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Mehrweg-duni

Reusable packaging or disposable?

Reusable or single-use packaging? This decision is at the center of sustainability and cost-efficiency in the food service industry. While reusable packaging conserves resources and reduces waste, single-use packaging often stands out for convenience and hygiene. But which solution is more viable in the long term? A look at the opportunities, challenges, and the growing importance of eco-friendly alternatives.

The environmental compatibility of one's own lifestyle is playing an increasingly important role for many people. And this is also reflected in the catering industry: reusable transport containers for food and drinks have become a real pull factor for environmentally conscious catering customers. After all, they score points with a long life cycle and low resource consumption. Disposable products can also make a positive impression on your guests if they are made from environmentally friendly materials. Whether reusable packaging or disposable: a focus on sustainability ensures that your guests identify more strongly with your brand, make friends and are happy to return. In our guide, you can find out more about the benefits of reusable and sustainable disposable packaging.
We also take a look at legislative changes aimed at further promoting the use of reusable packaging. Since 2023, reusable packaging has also become increasingly important for the catering industry by law. We tell you what you need to look out for.

Reusable containers for food and beverages are particularly resource and environmentally friendly. After thorough cleaning or reprocessing, the containers can be reused many times. Compared to disposable packaging, reusable containers remain in circulation longer - their life cycle is often several years. In this way, reusable packaging immensely reduces packaging waste and directly benefits the environment.

At Duni, we have specialised in sustainable packaging solutions for the gastronomy sector. We work closely with our partner Relevo to offer you high-quality reusable packaging from Germany. Our premium food packaging is made from 100% recyclable SAN plastic and contains neither BPA nor melamine. The products can be reused up to 1,000 times, are dishwasher safe and microwaveable. For reliable transport, the containers have a high level of breakage and leakage resistance.

To ReDine assortment

Our ReDine assortment

Elegance Wine Glass Reusable 40 cl Transparent, 6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

Elegance Wine Glass Reusable 40 cl Transparent, 6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

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Hot Stripes Cup Reusable 24 cl/8 oz Green, 60 pcs/box (60 x 1 pcs)

Hot Stripes Cup Reusable 24 cl/8 oz Green, 60 pcs/box (60 x 1 pcs)

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Clear Set of 6 forks, 6 knives & 6 spoons Reusable 18,5/19/18,5 cm Transparent, 270 pcs/box (15 x 18 pcs)

Clear Set of 6 forks, 6 knives & 6 spoons Reusable 18,5/19/18,5 cm Transparent, 270 pcs/box (15 x 18 pcs)

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Pizza Box Reusable 37 cm Dark Grey, 34 pcs/box (1 x 34 pcs)

Pizza Box Reusable 37 cm Dark Grey, 34 pcs/box (1 x 34 pcs)

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Everywhere Bowl Reusable 1000 ml Dark Grey 1-Comp, 80 pcs/box (2 x 40 pcs)

Everywhere Bowl Reusable 1000 ml Dark Grey 1-Comp, 80 pcs/box (2 x 40 pcs)

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Festival Glass Reusable 30 cl Transparent, 288 pcs/box (1 x 288 pcs)

Festival Glass Reusable 30 cl Transparent, 288 pcs/box (1 x 288 pcs)

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Everywhere Lid Reusable 1000 ml Transparent, 80 pcs/box (2 x 40 pcs)

Everywhere Lid Reusable 1000 ml Transparent, 80 pcs/box (2 x 40 pcs)

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Serve Round Deep Plate Reusable 18 cm Beige 1-Comp, 54 pcs/box (9 x 6 pcs)

Serve Round Deep Plate Reusable 18 cm Beige 1-Comp, 54 pcs/box (9 x 6 pcs)

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Full assortment of ReDine reusable takeaway and eat-in products

Festival Glass Reusable 30 cl Transparent

288 pcs/box (1 x 288 pcs)

Festival Glass Reusable 40 cl Transparent

150 pcs/box (1 x 150 pcs)

Festival Glass Reusable 50 cl Transparent

150 pcs/box (1 x 150 pcs)

