News
The pilot project “Haar geht den Mehrweg” came to an end with the finissage on October 26th 2023!
The documentation of the pilot and the findings gathered can be found in the final reports published here .
Pilot Project Haar
Welcome to the homepage of our pilot project! From August to October 2023, we tested a cross-provider return system for reusable tableware in Haar. We have given customers the opportunity to return the dishes to all participating restaurants after consumption, regardless of the provider. We arranged logistics and cleaning with a standardized hygiene concept.
Our aim in Haar was to test a cross-provider return system and our digital infrastructure.
With this pilot, we have shown that cross-provider returns and joint logistics and cleaning are possible.
Our aim at ReFrastructure is to continue to promote circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of single-use tableware. That is why we have and will continue to focus on reusable packaging.
The most important facts & figures are listed below. Relevant documents are available for download.
Impressions from the pilot
AUGUST
Pilot start
Survey results
We participate!
Infopoint
Survey findings
SEPTEMBER
Impact measurement
Gastronomy
School classes
Cafe Jedermann
Lottery
OCTOBER
Munich.TV
#MehrMehrweg
NewERA
ReCup
Finissage
Partners and sponsors
Reusables in the Gastronomy
Reusable packaging obligation
Since January 1st 2023, the reusable offer obligation applies to all catering establishments that offer take-away food or drinks in single-use bowls or cups. This means that either a reuse system must be offered or customers are allowed to fill their own (brought-in) containers, depending on the size of the business.
Reusable and the Gastronomy
- Caterers, delivery services, snack bars and restaurants must offer a reuse system as an alternative to single-use plastic containers for take-away food and drinks
- Businesses are allowed to hand out reusable packaging in return for a deposit, which is refunded on return
- If a business offers its own reuse system or is part of a general system, there is no legal obligation to fill the containers brought in. All businesses must draw attention to the reuse offer
- Exception to the obligation: small businesses with max. 5 employees and max. 80 m2 space
Reusables and you
Consumers have the right to fill their own containers at all catering establishments.
For containers that are rented on site, either a deposit or registration with a provider via an app is the rule.
Why reusable?
Reusable refers to packaging that can be used several times. In contrast, single-use packaging is intended for one-time use and is disposed of after a single-use. After a few uses, reusable packaging is more environmentally friendly than single-use packaging, as it helps to reduce waste and resources. Thus reusables are an important part of circular economy.
In a circular economy, resources are used in such a way that they remain in the economic cycle as long as possible and waste is avoided. Reusable packaging helps to ensure that resources are used longer as this packaging can be used several times. If reusable packaging is recycled at the end of life, it can also help to ensure that the materials are recycled in a closed cycle. In this way, we can reduce waste and conserve resources, which ultimately contributes to a more sustainable economy and environment. This requires measures and a rethink at political, economic and social level in order to promote a sustainable circular economy.
Legal notice
ReFrastructure – Foundation for digital reuse infrastructure gGmbH
Gänsbrunnenweg 2
D-73730 Esslingen am Neckar
Managing directors
Markus Urff, Tilmann Walz
Contact: info@refrastructure.org
