COMMERCIAL COOPERATION

In many countries, single-use plastic packaging has already been completely banned and has been replaced with, for example, wood-based or biodegradable materials. However, these do not reduce the amount of waste and their production depletes the world's natural resources. According to Kamupak calculations, approximately 2,8% of the world's trees are felled to make disposable cardboard coffee cups. According to an article in The Guardian, over 50% of the waste that ends up in nature is waste from take-away food.

Fortunately, more attention has been paid to the environmental impact of takeaways, and reuse has been found to be the most effective way to reduce waste from single-use packaging. This has been noted, for example, by the EU Commission, which has begun preparing Regulation on increasing reuse in the restaurant and hotel sectorThe goal is to replace disposable containers with reusable, long-lasting containers and reduce packaging waste by 37% by 2040.

The circular economy only works if products are returned to circulation

There has also been some justified criticism regarding reuse. Currently, reusable containers are mainly made of PP plastic. PP is a 100% recyclable material, but containers used for take-aways, for example, should be returned to the cycle and recycled at the end of their life cycle, thus creating a so-called closed cycle.

The carbon bound to plastic therefore does not end up in nature but circulates in the reuse process.

According to data from Kamupak's backend system, 90% of reusable containers are returned to circulation within 5 days thanks to the digital deposit system. The goal is a 100% return rate, but we hope that non-returnable containers end up for personal use – and not as waste.

The deposit system is a critical part of the functionality of reuse

In Finland, consumers are accustomed to using deposit systems, for example for returnable bottles. A deposit is paid when purchasing a product and is returned upon return.

The deposit system works great, especially when it is easy for consumers to return products.

The widespread use of reusable containers requires an ecosystem formed by operators, including return points and methods that are easily accessible to consumers, as well as the washing and logistics of reusable containers.

Kamupak to build a circular economy ecosystem together with its partners so that reuse can quickly expand to grocery stores, events, ice rinks, airports, amusement parks and other places where take-away dining is a large part of consumer services.

Alongside the deposit system, a so-called lending model is also being introduced, in which a deposit is not paid for a durable container when purchased, but the container is borrowed. If the container is not returned to circulation at the end of the loan period, the consumer pays a “fine”. The lending model works well, for example, in connection with larger one-off purchases and the purchase of several products, so that the deposit fees do not become too high from the consumer's perspective. 

The circular economy revolution required a change in attitude and law

Kamupak has been pioneering since 2018 to increase the circular economy and solve the waste problem. Now we have entered a phase where the reuse concept has been proven to work. The feedback from partners, customers and consumers has been excellent. Without these early adopters and advocates of the circular economy, creating a new way of working would not be possible.

This change requires a change in attitude from consumers, businesses and industry associations, but also legislation to accelerate the change. Fortunately, the EU is driving the transition to a more waste-free world with the Green Deal and new reuse regulations.

On top of Kamupak's existing restaurant partner network and together with other circular economy players, it is easy to start building a scalable business and an easy way for consumers to act responsibly, saving natural resources. And above all, significantly contribute to reducing the amount of waste in the world through the circular economy revolution.

Read more: Kamupak