QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

Where can I return my empty zerooo containers?

The homepage features a map showing all return locations. Generally, Müller and Budni stores, as well as select retailers, accept zerooo empties. It doesn’t matter from which brand the product in the zerooo bottle was. If there are no return locations nearby, or if companies would like to send empties to us, they can use the return form at the bottom of the page.

zerooo aims to make the beverage industry’s proven deposit system the norm in the cosmetics industry as well. Reusable packaging is intended to replace single-use packaging, as it is neither economically nor environmentally sound in the long term.

Our three-circle model illustrates the cycles involving brands, retailers, and users. Reusable containers are kept in circulation as much as possible.

SEA ME GmbH has its own brand of reusable packaging called SEA ME and, through zerooo, offers a system (provision of containers, return logistics, cleaning, etc.) that enables other brands to participate in the reusable packaging in the cosmetics industry.

A one-time deposit is charged for packaging that is recycled immediately upon return. A reusable deposit applies to packaging that is cleaned and refilled, meaning it goes through multiple life cycles in its original form. Reusable packaging is the more environmentally friendly solution.

Bottles with defects that impair their functionality are sorted out in the washing line and sent for recycling. Thanks to the PET bottle’s mono-material composition, “bottle-to-bottle” recycling is possible: Old zerooo bottles are thus turned into new zerooo bottles.

FOR BRANDS

What changes do brands need to make to sell products in zerooo´s reusable containers?

Since zerooo handles the entire process of returning empty containers, industrial cleaning, and re-supplying the bottles, nothing changes in the workflow for brands. The containers can be filled as usual and then delivered to retailers.

The criteria that are often decisive are brand management (the necessary differentiation must be in place) and the business case (a positive result). Sustainability is often an (important) added benefit.

Certified partners throughout the entire supply chain are available, particularly for the pilot phase (including manufacturing, bottling, storage, and the provision of closures).

Holistic communication is needed throughout the entire customer journey. zerooo communication & education is coordinated by zerooo, the retailer, and the brand across all channels.

No, the Private Pool offers the opportunity to develop a brand-specific reusable design. Even in the Shared Pool, there is a great deal of design flexibility for the packaging—with the exception of the container shape.

zerooo plastic containers will contain the required percentage of post-consumer recycled material. With zerooo, your packaging is “PPWR-Ready.”

FOR RETAILERS

Which brands are currently participating in the zerooo system, and which ones will participate in the future?

So far, just under 10 small- to medium-sized cosmetics and drugstore brands, offering more than 30 different products, are participating in the zerooo system. Another 10 brands, offering 20+ products across various categories, will be part of the zerooo system shortly.

POS design is tailored to each retail partner. zerooo will provide support and draw on its experience in this area. A variety of concepts have been successfully implemented, ranging from standalone displays to reusable shelf end caps, special placements, and secondary placements.

Delivery to the store follows the same process as for single-use products. Various concepts for return logistics have been evaluated; generally, existing logistics channels including those used in the reusable beverage sector are utilized.

All zerooo containers are certified for use with all deposit machines and simply need to be activated. A zerooo deposit item is integrated into the point-of-sale system, which credits the deposit amount when empty containers are scanned.