At PACOON, we have been focusing on the topic of sustainable packaging since 2008 and have become one of the leading agencies for sustainable packaging solutions. But we wanted to do more than just design packaging sustainably. We wanted to design sustainable packaging. Three years ago, together with our partners at home and abroad, we started to develop an international reuse system. It is called CYRCOL. We believe that only reuse can solve the waste problem in the long term.
Packaging does not have to lose its value once it has been opened. Together with partners, PACOON has developed a reusable system for packaging that is suitable for almost all products thanks to standardized containers and a clever return system. We have summarized how CYRCOL works in six key points.
It was clear to us from the start that we had to give the packaging a value. CYRCOL conveys the value of packaging to consumers - and is also structured in such a way that it is easy to implement for retailers and producers. Six things you need to know about CYRCOL:
1. CYRCOL is not tied to industries
The big advantage of CYRCOL is that so far no industry has been identified where it could not be used. Whether food, non-food, DIY, textiles, shoes - there are many different possible applications. Of course, some of these industries bring special challenges, but these can also be mastered.
2. Standardized packaging and processes
The problem with current reusable solutions is the lack of container compatibility. This means that common take-back, cleaning, logistics and billing are not possible. CYRCOL addresses exactly this problem and counteracts it with a standardized system. This facilitates the development of collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures and supports the process of packaging reuse, as the return process is also simplified to the greatest possible extent for the consumer.
3. Easy and trouble-free cleaning process
Reuse packaging is stable and made of metal, glass or plastic. They allow easy cleaning and hygienic safety according to the product and packaging requirements. Another advantage of the standardized system is that it allows the bundling of cleaning stations in regional centers and not every bottler has to worry about it individually.
4. To the packaging and back to the origin
Even if CYRCOL packaging is getting damaged, it does not have to be disposed of immediately, because the design of the packs is based on a 'deconstructible' concept: in case of wear or damage, the packaging can be recycled back to the source material of the containers.
5. Coded packaging
Each individual packaging element should be coded and identified. This offers the possibility to track and evaluate the packages individually. Packages can be assigned their individual transport route or cleaning effort, their useful life and frequency can be determined, and even the carbon footprint saved can be calculated. All of this involves the consumer in a whole new way, which ultimately facilitates the return of reuse packs and perhaps even enables them to be collected from the consumer's home.
6. Problem-free financing
Financing reuse packaging works without a hitch. For starting quantities, companies have the option of having Cyrcol prefinance them or pay for them through the consumer's deposit. In addition, Cyrcol works on a pay per use principle: the filler only pays for the pack quantities used.
Would you like to know more about CYRCOL? Just ask Peter Désilets!