A consortium of four Spanish organizations has launched ReLoop, a project developing a closed-loop system that combines automated food dispensing with the return and reuse of traceable containers. The initiative aims to reduce carbon footprint by between 90% and 95% compared to single-use packaging, according to the consortium.
The project is driven by AUSOLAN, a catering company serving institutional clients; AWAYTER, a manufacturer of IoT and self-service solutions; ITC Packaging, a packaging company; and AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre. Together, the partners are working to develop a model that circulates reusable packaging, monitors its lifespan, and manages its return automatically.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of worsening global plastic pollution. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide each year, and approximately half is designed for single use, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled. UNEP executive director Inger Andersen has said that “we will not emerge from the plastic pollution crisis by relying solely on recycling: we need a systemic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy.”
In Spain, Law 7/2022 imposes a tax on non-reusable packaging at a rate of €0.45 per kilo of non-recycled plastic placed on the market, adding regulatory pressure to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
“Closed-loop reuse is one of the most effective alternatives for reducing the use of single-use plastics, but it requires overcoming significant technological and logistical challenges,” said Amaia Agirre, director of innovation at Ausolan.
Reusable and traceable packaging
One of ReLoop’s primary objectives is the development of reusable food packaging designed to withstand at least 40 uses while maintaining food contact safety, functionality and acceptable appearance. The consortium is researching materials that can endure repeated washing and drying without compromising packaging quality, and that can be recycled at the end of their useful life.
“It is not just about the container lasting longer, but about ensuring that it remains safe, functional and accepted by the user with every reuse,” said Nuria López, lead researcher in packaging at AIMPLAS.
Automated canteen with container return
ReLoop will also develop what the consortium describes as a fully digital, 24-hour canteen service integrating automated food dispensing and container return within a single system – a combination it says is not currently available on the market. The canteen would allow users to book food and make contactless payments, while incorporating a return system for containers to be cleaned and reused.
The project is also investigating solutions to track individual containers and monitor how many times each is used within the system.
“The aim is to close the loop: deliver the food, recover the container, sanitize it and reuse it with every guarantee,” said Agirre.
Cleaning and food safety protocols
ReLoop is developing washing and drying protocols specific to reusable food containers. The consortium notes that inadequate drying can encourage microbial growth, making these processes critical to both material preservation and food safety.
“Collaboration between companies and technology centres is essential to ensure that these new reuse models can reach the market with a guarantee of success,” said López.
The ReLoop project is funded by Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the State Research Agency’s 2024 Public-Private Partnership call for proposals, and is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).