deposit machine. In smaller stores, the jars are taken back at the checkout.
Collection, transport to the central warehouse and cleaning are then carried out by Circujar GmbH. In addition to the Convenience was a particular focus during the development of the sustainability aspect. It quickly became clear that a deposit and return system can only work if it is easy for consumers and retailers to store and return the jars. Iris is responsible for partner and network communication at Circujar and explains what they focussed on during development:
“With a new format, we naturally didn't meet with immediate approval everywhere. But on the one hand, we spoke to many potential users very early on and were able to involve them and respond to their needs. And secondly, most people understood that a managed system makes reuse easier for everyone.”
Transport in reusable carriers
Sustainability and multiple use are not only important for the glasses. With the Circutray reusable carriers can save on disposable cardboard and material. are produced. The Circutrays are made from recycled HDPE, which is injection-foamed. This allows Save 30 to 40 per cent material compared to conventional injection moulding, At 320 grams, the trays are light yet sturdy. When the jars are unpacked in the supermarket, the trays can be stacked and save space here too.
“With each circulation, the Circujars and Circutrays save energy and raw materials such as sand and cardboard compared to disposable glass in cardboard packaging. And that is a very sensible step in today's awareness of planetary boundaries. We believe that we offer a practical solution for all interested parties and would be delighted if the system is well received by manufacturers and consumers.”
Lucie, is responsible for Business Development at Circujar.
A design with many possibilities
“The first products in Circujars have been available in all Alnatura stores across Germany since mid-February 2023. And in some shops in the north, Circujar products have been available since December 2022. All participating shops can be found on our location map, which is very handy for returning jars, especially at the beginning.”
Christian, is responsible for the IT and logistics of the glasses at Circujar, among other things.
For the jars, Circujar has opted for a standardised design in different sizes. The jars are currently available in 220 millilitres and will soon also be available in 440 millilitres. A large opening, straight wall and rounded base make it easy for consumers to empty the jars. Even if the label has been washed off, embossing in the jar shows that it is reusable packaging.
Although the glass comes in one design, this does not mean that Manufacturers and retailers have to forego their messages and individual design. The jars can be personalised via the lid and the label.
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