Innovation pool for Reusable Takeaway Packaging
Starting in fall 2025, cafés, restaurants, and reuse operators will have the opportunity to apply for funding to test reusable packaging systems for takeaway food and beverages. The goal is to give Copenhageners the option to return used coffee cups and food containers for reuse, to reduce waste and conserve resources across the city.
The reuse systems will generate valuable operational data, which will be shared publicly to support broader development and implementation of similar systems in other cities.
A reuse system should be understood as...
... a complete solution through which:
- Restaurants, cafés, etc., serve 100% of their food and/or beverages in reusable packaging (except when food and drinks are delivered via standard delivery platforms, e.g. Just-Eat and Wolt).
- Customers return the packaging after use, either via a return vending machine or directly to the restaurant/café.
- The packaging is collected, washed, and returned to the participating restaurants/cafés that are part of the reuse system.
- The system must be supported by data for each of the individual processes.
Key dates & details
Fund opens: Late Q3 2025
Application window: 1 month
Decision time: Within 3 weeks of deadline
Eligible applicants: Businesses that use single-use packaging or reuse operators applying on their behalf
How to apply: Via Mercell
Funding amount:
Minimum 100.000 DKK per business registration number (P-number)
One application per company registration number (CVR)
Questions? Contact Sarosh Qureshi at Sarosh.qureshi@kk.dk or +45 21 38 04 83
Who Can Apply?
Any business in The City of Copenhagen aiming to transition from single-use to reusable takeaway packaging can apply. Reuse operators may also apply on behalf of cafés or restaurants. However, businesses operating in closed venues - such as cinemas, concert halls, and shopping centers - are not eligible.
Pilot Projects and Return Stations
The fund is being launched alongside the installation of Copenhagen’s first return vending machines.
Applicants can choose to install return vending machines on their own premises - either independently or through their reuse operator. These machines must be used exclusively for collecting reusable take-away packaging.
Funding is disbursed upon signing the contract with the City of Copenhagen.
How much funding can you apply for?
The pool is in total DKK 1.7 million, and the amount of support depends on the company’s annual use of the type of single-use packaging being phased out.
Applicants can apply for funding to convert from single-use to reusable packaging at the following annual volumes:
| Annual volume | Grant (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| 50 000–250 000 | 100 000 DKK |
| 250 000–500 000 | 200 000 DKK |
| 500 000–750 000 | 300 000 DKK |
Each company (CVR number) may only apply once, but the funding can cover the testing of reusable packaging across multiple business registration numbers (P-numbers).
Funds must be used exclusively for the development and testing of permanent or semi-permanent reuse systems aimed at replacing single-use packaging with reusable alternatives.
Assessment Criteria for Allocation of Funds
- Number of usage of reusable packaging per year.
Minimum Criteria for Applying for Funds from the Innovation Pool
The following criteria must be met to apply for the pool:
- The company must commit, for a minimum of one year, to transition to 100% reuse of the type of packaging for which funding is being applied. Applications can be submitted for multiple types of packaging. Packaging types are categorized into three groups: food packaging, cold beverage packaging, and hot beverage packaging.
- The reuse system must be compatible with the return infrastructure established in the Inner City
Through participation in the initiative, the company commits to collecting and sharing the following verified data (verified by the operator) with the City of Copenhagen:
- Number of reusable packaging items used per quarter
- Operating costs of the reuse system per quarter
- Communication campaigns launched per quarter
- Number of packaging units discarded and/or lost from the system per quarter
The company’s application must, at a minimum, include the following:
- Description of the company’s current use of single-use packaging
- Expected results of the project
- Description of any partners/operators involved
- Description of the reuse system for which funding is sought
- Project content, activities, and timeline
- Communication plan: how will the transition to reusable packaging be communicated?
By supporting local innovation, the City of Copenhagen hopes to spark a city-wide shift toward sustainable takeaway, and inspire other cities to follow.