Together against packaging waste

Plastic packaging is still a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves - especially for long-life products such as nuts, dried fruit and snacks. However, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing steadily. More and more consumers are not only paying attention to the contents when shopping, but also to the packaging.

To actively help shape this change, Seeberger is launching a three-month pilot project for reusable packaging in 18 REWE Südwest storestogether with the start-up CU Mehrweg. Since February 24, 2025, four Seeberger products have been offered there in reusable returnable cups with a deposit system.

Lisa Weichhart

22.04.2025

in Environment

Reading time: 4 minutes

Wiederverwendbare Behälter aus Edelstahl und Kunststoff, ordentlich gestapelt auf einem Tisch, fördern Nachhaltigkeit im Alltag.

Reusable systems in Germany: an overview

Reusable packaging is designed to be used several times. After use, they are professionally cleaned, checked for quality and refilled. The aim: less packaging waste, lower resource consumption and a better carbon footprint.

Depending on the material and design, reusable packaging can achieve between 10 and 200 cycles before it needs to be replaced. This means that they offer clear ecological advantages over single-use packaging - provided they are returned.

In Germany, reusable systems have proven their worth, particularly in the beverage sector. According to the Federal Environment Agency, around 43% of all beverage packaging is sold as reusable packaging - that is around 6.5 billion bottles per year. These are cleaned, checked and reused up to 50 times.

The advantages:

Less waste: reuse reduces packaging waste
Lower emissions: Reusable saves up to 70% CO₂ compared to disposable
Conservation of resources: fewer raw materials required for packaging

The challenges:

Logistics: take-back, cleaning and distribution must be well organized
Acceptance: Consumers must be willing to return packaging
Hygiene: Strict standards, especially in the food sector

Mehrweg-Verpackungslösungen auf einem Tisch, bestehend aus wiederverwendbaren Behältern und Beuteln in verschiedenen Größen und Materialien.

Sustainable packaging solutions for snacks

Seeberger sees reusable systems as a useful addition to sustainable food packaging - especially for long-life products such as cashews, dried fruit and snack mixes, which are currently sold in disposable packaging.

With the pilot project at REWE, Seeberger wants to gather practical experience and gain realistic assessments of everyday suitability and logistical implementation.

Four popular products - cashews, Genuss-Mix, Nuts'n'Berries and banana chips - are offered in robust reusable cups with a €0.50 deposit. The cups can be easily returned via the deposit machines in participating REWE stores.

After being returned, the cups are collected, cleaned, checked and recirculated by CU Mehrweg. Seeberger takes care of filling them with fresh products - a closed packaging cycle that saves resources and avoids waste.

Farbige Mehrwegbecher stehen in einer modernen Küche auf einer Arbeitsplatte, umgeben von Pflanzen und umweltfreundlichen Utensilien.

Taking responsibility: Sustainability at Seeberger

Sustainability is not a trend for Seeberger, but a central component of its corporate strategy - from cultivation to packaging. The reusable packaging project is a further step towards greater environmental awareness in the retail sector.

Packaging innovation: Seeberger is constantly working on new solutions that are both functional and environmentally friendly. In addition to the reusable packaging project, current developments also include paper packaging and recyclable plastic packaging.

Cooperation with start-ups: With CU Mehrweg, Seeberger is relying on a partner that combines an innovative reusable system with expertise and infrastructure - and thus makes it possible to implement sustainable packaging projects.

Future prospects: Whether the reusable system will be used permanently depends on the results of the test phase. If the concept proves successful, there are plans to expand it to other products and markets. Until then, it is important to gather sound knowledge, optimize processes and further promote the willingness of all those involved

Deine Lieblingssnack jetzt auch in Mehrweg! Der Pfandbecher gefüllt mit Seeberger Produkten steht links neben den Logos von Seeberger und CU-Mehrweg

Conclusion: Reusable as an opportunity for retailers

Reusable packaging offers great potential to sustainably reduce packaging waste in the retail sector - also in the area of long-life food. The pilot project by Seeberger and CU Mehrweg is an important step towards testing and further developing sustainable solutions in supermarkets.

Want to find out more? Then click here.

Now it's up to you! Take a few minutes and take part in a short survey on Seeberger with CU reusable. By taking part, you will be helping to adapt the system even better to your needs - and best of all: there's a prize draw waiting for you at the end of the survey!

Together against packaging waste

Reusable systems in Germany: an overview

Sustainable packaging solutions for snacks

Taking responsibility: Sustainability at Seeberger

Conclusion: Reusable as an opportunity for retailers

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