Everywhere Bowl Reusable 700 ml Dark Grey 1-Comp

160 pcs/box (4 x 40 pcs)

Everywhere Bowl Reusable 1150 ml Dark Grey 1-Comp

160 pcs/box (4 x 40 pcs)

Everywhere Bowl Reusable 1000 ml Dark Grey 1-Comp

80 pcs/box (2 x 40 pcs)

Clear Fork Reusable 18,5 cm Transparent

240 pcs/box (20 x 12 pcs)

Clear Knife Reusable 19 cm Transparent

240 pcs/box (20 x 12 pcs)

Clear Spoon Reusable 18,5 cm Transparent

240 pcs/box (20 x 12 pcs)

Clear Coffee Spoon Reusable 13 cm Transparent

240 pcs/box (20 x 12 pcs)

Pizza Box Reusable 37 cm Dark Grey

34 pcs/box (1 x 34 pcs)

Party Plate Reusable 20 x 20 cm Transparent

10 pcs/box (1 x 10 pcs)

Elegance Wine Glass Reusable 40 cl Transparent

6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

Elegance Champagne Glass Reusable 13 cl Transparent

6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

Elegance Glass Reusable 30 cl Transparent

6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

Anyday Wine Glass Reusable 23 cl Transparent

6 pcs/box (1 x 6 pcs)

Anyday Shot Glass Reusable 3 cl Transparent

72 pcs/box (12 x 6 pcs)

Anyday Glass Reusable 24 cl Transparent

120 pcs/box (15 x 8 pcs)

Hot Stripes Cup Reusable 24 cl/8 oz Green

240 pcs/box (24 x 10 pcs)

Hot Stripes Cup Reusable 36 cl/12 oz Green

240 pcs/box (24 x 10 pcs)

Hot Stripes Cup Reusable 48 cl/16 oz Green

240 pcs/box (24 x 10 pcs)

Hot Stripes Lid Reusable 24/36/48 cl Green

240 pcs/box (6 x 40 pcs)

Serve Round Deep Plate Reusable 18 cm Beige 1-Comp

54 pcs/box (9 x 6 pcs)

Serve Round Plate Reusable 23,5 cm Beige

54 pcs/box (9 x 6 pcs)

Granite Fork Reusable 18 cm Dark Grey

600 pcs/box (6 x 100 pcs)

Granite Knife Reusable 19 cm Dark Grey

600 pcs/box (6 x 100 pcs)

Granite Spoon Reusable 17 cm Dark Grey

600 pcs/box (6 x 100 pcs)

For reusable systems to function ideally, they need easily accessible drop-off and return stations. The denser and simpler the infrastructure, the more reliably reusable packaging finds its way back to the provider. Especially in system catering, canteens, hospitals or caterers, the prerequisites for the use of reusable packaging are often already in place. However, this does not mean that a focus on reusable packaging is only worthwhile for large urban providers: smaller catering businesses can also network in terms of sustainability in order to meet the environmental awareness of their guests. Ultimately, the key to success here is also simplicity: if the reusable concept is quick and uncomplicated in practice, your guests will be happy to take advantage of it.

Even though the long life cycle of reusable packaging reduces packaging waste, in many situations one-way is the more practical solution. Limited space, fluctuating visitor numbers or even walk-in customers as the main target group may stand in the way of establishing a reusable system. Here, disposable packaging is still very important.

However, restaurateurs can improve their environmental balance even if they are dependent on disposable packaging. Because not all waste is the same! The material and the type of production are decisive for the energy balance and the biodegradability of disposable packaging. Those who use alternatives to plastic for disposable transport containers, for example cardboard, bagasse or wood, reduce their own CO2 emissions and also use materials that can be recycled and thus put back into circulation. Suitable packaging is available for almost every occasion - from daily delivery business to Christmas festive menus.

To-Go packaging

Legislation promotes the use of reusable packaging to protect the climate and reduce packaging waste. A plastic ban, which has been in force in Germany since July 2021, has prohibited single-use products such as drinking straws and plastic plates.

