REWE is starting a test run for a free reusable system for the salad bar in cooperation with the Cologne-based start-up VYTAL. The new reusable solution works entirely without a deposit.
Convenience food is one of the biggest sources of to-go waste in Germany. REWE is now the first food retailer in Germany to test a reusable salad bar system adapted for supermarkets. The trial is initially being run at five locations in Cologne. The trial is to be launched in a REWE store at Barbarossaplatz/Salierring in Cologne.
Plastic bowl for the salad bar
A sturdy plastic bowl is the central element of the reusable system. It can be closed leak-proof with the corresponding lid. The bowl has a Volume of 1,250 ml. It is also dishwasher-safe and suitable for the microwave. The special feature: the system works completely without a deposit. The loan is processed via the Free VYTAL app.
This is how it works: If the customer is already a VYTAL customer, the key to receiving a reusable tray is their individual QR code from the VYTAL app or on its offline map. The customer scans their QR code at the serving station. They can then remove the bowl from the serving tray and fill it at the salad bar.
At the checkout, the weight of the tray is automatically deducted when the contents are weighed. An initial test is also possible without installing the app by text message. Up to three trays can be borrowed using the mobile phone number.
Reusable without deposit
VYTAL offers its customers 14 days for free returns one. If returned within 24 hours, the bowl does not need to be rinsed. It is sufficient if it is tightly closed, completely emptied and roughly cleaned. For longer loans, the bowl should be rinsed with cold water.
For the return at the REWE store, there is a Separate return station ready. Here, the customer scans the QR code on the tray lid. They then open the sliding door of the take-back station, insert the tray and close the sliding door. The device checks whether the tray has been returned empty and with the lid on. If this is the case, the tray is removed from the customer account. The customer receives a Return confirmation on his mobile phone. In principle, the customer can return the reusable bowl borrowed for the salad bar to any other VYTAL partner. The VYTAL app shows all participating providers. VYTAL has the used bowls collected by electric cargo bike. They are professionally cleaned locally to ensure short transport routes.
The test run is expected to start in October/November. However, according to REWE, the dates have not yet been finalised.
[infotext icon]VYTAL betreibt Deutschlands erstes digitales und pfandfreies Mehrwegsystem mit auslaufsicheren Essensverpackungen. Das Angebot richtet sich an Kantinenbetreiber, Restaurants, Supermärkte und Lieferdienste. Diese zahlen pro Befüllung. Das Start-Up hat mehr als 200 Partner. Kunden können bei jedem Partner frisch gespülte Mehrwegschalen ausleihen und zurückbringen. Die Abwicklung des gesamten Prozesses erfolgt digital über die QR-Code Etiketten auf den VYTAL Schalen. Das Mehrwegsystem erzielt nach Unternehmensangaben eine über 98% Rückgabequote mit einer durchschnittlichen Leihdauer von 3,5 Tagen. [/infotext]
Source: REWE Markt GmbH
