Although the environmental crisis caused by single-use packaging is a global problem, reusable packaging has not yet spread across all market segments. Why is this alternative not available everywhere? This question was addressed by the joint MEHRCE research project conducted by the Wuppertal Institute, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Kühne Logistics University (KLU), and the German Mehrwegverband e.V. The innovative “Systems Map” presented as a result of the project explores in detail the barriers facing reusable systems in Germany, quantifies critical success factors, and highlights the complex interactions within the system, thereby creating a common foundation for a successful and sustainable transition to a circular economy.
What is the Systems Map, and Why is it Essential for Change?
Daily consumption frequently raises a structural question: despite innovations and climate awareness, why do single-use packaging materials still dominate retail? To explore and understand the reasons behind these shortcomings, researchers developed a holistically approached “Systems Map” (Systembild Mehrweg) within the framework of the German MEHRCE project.
This analytical tool is fundamentally built on the mechanics of a mind map. Its main objective is to visually and logically clarify all the industrial, infrastructural, and consumer barriers that currently hinder the spread of reusable systems. Simultaneously, it identifies key players who can accelerate market processes through meaningful interventions. The map points out that deeply rooted structural reasons lie behind the prevalence of single-use packaging, and changing them requires comprehensive and systemic steps from production to waste management.
Quantitative and Qualitative Pillars: The Three Main Factors of Successful Systems
One of the most important findings of the analysis published by the Wuppertal Institute is that the expansion of reusable packaging is not merely a narrowly defined technological problem, but a comprehensive social and business challenge. Based on the data from the systems map, the future of functional and economically sustainable reusable systems rests on three critical indicators and factors:
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Collection Volumes (Sammelmengen): The efficiency of circular systems is closely related to volumes. The system is only ecologically and economically sustainable if the volume of collected packaging materials reaches and stably maintains the critical mass necessary for a return on investment.
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Operating Costs (Betriebskosten): The costs of cleaning, sorting, and so-called reverse logistics (collection) processes must remain competitive in the long term against the production costs of single-use, linear packaging.
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Product Availability (Produktverfügbarkeit): To maintain demand, it is essential that consumers have widespread, convenient, and barrier-free access to reusable options during their everyday shopping.
The Necessity of Standardization and Data-Driven Logistics
The research places special emphasis on the problem of sectoral fragmentation. According to the analysis, creating mandatory industry standards regarding the size and material of packaging is unavoidable for optimizing systems. If manufacturers worked with uniform parameters, the logistics of returning and cleaning would be drastically simplified.
This is also where the role of data comes in. The MEHRCE project highlights the importance of unified data exchange (for example, the exact location of empties, hygiene status, and availability data). Such a data-driven and standardized system would allow consumers to return an empty yogurt or jam jar at any grocery store without any problems—similar to the well-established beverage crate system—regardless of where the original purchase was made.
User-Centered Product Design and Clear Communication
In addition to logistical processes, the Wuppertal Institute draws attention to the strategic importance of user-centered design. Reusable packaging must also ergonomically support the process. The study cites jars developed for spreads and pâtés as excellent examples; their geometric design allows the product to be completely scooped out, thereby making it easy for the consumer to rinse it at home before returning it.
Beyond all this, clear labeling and unambiguous communication serve as the bridge between the system and the consumer. Shoppers must be able to recognize in a split second on store shelves whether a specific product is part of the reusable network, further facilitating conscious and environmentally friendly decision-making.
The MEHRCE Innovation Community Uniting Over 200 Partners
The aforementioned research and the systems map were realized within the framework of a national project called “MEHRCE” (Innovative Reusable Systems: The Breakthrough to a Circular Economy in Germany). The project, led by the Wuppertal Institute and the Mehrwegverband, is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through the large-scale DATIpilot program.
MEHRCE is a massive innovation ecosystem comprising over 200 independent industry players—including system operators, packaging manufacturers, retail chains, research institutes, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This interdisciplinary community is working to ensure that, building on the success of beverage and transport packaging, reusable solutions become commonplace in e-commerce, the ready-to-eat meals market, system gastronomy, and the cosmetics sector.
Summary and Vision
The systems map presented by the Wuppertal Institute goes far beyond theoretical research; it is, in fact, a pragmatic guideline for industry, business, and policymakers. Government bodies and companies can use the analysis as a tool to identify structural deficiencies and determine targeted points of intervention. The main message of the document is clear: the path from a throwaway society to a true circular economy can only be paved with technological standardization, broad industry cooperation, and transparent communication that actively involves consumers.
References and Official Sources:
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Original Press Release and Study (Wuppertal Institute): Wupperinst – Systembild Mehrweg (9309)
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State / Funder Background (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF): DATIpilot Program Official Information Page