Drink smarter: digital reusable cup from Vytal and PepsiCo

Innovative partnerships drive sustainable solutions: Vytal and PepsiCo are taking reusable tableware to a new level in their cooperation. With individual IDs for each cup, which can be read using a QR code or RFID tag, efficiency at large events is increased enormously. The technology not only optimises the return of the cups, but also the entire recycling process, thus making an important contribution to the Circular Economy.

In an interview with K-Mag, Vytal founder Tim Breker talks about the digital reusable cup, how it works and how reusable can become the new normal.

Dr Breker, how did the partnership between Vytal and PepsiCo come about and what are the main objectives of this cooperation?

Dr Tim Breker: The technology platform for managing reusable crockery is already well established. The special thing about us is that each container has its own individual code or ID, which is managed in a similar way to a library system and used for innovative added value.

With the Vytal Pepsi Cup, each cup has a unique ID that can be read using both the QR code and the RFID tag. The QR code requires a clear field of vision and can be scanned with any mobile phone camera. This method is suitable for recording individual containers. The RFID tag, on the other hand, enables large quantities of containers to be scanned quickly and accurately without having to scan each RFID tag individually. This is particularly advantageous at large events such as football matches, where returnable cups previously had to be counted manually. RFID tags can massively speed up these processes and reduce labour costs. They also open up new possibilities for automation, from counting to efficiency in dispensing and return.

To what extent does this contribute to greater sustainability?

Breker: The sustainability of reusable containers depends heavily on the return rate. Digital systems like ours, where each container is tracked individually, achieve a significantly higher return rate than analogue deposit systems. We can remind users to return containers and offer the option of borrowing containers free of charge. This makes users feel like they have borrowed something rather than bought it, which incentivises them to return it. Higher return rates increase the positive impact over the life of the containers and thus contribute more to reducing packaging waste.

What are the cups made of? How long do they last and what happens to them at the end of their life?

Breker: The cups are made of polypropylene, a well-researched and recyclable plastic. Their lifespan depends heavily on how they are used. Food containers have a lifespan of around 200 uses, whereas cups have a much longer lifespan as they are not worn out by cutlery. With a return rate of 99.2%, our cups achieve an average of 125 uses. At the end of their life, we collect the containers and return them to manufacturers as a high-quality recycling stream.

What challenges do you face when implementing a reusable system? How do you overcome them?

Breker: One of the biggest challenges is changing consumer behaviour. Particularly where reusable cups are not mandatory, they need to be persuaded to use reusable cups instead of disposable cups. Disposable cups are often the default setting, especially in cafés and fast food outlets, which is disastrous from an environmental perspective. We see great potential for reusable cups as a more sustainable and higher quality solution, as is the case with the Vytal Pepsi Cup.

At events, we have noticed that organisers are increasingly only using reusable tableware, which makes it easier for consumers to change their behaviour. Anyone who wants to eat or drink something at the event will then inevitably do so from reusable packaging and save valuable resources.

What measures are you taking to improve the reusable value chain as a whole – from distribution to take-back?

Breker: We take a more comprehensive view of the reusable value chain, starting with the manufacturer and the raw material right through to recycling the containers at the end of their life. Thanks to individual traceability, we offer great added value for everyone involved. We work closely with manufacturers and have developed a model in which we pay for containers per use. This makes the manufacturers' business model sustainable and economically more attractive. Organisers and dishwashing centres benefit from unprecedented transparency regarding the whereabouts and use of the containers and save valuable manual work, e.g. for counting.

What are the advantages of all these measures, both for companies and for consumers?

Breker: The economic and efficiency benefits are enormous. At the same time, it is important that we change our consumer behaviour and reduce single-use plastic. Reusable packaging is an often underestimated lever for achieving this. Our experience shows that the switch to reusable packaging works smoothly after a short period of familiarisation and becomes the new normal. This is crucial in order to reduce the exploitation and pollution of our planet.

A look into the future of the plastics industry: what role do you think digitalisation and the networking of reusable solutions will play here?

Breker: Digitalisation will play a central role. Our technology platform makes it possible to utilise the life cycle of containers economically and at the same time ensure access to high-quality recycling streams at the end of life. This makes economic and ecological sense, as we use resources more efficiently and need to produce less new plastic. We are working on providing the necessary infrastructure and data readiness for this transformation and are open to collaborations with companies in the plastics industry to accompany this change.