Burger King, McDonald's introduce return system for reusable packaging in Germany

Burger King and McDonald’s have developed a system for customers to return reusable packaging containers in Germany. The two leading burger joints have teamed up with reusable packaging solution companies to implement the deposit return scheme.

For McDonald's Germany, it has partnered with HAVI logistics and supply chain company to create a reusable packaging solution that it will implement in its about 1,450 stores across the country. The reusable cups are returnable and can be deposited directly in a facility then they will be returned to all McDonald's locations.

On LinkedIn, Thomas Reiner, the chief executive officer of Berndt+Partner Group, said that in Germany, customers are able to choose what packaging they will use. It can either be the disposable or deposit-refillable packaging used for drinks and ice cream in McDonald’s restaurants. This scheme is expected to be implemented in all stores this year.

There is a deposit for reusable packaging, and this is already added to the prices of the food. Once the customers return the cups, the fee is refunded. HAVI will be managing the entire process for the reusable packaging system starting from the cup development to shipment and return.

Burger King is also launching its own reusable packaging system, and for this, it has teamed up with Recup. This is already being implemented in the fast-food chain’s 750 stores in Germany.

Burger King charges a deposit fee of €0.1 for each cup and lid; thus, if a beverage is bought in a cup with a lid, the total deposit would be two euros. The Whopper burger seller is applying the reusable and recyclable polypropylene cups system for its beverages, milkshakes, and ice cream products. Through its partnership with Recup, it hopes to help with conserving valuable packaging resources in addition to reducing waste from single-use cups.

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