New technology to eliminate single-use packaging waste launched this fall at Simon Fraser University following a successful pilot last year that saw 125 kgs of single-use packaging waste reduced and more than 500 kgs of carbon emissions avoided in six months.
Vancouver circular economy leader Reusables.com announced today its partnership with Compass Group Canada through their educational food service division, Chartwells.
With interest from universities across the country, Reusables is rolling out its new Tap to Reuse and Smart Return Bin technology, first at SFU’s Mackenzie Café.
As of September this year, customers at SFU’s busy Mackenzie Café are replacing single-use packaging with stainless steel reusable containers powered by Reusables’ RFID technology that allows anyone to easily borrow and return containers, like a library system. The model is free for users and helps food service operations save costs on disposable packaging.
“Our vision is to make reusable packaging the default for food services globally,” said Reusables.com CEO and co-founder Jason Hawkins.
“We want to make reuse completely frictionless and traceable so we can move away from plastic forever. Our technology advancements, and impactful partnerships like this, are the next step towards that goal.”
Reusables.com provides enabling technology for food service operators to offer reusable containers as an alternative to disposable packaging. The company initially launched with restaurants in Vancouver and is now providing its technology to universities and corporate campuses in North America to make reusable packaging the new standard.
Reusables.com’s software tracks and reports on the environmental impact created. Its RFID tags and automated return system manages containers with a 99% overall return rate. The company’s plastic free, high-performance containers and cups do not require an app or a deposit, making it the most convenient and scalable platform for sustainable packaging.
“It’s inspiring to see the impact that our technology and partnership with Compass Group Canada is having at SFU. We are excited to bring this barrier-free reuse solution to more campuses across the country and create a new future for food packaging” said Reusables.com co-founder and COO Anastasia Kiku.
How do RFID chips get recycled? What incentivizes people to return? How did you get 90% return rates, is that third party verified?