Reusable packaging: the future of sustainable catering
Reusable packaging: the future of sustainable dining
Reusable packaging is now emerging as a practical response to the environmental challenges and new regulatory obligations facing the catering sector. Between eco-design, health standards and consumer expectations, it is becoming essential to rethink our consumption patterns and our food packaging.
At COMATEC, we have conducted in-depth research and tested various solutions with industrial laboratories in order to guarantee sustainable food packaging that is aesthetically pleasing, practical and compliant with health requirements.
Here's an overview of our approach, the materials we've selected, and the practical solutions we've put in place to meet new packaging expectations.
Why opt for reusable packaging in the catering industry?
Since January 2023, the AGEC law has required restaurants with more than 20 covers to switch to reusable crockery.
As well as complying with legal directives, this obligation reflects a profound change in consumer expectations: reduction of waste, search for sustainability, fight against food waste.
Recyclable and reusable packaging is therefore becoming a key solution, particularly for professionals in the fast-food, mass catering and events sectors. But standards aside, this approach raises logistical (collection, washing, storage), economic (investment, profitability) and technical (materials, strength, recyclability at end of life) issues.
Faced with these challenges, COMATEC has chosen to develop a range of containers suitable for traditional use, while retaining a functional and aesthetic design.
Reusable packaging: robust, high-performance solutions for the catering industry
After several phases of field testing and discussions with professionals in the sector, we have developed a complete range of reusable packaging tailored to the needs of the catering industry
Our packaging is designed to withstand
Industrial and on-site washing at over 60°C
Up to 125 reuse cycles
Frequent handling (transport, stacking, storage)
Our materials:
Polypropylene (PP) + talc: By adding talc to polypropylene, we reduce the use of plastic by up to 20%, making our products more resistant.
Polystyrene (PS): Transparent or coloured with a glossy finish, polystyrene is very rigid.
Glass: There are two types: borosilicate glass (non-recyclable) and soda-lime glass (recyclable).
Stainless steel: resistant, stainless steel can be reused and recycled ad infinitum.
Ceramic: Ideal for professional catering, ceramic is resistant to heat and chemicals, guaranteeing exceptional longevity. Easy to clean and ultra-hygienic, it enhances the presentation of your dishes while offering reliable everyday performance.
Aluminium: Lightweight, flexible and 100% recyclable, it provides an effective barrier against light, humidity, oxygen and micro-organisms. Hygienic and non-toxic, they preserve the freshness, flavour and quality of your food for longer.
Benefits in practice:
Suitable for food contact
Rapid return on investment thanks to high number of reuse cycles
Reduced environmental impact by reusing products and avoiding the production of new ones
Packaging design: elegant shapes, compatible with the requirements of caterers and restaurants
We invite you to discover three of our flagship products from our reusable range:
IOTA BOL VISSABLE PP NOIR 45 CL
A reusable crockery concept that combines elegance and practicality.
With its rounded shapes and matt black brushed effect, our IOTA bowl can be used as modern, refined tableware or as a takeaway solution.
Stackable and cleverly designed, these bowls screw together easily with their lids to save space.
Made from PP, they are microwave-safe, offering practicality and versatility
The lid is sold separately CBOI45N.
TERRA RAMEKIN ESTEK 20 CL
The Terra ceramic range comprises 4 glass jars in 3 capacities:
4 cl : TRV4B, TRV4N
6 cl: TRV6B, TRV6N, TRC6B, TRC6N
20 cl : TRM20B, TRM20N
Available in two elegant colours - terracotta with white interior or all-black - these glass jars give you the freedom to create natural yet sophisticated atmospheres...
Designed to last, they can be washed over 100 times and are oven, microwave and freezer safe.
Made in Europe, they combine style, sturdiness and practicality.
LID FOR BENTO GLASS BOWL
Discover our new Bento in borosilicate glass, elegant, reusable and transparent.
Practical and adaptable, its bowls are easy to stack thanks to their slightly recessed base, for optimal storage.
Available in two sizes - 35 cl and 55 cl - it's perfect for all your takeaway meals.
Match it with our bamboo lid with rubber seal (réf. CVB110).
The transition to reusable packaging is an opportunity to innovate responsibly. Thanks to our expertise and materials designed to withstand multiple cycles of use, COMATEC can help you make this transition.
FAQ – Reusable and recyclable packaging
1. What is the difference between recyclable and reusable packaging?
Reusable packaging is designed to be used several times (washed, stored, reused) for the same purpose.
It must also be recyclable at the end of its life. Packaging is said to be recyclable if it can be collected, sorted and then sent to a material treatment and processing centre. This ‘recycled’ material can then be used to manufacture new packaging or products.
2. What materials should be used for reusable food packaging ?
When designing reusable food packaging, it is advisable to choose materials that are resistant to repeated use, compatible with food uses and with good recyclability potential.
The most suitable materials are :
- Polypropylene (PP): strong, light and recyclable. However, it is important to note that recycled PP is not currently authorised for food use, unlike PET. (I'm thinking of removing it)
- Glass: inert, durable, infinitely reusable and totally recyclable.
- Stainless steel: highly resistant and perfectly suited to food contact, it is also recyclable.
3. Is the environmental performance of reusable packaging better than that of single-use packaging?
Studies show that after 2 to 4 reuses, reuse significantly reduces environmental impact, particularly energy consumption (-76%) and CO₂ emissions (-79%) compared with recycling or single use.
However, this performance varies according to:
The material used (glass is often more favourable than plastic, under certain conditions),
The number of reuses (gains from 5 to 10 uses depending on the case),
Transport distances (return and washing),
The washing system (water, energy),
Logistics structure (pooling, standardisation).
Please note: The AGEC law (article 9) strongly encourages the development of reuse as a lever for reducing packaging waste.
To sum up: reuse is therefore a virtuous system whose level of performance depends on the organisation in place. The better the organisation, the greater the benefits,
Sources :
https://www.citeo.com/le-mag/faq-reemploi-une-solution-pour-reduire-limpact-environnemental-des-emballages
Loi AGEC article 9 : https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/article_jo/JORFARTI000041553774
Adelphe page 4 : https://www.adelphe.fr/sites/default/files/Documents/2024-06/guide-reemploi-des-emballages-menagers.pdf