ReLoop It is a project that integrates into a single system the automatic dispensing of prepared food and the return of reusable and traceable containers in a closed circuit, a solution that did not exist until now in the market, designed to reduce the carbon footprint by between 90 and 95% compared to single-use containers.
The initiative is driven by a consortium made up of Ausolan, leader in catering for institutions; Awayter, manufacturer of innovative IoT and self-service solutions; ITC-Packaging, a benchmark in packaging; and AIMPLAS, the Technological Institute of PlasticsThe four partners are working together to develop a comprehensive circular model that will allow reusable packaging to be put into circulation, monitor its lifespan, and manage its return automatically.
The project is also framed within an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. In Spain, Law 7/2022 taxes the use of non-reusable packaging with a levy of €0,45 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic placed on the market, accelerating the adoption of more sustainable solutions without sacrificing competitiveness.
Explains Amaia Agirre, Innovation Director at Ausolan, “Closed-loop reuse is one of the most effective alternatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics, but it requires overcoming significant technological and logistical challenges.”
Reusable and traceable food packaging
One of ReLoop's main objectives is the development of a reusable and traceable food container, designed for multiple uses throughout its lifespan. The project aims for these containers to withstand at least 40 uses while maintaining food safety, functionality, and an acceptable appearance for consumers.
To achieve this, the consortium is investigating new materials that can withstand washing and drying processes without compromising the quality of the packaging, and that can also be recycled at the end of their useful life.
“It’s not just about making the packaging last longer, but about ensuring that it remains safe, functional, and acceptable to the user with each reuse,” has highlighted Nuria López, lead researcher in Packaging at AIMPLAS.
24/7 digital canteen with automated return
Another major challenge ReLoop addresses is the management and tracking of reusable containers to ensure that reuse is effective and measurable. The project investigates solutions that allow tracking each container's journey and monitoring its number of uses within the supply chain.
In parallel, ReLoop will develop an automated cafeteria that, for the first time, integrates the automated delivery and return of reusable containers. This 24-hour, fully digital cafeteria service will allow customers to reserve food and pay contactlessly, and will also incorporate a container return system for subsequent cleaning and reuse. Currently, no solutions exist that combine the dispensing of prepared food and the recovery of containers for recirculation, beyond recycling, in a single system.
“The goal is to close the loop: deliver the food, recover the packaging, sanitize it, and reuse it with all the necessary guarantees.” has explained Amaia Agirre, Director of Innovation.
Cleaning, drying and food safety
The project also investigates specific washing and drying protocols adapted to reusable containers and the food they contain. These processes are key to ensuring cleanliness without damaging the materials and avoiding food safety risks, since inadequate drying can promote microbial growth.
With all this, ReLoop is working on the design of a circular model applicable mainly to food in institutions, jointly addressing the technological, logistical and business model challenges necessary to ensure its technical and economic viability.
“Collaboration between companies and technology centers is essential for these new reuse models to reach the market with a guarantee of success,” it is finished Nuria Lopez from AIMPLAS.
The RELOOP project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, through the 2024 Public-Private Collaboration call of the State Research Agency (AEI) and is co-financed by the European Union through the ERDF Funds.
