Sustainability is more important than ever. Given the pressing issues of climate change, resource depletion, plastic pollution, and waste management, innovative solutions must be explored. Sustainable solutions, such as a digital deposit return scheme (DDRS), offer opportunities for implementing a circular economy.
The growing importance of sustainable practices and reuse cannot be overstated. As the population continues to increase, so do the consumption patterns which adds to the strain on resources and global waste crisis. Waste management has become a major environmental challenge, with landfills overflowing and ecosystems contaminated by pollution.
Reuse packaging systems and DDRS offer viable and effective solutions for addressing these issues. By reusing and recycling materials and products, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, minimise our environmental footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Key Takeaways
Reuse systems and DDRS offer effective approaches to address environmental challenges like waste management and resource depletion.
Reuse is a key factor in implementing a circular economy, and there are different methods for reuse systems.
Businesses can benefit from reduced waste, conserved resources, enhanced brand reputation, and cost savings.
What are Reuse Packaging Systems and Digital Deposit Return Schemes?
Reuse Packaging Systems
With the implementation of reuse systems, we can extend the lifespan of products and materials to keep them in circulation for longer, therefore reducing the need for new production and waste disposal.
A reuse system involves a network of collection points, cleaning facilities, and redistribution channels.
Once a consumer has finished with their reusable packaging, they can return their used item(s) at their local, designated collection point. From here, the items are then collected, washed, cleaned, and redistributed – unless they are deemed unsuitable for reuse, then they are sent away to be repurposed.
Reuse System's Role In Promoting Sustainability
Reuse systems perfectly align with the principles of a circular economy. This economic model is founded on three core design-driven principles:
Conserving resources: Reuse systems keep materials and products in circulation for longer periods, reducing the need for new production and extraction of resources.
Waste and pollution reduction: By extending the lifespan of products and packaging, reuse systems significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimise the creation of pollution.
Regenerating nature: By conserving resources and reducing waste, reuse systems contribute to the regeneration of natural ecosystems and promote a more sustainable future.
A circular economy model aims to minimise waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible, creating a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Reusing products and packaging means that valuable resources can be conserved rather than being used for single-use items. This helps to protect our planet's finite resources and reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption.
Types of Reuse Systems
Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlight that there are different reuse systems for reusable packaging; refill at home, refill on the go, return from home, and return on the go. All of these models encourage the reuse of packaging, and all have their differences.
Refill at home is a convenient model for consumers, providing refill deliveries straight to their doors. This system is often used by companies that sell concentrated liquids or solid versions that require the addition of water – often in the form of a subscription service.
Refill on the go provides consumers the opportunity to refill their containers in public spaces, such as shops and cafes. Within these public spaces, the consumer takes their reusable containers to a dispenser where they can choose the amount they want to purchase. Not only does this reduce single-use waste, but also food waste as this is commonly used for dried goods.
Return from home allows consumers to have their packaging collected from home when they have a delivery as part of a subscription service. As part of this model, businesses often work with third-party businesses to assist with logistics and cleaning functions.
Return on the go is a commonly talked about system, with Digital Deposit Return Schemes on the rise. Consumers will use a reusable container and return it to a local collection point so it can be reused, working particularly well for beverages and takeaway food businesses.
Recently, the UK has decided to revise the timeline of a Deposit Return Scheme for drink containers to October 2027. Based on a study conducted by Zero Waste Europe, policies, bans, and legislations would help to scale and transition towards making reuse packaging systems mainstream.
Additionally, they identified that reuse systems are more costly than single-use solutions. However, there are hidden costs to single-use, such as waste and litter collections, that make it more expensive for both businesses and consumers.
Reuse systems offer a promising solution for addressing the growing challenges of waste and resource depletion. As mentioned previously, DDRS are a commonly talked about reuse system, with a vast number of trials happening in recent years.
Digital Deposit Return Schemes (DDRS)
DDRS are designed to encourage the return and recycling of packaging. Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a product and receive a refund when they return the empty packaging to a collection point.
As the name says, these schemes integrate technology and data to streamline traditional deposit return schemes. Technologies such as QR codes and RFIDs are commonly used which allow for tracking and enable consumers to interact with the packaging.
DDRS typically involve a network of collection points, often located at stores, cafes, and public places. Consumers can return empty containers to these points, scan a barcode on the container, and receive a refund.
Although DDRSs are typically used to encourage recycling, recent developments have involved adapting them for packaging reuse. Rather than being sent to a recycling facility, the reusable packaging is sent to be cleaned and inspected so it can go back into circulation.
Why You Should Implement a Reuse System
Implementing a reuse system offers numerous benefits for your business, the environment, and society.
Environmental Benefits
Waste Reduction: The lifespan of products and packaging is extended, therefore reducing waste and pollution.
Resource Conservation: The strain on the planet is reduced as resources, such as water, energy and raw materials, are conserved.
Climate Change Mitigation: With the reduction of production and disposal of single-use, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, therefore helping to reduce the effects of climate change.
Biodiversity Promotion: Ecosystems and species can be protected as less waste and pollution are produced.
Business Benefits
Cost Savings: Although reuse systems can be expensive to implement, it is a one-time expense as waste disposal and new materials are not needed.
Enhanced Brand Reputation: With more consumers concerned about the environment, they are more likely to be loyal to an environmentally friendly brand.
Optimise Operations: Scalable distribution and logistics can be achieved through collaboration and partnerships.
Social Benefits
Community Engagement: Reuse systems allow the community to get involved with sustainability practices, building environmental awareness.
Job Creation: New jobs can be created in reuse systems, such as maintenance, collection, cleaning, and redistribution.
How Can Circulayo Support The Implementation of Reuse Systems?
Our scalable, green technology solutions (Flow Platform and AppNostic) are designed to support the implementation of reuse systems. With our expertise and innovative solutions, we provide ongoing, valuable support throughout the entire process to ensure the best results.
To find out more about our solutions and how we can support you, take a look at our solutions or book a demo.
