circolution

Circolution GmbH, an impact-oriented FoodTech startup based in Frankfurt, has made it its mission to enable the transition from single-use to reusable packaging through a highly scalable solution. Since autumn 2019, the founders, Max Bannasch and Alessandro Marchiaro, have been working on this innovative idea and have conducted hundreds of conversations with experts and consumers as well as tested dozens of prototypes.

Circolution offers a wide range of smart, reusable containers that are seamlessly integrated into a digital platform. These containers, often made of stainless steel, are compatible with existing deposit machines in supermarkets and allow consumers to purchase products such as coffee, cocoa, and other foods in reusable packaging and return them after consumption[4].

The main mission of Circolution is to reduce the consumption of single-use packaging and instead offer sustainable, reusable alternatives. The company focuses on standardization and is open to all food producers, regardless of their size or orientation. This systemic change is to be enabled through cooperation with leading companies to make the transition to reusable packaging as smooth as possible[4].

Circolution is strongly committed to promoting a circular economy and makes a significant contribution to waste reduction and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some of the central sustainability goals and initiatives:

• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9): By combining existing infrastructure such as bottle return machines and cleaning structures with innovative approaches, Circolution promotes local value creation and supports the sustainable development of the industry.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The new reusable system plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean urban landscape and meeting municipal recycling rates.
• Responsible Consumption and Production Patterns (SDG 12): Circolution enables end consumers to make ecological choices without drastic lifestyle changes by offering sustainable alternatives.
• Climate Action (SDG 13): By reducing plastic in packaging, Circolution's solutions significantly contribute to climate protection by lowering net emissions and reducing dependence on crude oil[5].

Circolution has built a strong coalition of partners to support the transition to reusable packaging. Prominent partners include:

• Nestlé: Has significantly supported the development and production of the stainless steel containers and has been involved in the piloting from the beginning.
• Tomra: Has supported the development of reusable containers since 2021 to ensure a smooth return process.
• Optima: Ensures that the reusable containers are optimized for automated dosing, filling, sealing, and packaging.
• IFCO: Provides collapsible transport containers for piloting, enabling logistical efficiency and careful resource management[4].

Circolution plans to further expand its reusable solutions and to expand into new food categories. The company is looking for more food manufacturers to bring products such as ground coffee, instant coffee, and raw cocoa to the supermarkets in the Rhine-Main region. After a successful regional pilot phase, the system is to be rolled out nationwide[4].

With its innovative approach and strong partnerships, Circolution is committed to sustainably transforming the packaging industry and making a significant contribution to waste reduction and achieving a circular economy.

• 1 - https://circolution.com/en/about-us/
• 2 - https://www.startbase.de/organization/circolution/
• 3 - https://www.startbase.de/organization/circolution-d41ebe61/
• 4 - https://station-frankfurt.de/2023/02/03/mehrweg-revolution-im-supermarktregal-mit-circolution/
• 5 - https://circolution.com/ueber-uns/