Sustainability is at the heart of the partnership between reCIRCLE and Silac. This innovative Bern-based company is breathing new life into the world of dining out and takeout with its clever reusable packaging and deposit system. The practical reCIRCLEs are in use at around 2,000 partner establishments. Even municipalities, cities, and companies without their own food service offerings can get involved! They have the option to have the lids custom-printed by Silac, thereby keeping the reCIRCLEs in circulation—an active contribution to promoting the circular economy.
Working Together for a Sustainable Future
As a long-standing Silac customer, reCIRCLE relies on sustainable solutions to address the growing challenges of our time. With a clear focus on waste prevention, reCIRCLE is building a strong network of partner businesses that sell, refill, and accept returns of practical reusable packaging. Together with the food service industry, the Bern-based company is also developing packaging solutions to replace single-use packaging with smart reusable alternatives. The securely sealable and easily transportable reCIRCLEs not only help reduce single-use plastic but also contribute to preventing food waste.
A special highlight: Cities, municipalities, cantons, and companies without their own food service offerings can have Silac custom-print the reCIRCLE lids, thereby showcasing their commitment to sustainability. For food service establishments, however, this option is excluded for good reason—the reCIRCLEs must continue to be easily collected and reused throughout the entire partner network. Silac thus offers a stylish and eco-friendly way to combine sustainability with branding.
Sustainability as a Corporate Philosophy
reCIRCLE’s philosophy is clear: conserve resources and minimize waste. Its approach is simple and effective: reusable packaging that is becoming increasingly widespread in both restaurants and takeout establishments—supported by a network of dedicated partner businesses. In this way, reCIRCLE, together with its users, is making a tangible difference in reducing single-use packaging. By 2023, the reCIRCLE community will have saved over 20 million pieces of single-use packaging—an impressive figure that demonstrates just how effective the concept is.
What are the boxes made of?
The reCIRCLE boxes are made of high-quality, reusable, and recyclable plastic. This special plastic was selected for its outstanding quality. Compared to other materials such as glass, stainless steel, or aluminum, it is also shatterproof, oven- and microwave-safe, and therefore ideal for the hectic pace of everyday takeout life. Another advantage of this material is that it can be recycled at the end of its long service life. Defective or damaged boxes aren’t simply thrown away—they’re collected and processed into reusable raw material, which closes the loop and further protects the environment.
Image: The reCIRCLE recycling system (Graphic: reCIRCLE)
reCIRCLE now offers a wide range reusable packaging to meet the diverse needs of the foodservice industry. The most popular option is the reCIRCLE box, which stands out for its versatility. It can be used for both hot and cold foods and costs just CHF 10, making it an affordable and sustainable alternative. In addition to the boxes, the product line also includes cups, bowls, and specialized packaging for salads, soups, and sandwiches. The reCIRCLE cups, in particular, have established themselves in the coffee-to-go scene, as they offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use coffee cups. The reCIRCLE products can be purchased, refilled, and returned for a refund of the purchase price at all participating restaurants—for the life of the product.
Photo: reCIRCLE’s wide range of products offers something for everyone (Photo: reCIRCLE)
reCIRCLE on a Path of Expansion
Today, reCIRCLE has become an integral part of the Swiss restaurant scene. The reusable packaging is used in countless restaurants, cafés, cafeterias, and takeout establishments. Especially in cities like Bern, Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, the eggplant-colored reusable tableware can be found everywhere. The company has succeeded in raising awareness of sustainable packaging in the food service industry and works closely with universities, hospitals, and public institutions to further establish the reusable system.
reCIRCLE is also expanding internationally. Thanks to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, reCIRCLE is well on its way to establishing its reusable concept in Europe as well.
Printing quotes are also available for suppliers or third parties
Many cities, municipalities, cantons, and companies are showing great interest in the branded reCIRCLE boxes. This is a great opportunity to showcase their branding to the public while emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. This is where Silac comes in with its extensive printing expertise. Thanks to digital and pad printing, even the smallest, custom batches can be professionally branded with a logo—and in no time at all. Thanks to the outstanding print quality, the logos remain clearly visible even after repeated use.
Photo: Printable reCIRCLE box (Photo: reCIRCLE)
In recent years, Silac has made targeted investments in state-of-the-art Printing Technologies invested. Today, the plastics plant is proud to offer its customers a wide variety of processes. Word of its high level of printing expertise has spread, and Silac now also offers its professional printing services to suppliers and other third parties, such as reCIRCLE.
Working Together to Combat Food Waste and Mountains of Trash
Each of us can help reduce waste and food waste—making a conscious effort to avoid single-use packaging is the first step. With reCIRCLE’s reusable packaging, we prevent millions of single-use plastic containers from ending up in the environment.
reCIRCLE and Silac are working together to promote sustainable alternatives and shape a more environmentally friendly future. Together, we can achieve a lot!
