Berlin Reuse Pilot
Making reusable takeaway packaging simple, scalable and convenient
About the pilot
Across Berlin, a new pilot project is testing how reusable takeaway cups can be returned just as easily as deposit bottles in supermarkets.
Image credit: Deutsche Umwelthilfe
Watch the project video
The film introduces the Berlin reuse pilot, explains how the system works, and shares early insights from partners and customers.
What the pilot is testing
Each year, billions of single-use cups are thrown away in Europe. As companies prepare for the 2028 EU reuse requirements, practical and scalable solutions are increasingly needed.
The Berlin reuse pilot explores how to make reusable takeaway packaging convenient for everyday use. As part of this project, we link cafés, restaurants and supermarkets across the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, allowing customers to return reusable cups at participating REWE stores using reverse vending machines.
The pilot is a collaboration between DUH, REWE, Recup, Einfach Mehrweg, Tomra, Sielaff, Sykell, Profimiet, the city of Berlin and EDF Europe. Together, the partners connect retail, technology and logistics to demonstrate how a simple, user-friendly return system can work at scale.
Berlin provides an ideal test environment: the district already has a high density of Recup partner cafés, and consumers are familiar with returning bottles at supermarket deposit machines.
Image credit: Deutsche Umwelthilfe
How it works
Borrow
Customers pick up a reusable cup at cafés and restaurants using the Recup or the Einfach Mehrweg system.
Return
The same cup can be returned at selected REWE supermarkets additionally to the partner network of cafés and restaurants. Reverse vending machines recognise the serialised cup and register the deposit instantly.
Reuse
Cups are collected, cleaned and redistributed through the partners, creating a closed and efficient loop.
Why it matters
Convenience
Surveys show that customers value return options that fit into daily routines. Returning cups during normal grocery shopping removes a major barrier to reuse.
Scalability
By using technology already in place in supermarkets, the system could be expanded quickly across thousands of locations in Germany.
Early lessons
Early insights from consumer surveys and retailers show:
- People appreciate having return points in supermarkets
- Most users combine the return with their shopping (either regular or spontaneous)
- Serialised cups work reliably in existing reverse vending machines
- Clear, simple automated return options increase willingness to choose reuse
- Broad availability of return points is key for adoption at scale
- System-level analysis suggests that reuse performs best when convenient return infrastructure is paired with policy measures that reduce the attractiveness of single-use packaging.
These early findings provide a strong basis for expanding reuse systems to additional cities and retailers.
Project partners
This pilot is a collaboration between:
- REWE: retail partner providing return points
- Recup: Germany’s largest reusable cup system
- Einfach Mehrweg: reuse system for food and drinks
- Tomra: reverse vending technology
- Circular ERP (Sykell): digital platform managing return data
- Sielaff: vending machine manufacturer
- Profimiet: logistics and cleaning services
- DUH: project coordination and policy support
- KLU: supporting with the scientific evaluation of the project
- EDF Europe: communications and business engagement
Image credit: Deutsche Umwelthilfe