The "Einfach Mehrweg" containers and cups introduced at REWE stores are now authorised to bear the "Blue Angel" eco-label. The seal is awarded by the German government for particularly environmentally friendly products and concepts.
It provides customers with guidance when shopping and incentivises purchases. For REWE, the certification rounds off the advantages of "Einfach Mehrweg". After all, it is an open, deposit-based, easy-to-use system that is suitable for various take-back infrastructures for implementing the obligation under Section 33 of the German Packaging Act.
On 27 June, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke awarded SYKELL the German government's Blue Angel eco-label in Berlin for its sustainable and holistic reusable system. "Takeaway food and drinks are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, this trend is leading to a growing mountain of packaging waste with all kinds of negative consequences for the environment and climate. As the German government, we want to stem this flood of plastic and increase the use of reusable packaging," says Federal Environment Minister Lemke.
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke honoured REWE's reusable system partner Sykell with the Blue Angel
Peter Maly, REWE Group Management Board member responsible for REWE stores, says: "REWE is once again setting new standards with the 'Einfach Mehrweg' system from Sykell, which was certified today. Our open, deposit-based, user-friendly concept that is suitable for various take-back infrastructures best fulfils the regulations of Section 33 of the German Packaging Act: it is simple for our customers. It is practicable for our markets. It is efficient for all partner companies and logistics. einfach Mehrweg' has the potential to set an industry standard. This approach of helping our commitment to sustainability to have a greater impact through a multiplier effect is important to us. Because it is good for the environment and for more reusable packaging in the future."
The Blue Angel ecolabel also certifies resource-saving reusable cup systems for drinks and food to go. The aim is to reduce single-use containers and strengthen environmentally friendly reusable systems. The criteria include requirements for both the containers themselves and the suppliers. For example, the reusable containers and lids must not contain any materials that are harmful to the environment or health. In addition, the containers must be durable and be able to be rinsed at least 500 times and the lids at least 100 times without causing any damage, as well as being taken back at the end of their service life and recycled.
The SYKELL "Simply Reusable" concept was developed in partnership with REWE from the outset, taking into account the diverse requirements as well as current and future applications in food retailing. The holistic approach of the SYKELL reusable system is intended to avoid the isolated solutions that have emerged since the beginning of the year following the reuse obligation.
