Reusable packaging available in all 60 BILLA PLUS market kitchens throughout Austria since June
Customers can choose Vytal reusable trays free of charge when taking away food and thus avoid waste
Cashless system works conveniently via app
In order to reduce disposable packaging for take-away meals as much as possible, free and high-quality reusable containers from Vytal have been used in all 60 market kitchens throughout Austria since June. Customers can choose between the new reusable containers or the previous disposable take-away boxes.
"Especially in the take-away sector, there is a lot of avoidable disposable packaging. We want to offer an alternative in our store kitchens and draw attention to the conscious use of packaging materials - with the new reusable containers we are helping our customers to avoid or reduce disposable packaging," explains Harald Mießner, BILLA CEO of sales.
Register, pick up, enjoy - without waste and without deposit
The start-up Vytal has developed a digital platform for sustainable packaging comparable to a library system to make reusable packaging convenient for customers and businesses. In order to be able to use the system in the BILLA PLUS market kitchens, customers need to download the Vytal app and register in advance. After successful registration, they can borrow high-quality reusable containers that are BPA-free, leak-proof and microwaveable in all BILLA PLUS market kitchens free of charge. To do this, customers simply scan the QR code on the lid of the packaging with their app. This way, the system knows that the packaging has been borrowed. By using the environmentally friendly reusable system, customers do not incur any additional costs if the trays are returned to a BILLA PLUS market kitchen or a partner restaurant within 14 days. After return, they are scanned back, professionally cleaned and reused. The service is funded by the user fees that BILLA PLUS and other partners pay to the startup in lieu of disposable costs.
"We are very pleased to be working with BILLA to make the use of reusable even more convenient. Through the market kitchens, lunch menus in sustainable Vytal packaging are now available throughout Austria and at the same time many new return options for our customers. This supports us in our goal to make reusable the new standard for take-away and delivery meals," says Sven Witthöft, founder and CEO of Vytal.
Responsible usage of packaging materials
The reduction and avoidance of waste is a particular concern for BILLA. As a local supplier, BILLA bears responsibility for its customers and the environment. This is why the grocer has set itself the goal of switching to 100 percent more environmentally friendly packaging by 2030. Where possible, recycled materials, reusable packaging and reduced packaging materials are already being used. By switching to natural branding or cellulose nets for organic fruit and vegetables alone, around 1,100 tonnes of plastic have been saved so far.
