By repeatedly returning containers, we save a significant amount of resources and energy. The closed loop ensures that materials return as single-stream inputs, allowing closures to be recycled 100%. Currently, the recycling system cannot guarantee this for most collected materials due to mixed plastics and costly processing. This leads to enormous losses of valuable energy and resources. Furthermore, the returnable system has been proven in the beverage industry for decades, setting a benchmark for responsible resource management.

Refill systems are a great approach to reduce conventional single-use waste. However, they currently require large machines from brand manufacturers to be implemented in retail, which limits the scalability to a wide range of products. Many consumers also prefer to stick to their familiar consumption patterns and may find switching to various refill systems too cumbersome. Therefore, we believe that returnable systems are the more practical choice: they apply to most products and allow users to maintain their established consumption habits. Customers return old containers and purchase new ones, with the only addition being the return of the empty container. We are also confident that it won’t be long before brands start offering zerooo returnable containers with screw caps for refill purposes at home.

See the life cycle assessment. Generally, returnable systems are more environmentally friendly in most cases because the majority of resource and energy use occurs during procurement and manufacturing. When we reuse a bottle multiple times, we can divide this part of the life cycle assessment through reuse. Additionally, at the end of a container’s life, unlike single-use containers, there is almost no waste generated, meaning we don’t continuously require more resources for packaging.

We already work with major retailers, including budni, Müller, but also individual EDEKA and Rewe stores. There are also concept stores and Unpacked stores. You can find a list of return points here.

The return of empty containers is usually done at the checkout in most drugstores, similar to the return process for SodaStream CO2 cartridges or beverage containers. In participating grocery stores, zerooo containers can be returned at deposit machines. Generally, users can return the vessels at any store that sells products in zerooo returnable packaging. A list of major retail partners participating in the program can be found in the zerooo Returnable Guide here: zerooo.com/en/zerooo-reuse-guide/

All products in the zerooo returnable packaging system are sold with a purchase price plus a €0.50 deposit for the container. The deposit can be refunded to the customer upon return at the checkout, at the deposit machine (where available), or during home delivery by participating partners.

Yes, zerooo returnable deposit bottles are compatible with all deposit machines. The empty containers can be returned wherever zerooo products are available. In participating drugstore chains, the empty containers can be returned at the checkout, just like beverage containers. However, since not all retailers have joined the zerooo initiative yet, it cannot be guaranteed that returns will be accepted everywhere. You can find out which partners are already on board on the websites of your favorite brands. National retail partners that are already zerooo partners can be viewed on the Returnable Guide at zerooo.com/en/zerooo-reuse-guide/.

No, the pumps and closures prevent any residual liquid from leaking from the containers and also protect the threads, allowing the containers to go through as many returnable cycles as possible. Additionally, we ensure at our washing facility that closures are recycled 100% as single-stream materials, something that the yellow recycling bin cannot guarantee before sorting. However, containers without closures will also be accepted.

The pumps and caps are removed before the cleaning process, collected, sorted, and are 100% directed to pure recycling. In the dual system the caps can also be disposed in the yellow bag or the green bin, but the likelihood of them being sorted cleanly and actually processed into equivalent materials is significantly lower. We therefore explicitly request that the closures remain on the container.

The labels are removed during the washing process, collected, and unfortunately disposed of. For this less than 1% material usage, we (still) do not have a closed-loop solution. The labels experience the same fate during the recycling process or combustion. This is a task that remains on our to-do list.

If plastic packaging is made from a single type of plastic instead of several different ones that cannot be recycled, a homogeneous material stream can be created in which the plastic can circulate almost endlessly. This allows us to take advantage of the benefits of plastic, such as its light weight and good moldability, without compromising on ecological aspects — such as waste and emissions. Additionally, plastic is more impact-resistant than, for example, glass, making plastic bottles safer to use and longer-lasting than glass bottles. Based on this, we have developed the mono-material plastic bottle to achieve a durable, ecological, and safe packaging solution. Therefore, we believe that the problem does not lie in plastic itself, but rather in our societal approach to treating it as a single-use solution, along with many other materials.

The pilot project of our own brand SEA ME shows that the reusable deposit system works and is gradually being accepted by retailers and users.

It all starts with the desire to get involved in reusable packaging and become part of the circular economy or expand it. We will guide you step by step, help you with onboarding into the system and are always available to answer your questions. You will receive a comprehensive launch kit, which will help you enormously at the beginning to find your way around.

Yes, with restrictions. Yes in terms of the recipe, labels and the color of your closure. However, the container is standardized. So far we have three versions of PET (frosted, clear and brown) and for glass there is a 250 ml bottle and a 50 ml jar.

You will be assigned a contact person at the start who will provide you with all the important information. Our leek kit offers many starting points, provides many examples and shows how something can be communicated. You can find more material in our zerooo zone.

First and foremost, we use less packaging waste together. Every brand, every retail partner strengthens the overall system, including learning from others, because we learn better together. As a brand, you take responsibility for your actions and inspire other brands and consumers. Last but not least: actively shape the circular economy!

Retailers play an important role and can also demonstrate this, inspire others and lead the way. We are convinced that new customer groups will be won over and with many brands in zerooo you will benefit from economies of scale. You are the system changer, how does that sound?

The empties are collected by us in close coordination with the retailer and taken to be cleaned. We are in close contact with the companies and bottlers of the brands.

Basically the same as in the reusable drinks world. Every zerooo container can be returned at deposit machines or at the checkout for € 0.50. The deposit system is coordinated in detail by zerooo and the retail partners.

Our triangle illustrates the cycles of brands, retailers and users. The reusable containers are always kept in cycles wherever possible.

Our network includes national and international associations, NGOs and clubs, and we are also in contact with brands and retailers. SEA ME GmbH is a co-founder of “Mehrwegverband Germany”.

A good source for the circular economy is the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The NGO Cradle to Cradle is always a good address. Current information on reusable packaging can be found on the website of the German Reusable Packaging Association.

We recommend the hashtags #zerooo and/or #zerooomehrweg