Mehrwegverpackung oder Einweg

Since 2022, reusable packaging has been getting a further boost bit by bit. Since 1 January 2022, a deposit has been charged on all beverage cans and disposable plastic bottles. Since 2024, a deposit has also been charged on milk drinks in plastic bottles.

Since 1 January 2023, the legislator has also been transposing EU Directive 2019/904 into law. The amendment to the Packaging Act obliges catering operators to also offer reusable containers for their to-go and delivery services.

There are only exceptions for small businesses: the reusable obligation does not apply to providers with fewer than six employees and a sales area of less than 80 square metres. Although they are not legally obliged to use reusable packaging, they must fill food and drinks into containers brought in by their guests on request.
_{Picture: ©Relevo}

Mehrwegverpackung oder Einweg

From legal requirements to customer sustainability demands, there are many reasons for eco-friendly transport containers in gastronomy. The pandemic boosted the trend for take-away and delivery, and demand for packaging will continue. Climate change and future regulations further emphasize the need for sustainable solutions. Restaurateurs can attract customers with reusable or eco-friendly disposable packaging.

Duni offers a wide range of sustainable packaging, cutlery, and containers that meet legal requirements and enhance your image. Customizable products combine eco-friendliness, usability, and an "Instagrammable" appeal, increasing your brand's visibility.

Mehrwegverpackung oder Einweg

In the future, catering businesses will hardly be able to avoid reusable transport packaging. Not only politicians, but also your guests want containers with the longest possible life cycle for the transport of food and beverages - from reusable bottles to tableware.

Those who perceive the new requirements not only as obligations but also as opportunities will benefit from this development. A well thought-out system for reusable packaging strengthens customer loyalty and at the same time attracts new guests. In addition, restaurateurs can anticipate future changes in the law. An established cycle of reusable packaging means that you are not forced to move, but can plan your business in a long-term and stable manner - future-oriented action pays off.

_{Picture: ©Relevo}

Do you have any questions?

Do you have questions about our products or would you like to place an order? Contact us - we will be happy to help you!

What is reusable packaging?

Reusable packaging is any packaging that can be reused after cleaning or reprocessing. In addition to packaging for food, the term can also include beverage containers. In this way, reusable packaging reduces the amount of packaging waste produced and lowers the emission of CO2 that is released during the production of disposable packaging.

What are examples of reusable packaging?

The most common reusable packaging includes returnable glass bottles. In the catering industry, plastic boxes and trays are mainly used for take-away and delivery food. But reusable packaging also plays a role in wholesale, away from the everyday lives of consumers. Euro pallets with sturdy wire mesh boxes on them are ideal for the repeated transport of goods.

What are the disadvantages of packaging?

The production and recycling of packaging is always associated with effort: Raw materials are consumed and environmentally harmful greenhouse gases are released. For the catering industry, there are also acquisition costs that are not incurred when catering on site. Fortunately, these disadvantages can be significantly mitigated with the right containers!

With reusable packaging, there is only a one-off resource outlay for production as well as purchase costs. Depending on the type and quality, the packaging can be reused up to 1,000 times.

But even with disposable packaging, you can save resources and CO2 emissions by using sustainable materials such as cardboard, wood, bagasse or rPET. Although disposable products have to be purchased anew each time, environmentally friendly containers can make up for these costs with a positive image effect for your business. After all, consumers are placing more and more importance on environmental protection.

What happens to disposable packaging?

The final fate of disposable packaging depends on its material. For example, glass and cardboard can be recycled relatively easily. The process requires significantly less energy and material than manufacturing a new product. Other materials such as PET are melted down and are then available as granulate for the production of new plastic products.

Bagasse, wood and other biodegradable materials are usually composted. In this process, the organic material decomposes under controlled conditions. Depending on the process, this produces compost for use in agriculture. But conversion to usable biogas is also possible.

The decisive factor here is which technology is available to the disposal company. There are certainly regional differences, which is why some materials can be disposed of with organic waste in one municipality, but not in another. You can find out which disposable packaging may end up in your organic waste from your local waste management company.