Boemerang

Boemerang, supported by the Green Deal Anders Verpakt and the City of Mechelen, offers an innovative solution to the waste problem of disposable packaging. Uniting partners Kingslize Premium Pizza, socio-economic enterprise MIVAS, packaging producer Avamoplast, and technology provider Twintag, Boemerang created an efficient logistics chain for reusable takeaway packaging.

The project

Boemerang is a reusable packaging initiative originating from the Green Deal Anders Verpakt and focused on sustainability and waste reduction in takeaway food and beverage packaging. Together with socio-economic enterprise MIVAS, Kingslize Premium Pizza, and packaging producer Avamoplast, Twintag developed a circular packaging system where reusable takeaway containers are introduced to cut down on single-use packaging.

The customer

Challenges

The Boemerang project was initiated in response to the growing concern over the unsustainable use of single-use takeaway food packaging. In Belgium alone, 166 million pizza boxes are discarded every year, leading to a significant environmental impact, with deforestation equivalent to 70 football fields annually. This waste not only harms the environment but also highlights the broader issue of resource depletion, as the materials used in disposable packaging are both scarce and costly. The ongoing financial burden of constantly producing and discarding these materials underscores the urgent need for a shift to reusable alternatives.

The significant cost of disposable packaging, which ultimately ends up in the bin, further emphasizes the necessity for this transition. The materials involved are not only expensive but also contribute to the depletion of natural resources, making their continuous use unsustainable in the long term. The Boemerang initiative aims to address these challenges by promoting a reusable packaging system that reduces waste, conserves resources, and lowers costs. This approach is particularly crucial as stricter European regulations on packaging and waste are coming into effect, necessitating compliance with more sustainable practices.

Finally, while several startups have emerged in recent years with reusable takeaway packaging solutions, many of these offer end-to-end systems that include full-fledged downloadable apps. This approach can make the solutions incompatible with each other, hindering the scalability needed to make reusable takeaway packaging economically viable. Boemerang, however, focuses on creating an open, scalable system that can be widely adopted across the industry, ensuring that businesses can smoothly transition to reusable packaging solutions while meeting regulatory demands and reducing environmental impact.

Simple, yet powerful solution

Say goodbye to single-use takeaway packaging

Boemerang, a partnership between Kingslize Premium Pizza, MIVAS, Avamoplast, and Twintag, created an efficient logistics chain for reusable takeaway packaging.

Kingslize Premium Pizza that is already operating an extensive logistics and delivery network for takeaway, has identified themselves as an ideal player to facilitate a circular packaging value chain, being able to take care of the reverse logistics too (in this case, pick up of empty containers).

MIVAS ensures high-quality cleaning of the food packaging, which is subject to very strict hygiene standards.

Avamoplast designed a reusable pizza box that is tested throughout the project, yet also other food and beverage containers have been introduced.

Twintag brings a user-friendly digital tracking system, giving both consumers and catering providers a clear overview of where their packaging is, what needs to be returned, how much deposit remains, and more - all through a unique QR tag on every container.

How to get started

the process

From production line to market

Simple, yet powerful solution

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Say goodbye to single-use takeaway packaging

What was this process like:

Results and impact

Most importantly, Boemerang significantly cuts down on takeaway waste, reducing landfill use and conserving natural resources. Next to that, the project boosts consumer awareness and encourages sustainable habits, fostering a community culture of environmental responsibility.

Zooming in on involved stakeholders, we can identify further benefits:

(1) For consumers: Boemerang offers a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging, thereby contributing to a greener society. The system is maximally convenient, with easy returns and pick-ups, and a transparent deposit process, all managed through a simple scan of a QR code. This ease of use encourages more consumers to participate, amplifying the environmental benefits.

(2) For HORECA businesses:

Cost control: warehousing requirements are reduced, and high acquisition and management costs for single-use packaging are eliminated, leading to significant cost savings. The transition to reusable packaging also simplifies inventory management, as businesses no longer need to constantly reorder disposable materials.
Service efficiency: HORECA businesses are continuously unburdened through streamlined logistics and packaging tracking. The integration of a digital tracking system powered by Twintag ensures that businesses can efficiently manage packaging circulation, reducing losses and improving overall operational efficiency.
Sustainable brand reputation: by adopting Boemerang's reusable packaging, HORECA businesses enhance their appeal to environmentally conscious customers. This shift not only improves their public image but also positions them as leaders in the emerging circular economy, attracting a loyal customer base that values sustainability.

(3) For Boemerang (MIVAS, Kingslize, Avamoplast, and Twintag): the initiative opens up access to new revenue streams by providing innovative circular logistics services. This shift from traditional packaging models to a circular economy approach creates business opportunities in areas such as packaging as a service, data-driven consumer insights, and enhanced brand loyalty programs. For example, MIVAS benefits from increased demand for its cleaning services. This holistic approach not only drives profitability but also strengthens partnerships among stakeholders, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable business ecosystem.

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“One of a kind service”

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Sophie Moore

VP of Design at Google