Long ago and far away, there was once a time when Nesquik was packaged in metal tins. Nowadays, it comes in a plastic tub.
Well, Chocolate milk and sustainability lovers are scoring a win overseas as Nestle will test reusable packaging in Germany. The CPG firm is partnering with Circolution, a manufacturer of Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) compatible packaging.
Circolution leases out the packaging, called “Anita in steel,” to Nestle and then handles the collection, cleaning, and transportation of the stainless steel cup-like reusable containers. The Anita in Steel packaging comes sealed “gas tight” and is ideal for items with long shelf lives, like Nesquik cocoa mixes. The entire Circolution packaging can also get returned to the store, save for a small seal recycled via curbside service.
Other brands trialing and using Anita in Steel cups include coffee roasters Hoppenworth & Ploch and BE.AN.
Transitioning to returnable and reusable packaging is made easier for Nestle thanks to Germany’s DRS program called Pfandsystem, which requires all stores selling a returnable package to take it back and pay out the deposit. Larger stores are required to accept all Pfand packaging, and many locations have automated kiosks to simplify the process.
According to Circolution, the firm has plans to roll out more products in the coffee and cocoa categories regionally by the third quarter of 2023, with a national rollout in Germany to follow.
Images courtesy of Nestle.
