Circular Takeaway Packaging

In 2024, reusable takeaway packaging is high on the agenda for the City of Copenhagen. It's not just about reusable coffee cups but also packaging for food items, such as pizza boxes, Thai boxes, sushi boxes, salad boxes, etc.

The following will provide insight into two concurrent projects, both starting in early 2024.

1) Innovation Pool

The City of Copenhagen is launching a 2-year innovation fund aimed at supporting innovative solutions within reusable takeaway packaging (not covered by the Bottle Deposit Regulation) in the city.

The intention is for Copenhageners to have the opportunity to return, for example, their used coffee cups or food containers, after which the packaging will be washed and reused.

The innovation fund can be applied for by all companies with a VAT number in Copenhagen in the selected areas, as well as mega events (where the City of Copenhagen is a co-organizer) that wish to convert their consumption of disposable packaging to a reuse system.

Companies such as cinemas, concert halls, and similar with a closed serving area cannot apply.

The fund is approximately DKK 1 million in 2024 and approximately DKK 1 million in 2025. Disbursement of funds requires a 50 % self-payment of the full investment. The company can apply for a maximum of DKK 250,000 excl. VAT in co-financing from the City of Copenhagen.

The funds may only be used by the company to transition to a reuse system; thus, the funds may not be used to operate the system.

2) Change (K)now!

In January 2024, the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Change (K)now! was launched. The project aims to promote the use of reusable packaging in takeaway and catering systems while simultaneously creating social acceptance among both companies and users in connection with the transition to the reusable solution.

The project is a collaboration across 8 countries with 23 partners, spanning 3 years - from early 2024 to late 2026. Change (K)now! deals with the implementation of reusable packaging in three different areas: institutional catering, events, and urban space solutions. The City of Copenhagen will handle all three;

• the City of Copenhagen's own consumption of disposable packaging, including in schools covered by the EAT system;
• disposable packaging at mega events where the City of Copenhagen is a co-organizer;
• and disposable packaging in connection with take-away in urban areas.

The project will result in a series of best practice recommendations. These will be presented at the final meeting in Copenhagen in 2026.