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Berlin, 27.06.2023 – The Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke has today awarded the German government’s “Blue Angel” ecolabel to SYKELL’s sustainable and fully integrated reusable packaging system in Berlin. SYKELL developed its “EINFACH MEHRWEG” (“Simply Reusable”) system in partnership with REWE from day one, making sure the system fulfils all statutory requirements and satisfies all current and future use cases in food retailing.
SYKELL’sreusable packaging system represents a sustainable alternative to single-use containers for food retailers and restaurants, who previously had to dispose of single-use packaging as plastic waste after use. For consumers, SYKELL’s systemis designed to be as easy and user-friendly as Germany’s tried and testedbottle deposit system, simply with an innovative range of containers. Returning used containers and cups is as easy as returning deposit bottles via theexisting nationwide network of modern deposit or reverse vending machines (RVMs). The award ceremony was hosted by REWE, which as aSYKELL system partner and investor in Sykell offers the loan and return servicethrough its 3,800 REWE stores. In addition to REWE, Lekkerland’s partners and concessionary companies already use the “EINFACH MEHRWEG” system.
SYKELL’scomprehensive and fully integrated reusable packaging solution addresses theproblems created by the numerous island solutions that have been launched sincethe introduction of Germany’s mandatory reusable packaging regulations inJanuary. The full-service system is geared towards food retailers, systemcatering companies and service stations.
DavideMazzanti, CEO and Co-Founder of Sykell: “Our internal research has shown thatconsumers will only embrace reusable packaging systems if they are quick,convenient and easy to use. When we were developing the SYKELL reusablepackaging system, we therefore took our cue from the bottle deposit system thatconsumers have already been using for so many years. SYKELL’s reusablecontainers can simply be returned like deposit bottles to one of the modernvending machines operated by one of our system partners. SYKELL’s returnablecontainers are manufactured in Germany to guarantee the highest product qualityon a permanent basis. We are delighted that our high standards have beenrewarded with the Blue Angel today.”
Peter Maly, on the member of the REWE Group’s Management Board and responsible for REWE stores: “With the certification of the “EINFACH MEHRWEG” system from Sykell today, REWE is once again setting new standards. This is because our open, deposit-based, user-friendly system, which is suitable for a wide range ofreturn infrastructures, is the best solution to fulfil the regulations set outin Section 33 of the German Packaging Act. It is simple for our customers, itis workable for our markets, and it is efficient for our business and logistics partners. “Einfach Mehrweg” has the potential to define a new industry standard. We recognize the importance of this approach as it enhances the effectiveness of our sustainability commitment through a multiplier effect. Which is good for REWE, good for the environment, and good for reusable packaging in the future.”
The “EINFACH MEHRWEG” system combines a range of unique features in a single solution: It is the only system in Germany that enables nationwide return via the extensive network of reverse vending machines or at the checkout in REWE supermarkets.The “EINFACH MEHRWEG” containers are coded to allow deposits to be processed and the containers are cleaned by an industrial rinsing system, which ensures the highest level of hygiene and consumer protection.
With its“Einfach Mehrweg” solution, Berlin-based SYKELL is expanding the simple,tried-and-trusted bottle and can return system to include innovative reusablepackaging solutions across the entire food and beverage sector. The system isdesigned to be as simple and convenient as possible and does not require usersto register, set up a customer account, download an app or provide any personaldata. As with deposit bottles, the return of containers and cups isuncomplicated and works nationwide via the existing nationwide network ofpartner-operated reverse vending machines (RVMs).
Sykell has anationwide network of system partners, including chain food retailers, petrolstations and restaurants. Sykell was founded in Berlin in 2021. sykell.com
With a turnover of EUR 28.4 billion (2022), more than 160,000 employees and 3,800stores across Germany, REWE Markt GmbH is one of the leading companies in theGerman food retail sector. REWE stores are operated as branches or byindependent REWE merchants. The cooperative REWE Group is a leading trade andtourism group in Germany and Europe. In 2022, the company generated totalexternal revenue of EUR 84.8 billion. Founded in 1927, REWE Group is present in21 European countries with more than 384,000 employees.
Joachim M.Guentert
SYKELL CorporateCommunications
Tel.: +49 30 520 017 10
joachim.guentert@sykell.com
Thomas Bonrath
REWE Markt GmbH
Tel.: +49 221 149 1050
presse@rewe.de
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