29 June 2023
A brand-new research study from Zero Waste Europe and Searious Business shows that multiple-use product packaging is a financially feasible option to single-use product packaging when particular conditions are fulfilled.
The cost-advantage analysis, “The economics of reuse systems – a study into what makes a financially viable reusable packaging system”, carried out by Searious Business, determined 3 essential efficiency indications in developing an economically healthy reuse system: return rates, variety of typical usage cycles, and retention time.
Three open-loop product packaging classifications were examined, utilizing Spain, Italy, and Germany as archetype nations:
- Food containers for takeaway food (PP);
- Secondary transportation product packaging (FIBC);
- Beverage containers (animal bottles).
The financial practicality was based upon roi for a reuse systems company and the collected expenses of single-use plastic product packaging versus multiple-use plastic product packaging for a system user.
The research study discovered that:
- Reusable takeaway food containers are less expensive for service users, and system suppliers accomplish roi in between years 3 and 4.
- In secondary transportation product packaging, results program that the roi for a systems company is accomplished in between years 2 and 3, and the user expenses are comparable.
- Reusable drink containers are financially helpful for the users, and the roi for system suppliers can be reached in between years 5 and 6.
These results show the business case for purchasing multiple-use business designs as a system company, which reuse will pay for all stakeholders in the longer term. Based on existing regulative advancements in Europe, it is thought that the rate for single-use product packaging will increase, suggesting multiple-use product packaging will continue to acquire financial benefit.
In offering more clearness on expenses and advantages, this research study plans to notify businesses and policymakers in future decision-making to with confidence support reuse.
Willemijn Peeters, CEO and creator of Searious Business states: “Packaging users often overestimate the risk of switching to reusable packaging. This study mathematically proves that reuse is financially viable, and it doesn’t even begin to consider the external costs of continuing business as usual. Reuse must be a priority to prevent plastic waste before it becomes pollution.”
Nathan Dufour, Reuse Systems Manager at Zero Waste Europe, says: “Today the question is not ‘IF’ but ‘HOW’ we need to make prevention and reuse a living reality in Europe and beyond. This study is yet another clear demonstration that in a matter of only a few years, well-designed high-performing systems for reuse will help reconcile economics with pressing environmental concerns.”
ENDS
Photo credits: ReCircle
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Zero Waste Europe is a European network of neighborhoods, regional leaders, specialists, and alter representatives working towards the removal of waste in our society. Advocating for sustainable systems and the redesign of humanity’s relationship with resources, they speed up a simply shift towards absolutely no waste for the advantage of individuals and the world. www.zerowasteeurope.eu
Searious Business is an impact-driven business based in the Netherlands, working towards absolutely no plastics entering our ocean. They help businesses in the plastic worth chain to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. Searious Business routinely carries out thorough Cost-Benefit Analyses for private business or case-by-case examples. For this research study, Searious Business has actually made a top-level summary of the expenses and advantages of 3 plastic product packaging cases, comparing multiple-use plastics with single-use plastics alternatives. www.seriousbusiness.com
