Steffi Lemke honours SYKELL’s reusable system with the Blue Angel

Berlin, 27.06.2023 – Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke today awarded SYKELL the German government’s “Blue Angel” ecolabel in Berlin for its sustainable and holistic reusable system. The SYKELL “Einfach Mehrweg” concept was developed in partnership with REWE from the outset, taking into account the diverse requirements as well as current and future applications in the food retail sector.

SYKELL’s reusable system for food retailers and the catering industry offers an alternative to disposable packaging for to-go food and drinks, which previously had to be disposed of as plastic waste after use. For consumers, SYKELL’s system is designed to be as simple and user-friendly as the tried-and-tested deposit bottle system, with an innovative range of containers. After use, the SYKELL containers can be returned to modern deposit and reverse vending machines in the same way as returnable bottles. The handover was hosted by REWE, which as a SYKELL system partner offers the loan and return service through 3,800 REWE stores and is an investor in Sykell. In addition to REWE, partners of Lekkerland and concessionaires are already using “Einfach Mehrweg”.

The holistic approach of the SYKELL reusable system is intended to avoid the isolated solutions that have emerged since the beginning of the year following the reusable packaging obligation. The full-service system is aimed at food retailers, [system] restaurants and petrol stations.

Davide Mazzanti, CEO and co-founder of Sykell, explains: Our internal research has shown that reusable systems are only accepted by consumers if they are quick, convenient and easy to use. When developing our SYKELL reusable system, we therefore orientated ourselves on the deposit bottle system that consumers have already learned to use. The SYKELL returnable containers can be returned to modern vending machines of our participating partners just like returnable bottles. SYKELL returnable containers are produced in Germany to ensure the highest product quality at all times. We are delighted that our high standards have been recognised today with the Blue Angel.

Peter Maly, REWE Group Management Board member responsible for REWE stores, says: REWE is once again setting new standards with the ‘Einfach Mehrweg’ system from Sykell, which was certified today. Our open, deposit-based, user-friendly concept, which is suitable for various take-back infrastructures, fulfils the provisions of Section 33 of the German Packaging Act in the best possible way: it is simple for our customers. It is practicable for our markets. It is efficient for all partner companies and logistics. ‘Einfach Mehrweg’ has the potential to set an industry standard. This approach of helping our commitment to sustainability to have a greater impact through a multiplier effect is important to us. Because it is good for the environment and for more reusable packaging in the future.

“Einfach Mehrweg” combines various special features: It is the only system in Germany that allows REWE to return containers at the reverse vending machine or at the checkout. The coding of the “Einfach Mehrweg” containers allows deposit clearing, and the containers are cleaned by an industrial rinsing system, which guarantees the highest level of hygiene in terms of consumer protection.