Nestlé has teamed up with Circolution, a German start-up, to explore the future of reusable food packaging. The partnership is testing standardized, reusable stainless-steel containers for Nesquik, giving German consumers in select cities the opportunity to enjoy their favorite beverage while reducing waste.
Circolution, which rents these reusable containers to Nestlé, manages the entire process—from cleaning and quality checks to transport and environmental impact assessment. The containers, featuring unique branding for different companies, can also be utilized by other food producers, adding a layer of flexibility to the system.
Consumers benefit from the convenience of returning the reusable packaging through reverse vending machines or directly to store staff, receiving a refund for their efforts. According to Circolution, after just five reuse cycles, the environmental footprint of the containers is on par with single-use glass. Over their estimated lifespan of 75 cycles, the stainless-steel containers could save up to 36kg of glass or 5kg of plastic, making a significant contribution to sustainability.
This partnership underscores Nestlé's ongoing commitment to reducing packaging waste and promoting circular economy solutions.
