Demand for single-use packaging has grown significantly, leading to higher volumes of packaging waste.
“One of our sustainability targets is to reduce the amount of packaging waste and promote the circular economy – this also helps us to save valuable and limited natural resources. We have already reduced packaging materials in our own-brand products, but new approaches are needed. Through development projects, such as Reusify and STOPP, we are seeking alternative solutions to single-use packaging,” says Timo Jäske, Sustainability Director at Kesko’s grocery trade.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) also encourages the development of new packaging solutions. The regulation, which entered into force in early 2025, aims for at least 10 per cent of takeaway food and beverage packaging to be offered in reusable containers by 2030.
Trial launched in Tampere in October – customer interest has been encouraging
K-Supermarket Ratina in Tampere started a trial of reusable, deposit-based takeaway containers at the beginning of October as part of the STOPP project. For the three-month trial period, salad bar and service counter portions can be packed in the reusable containers.
The system is based on a deposit: customers pay the deposit at the checkout and receive a sticker on the container as proof of payment. On their next visit, customers can bring the container back and pay only for the food, or return the container and get the deposit back.
“The trial has been very well received. We have had a great deal of positive feedback from our customers for offering an alternative to single-use takeaway containers. It is important that new solutions that reduce packaging waste are simple and effortless for customers. From the store’s perspective, the introduction of the reusable containers has also gone smoothly,” says Marko Laaksonen, retailer at K-Supermarket Ratina.
A recent survey* by the K Group also shows clear interest in reusable takeaway containers: 65 per cent of customers said they would be willing to try them.
Next pilots in the Helsinki region in early 2026
Reusable, deposit-based takeaway containers will also be piloted in two K-food stores in the Helsinki region at the beginning of 2026 as part of the Reusify project. The aim of the Reusify research project is to make Finland a pioneer in reusable packaging. The project brings together a wide range of participants from all stages of the packaging value chain.
*Would you try reusable containers? K Group survey, N=1510, 29.10.-3.11.2025
YES
NO
