Zero Waste Europe, Searious Business study demonstrates that reusable packaging is an economically viable alternative to single-use when certain conditions are met; study involved PP takeaway food containers, FIBC transport packaging, PET beverage bottles

July 21, 2023 (press release) –

A new study from Zero Waste Europe and Searious Business demonstrates that reusable packaging is an economically viable alternative to single-use packaging when certain conditions are met.

The cost-benefit analysis, “The economics of reuse systems – a study into what makes a financially viable reusable packaging system”, conducted by Searious Business, identified three key performance indicators in creating a financially healthy reuse system: return rates, number of average use cycles, and retention time.

Three open-loop packaging categories were investigated, using Spain, Italy, and Germany as archetype countries:

• Food containers for takeaway food (PP);
• Secondary transport packaging (FIBC);
• Beverage containers (PET bottles).

The economic viability was based on return on investment for a reuse systems provider and the accumulated costs of single-use plastic packaging versus reusable plastic packaging for a system user.

The study found that:

• Reusable takeaway food containers are cheaper for service users, and system providers achieve return on investment between years 3 and 4.
• In secondary transport packaging, results show that the return on investment for a systems provider is achieved between years 2 and 3, and the user costs are similar.
• Reusable beverage containers are economically advantageous for the users, and the return on investment for system providers can be reached between years 5 and 6.

These results prove the business case for investing in reusable business models as a system provider, and that reuse will be profitable for all stakeholders in the longer term. Based on current regulatory developments in Europe, it is believed that the price for single-use packaging will increase, meaning reusable packaging will continue to gain economic advantage.

In providing more clarity on costs and benefits, this study intends to inform businesses and policymakers in future decision-making to confidently support reuse.

Willemijn Peeters, CEO and founder 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.”

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