Why Vytal Advocates for Charging a Fee for Single-Use Packaging

We are all part of the change, but some still resist the switch to reusable solutions — we want to change that! As a measure, we are now encouraging our partners to charge a small fee when single-use plastic is provided. This not only lowers costs but also increases acceptance of reusable alternatives. Our system, however, remains free for customers.

In countries like Estonia, single-use packaging fees starting at 50 cents are already standard, helping the country significantly reduce packaging waste. In Germany, since the 2023 requirement to offer reusable options, some gastronomes have shifted their focus to sustainable alternatives. Two of our partners have already implemented measures: 957 Ramen Bar and Lauri's Küstendiner. In this article, they share their fight against single-use packaging.

Single-Use Packaging Fee at 957 Ramen Bar

957 Ramen Bar in Marburg, led by Mika, offers various ramen soups and other Japanese specialties. Mika has been a Vytal partner for over two years because she is convinced by our concept and bowls:
"I find Vytal as a system, and the bowls themselves, really good. The sizes are perfect for our dishes."

To ensure freshness, noodles/toppings and liquids are delivered separately, making the L and M bowls (1250 ml and 750 ml) the most popular choices.

For Mika, Vytal offers a clear advantage over competitors:
"With deposit systems, I don’t feel that environmental awareness is raised. A lot accumulates and isn't returned in time. The free two-week period at Vytal is sufficient, and everything comes back into the system faster."

Mika and her team aim to operate as sustainably as possible and didn’t want to offer plastic packaging. However, they encountered a challenge: “Paper or sugarcane packaging is very expensive. By charging a fee for single-use packaging, we wanted to promote the reusable option and cover our own costs. I can already see that I need to order less single-use packaging.”

Mika sees only advantages in charging for single-use packaging:
"I would recommend all partners to charge fees for single-use plastic because otherwise nothing will change. Reusables must always be presented as the better option. It’s our responsibility to foster a shift for the next generation. By introducing a fee, single-use becomes less attractive, and you can contribute your part."

Exclusively Reusable at Lauri’s Küstendiner

Lauri’s Küstendiner has also been a Vytal partner for two years. The owner, Lauri, offers burgers, spare ribs, chicken wings, cheese fries, and BBQ dishes at his American diner in Dagebüll. The most commonly used Vytal containers here are the L bowls (1250 ml) and burger boxes.

Lauri initially partnered with Vytal for a simple reason:
"During the first lockdown, when we could only offer takeout, I was extremely bothered by the amount of waste produced, and some guests would just leave the packaging on the street or at our harbor."

Now fully satisfied with Vytal, he offers only reusable containers for his takeout business:
"In my opinion, Vytal is the best reusable system available at the moment because it’s fair for both customers and restaurateurs. It’s easy to use and adds value."

Lauri firmly believes in this principle: “You don’t put good food in trash.”

His advice to potential and existing partners:
"Stop thinking about why it supposedly won't work or assuming that customers won't accept it. Just implement it and do it! We've been the only restaurant here offering reusable options for years, and it's always worked perfectly. The app-based ordering system also significantly simplifies our work and eliminates misunderstandings about orders or pickup times."