K-ryhmä

Finnish retail rivals S-ryhmä and K-ryhmä trial reusable deposit food box

Finland's two largest grocery groups, S-ryhmä and K-ryhmä, jointly trialled a reusable polypropylene take-away food container with a EUR 3 deposit across four Espoo stores for three months in spring 2026. Results published on 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned after seven days on average, with 91 percent of washed boxes passing inspection for reuse; the groups have not announced a national rollout.

Why this mattersA cross-retailer reuse pilot tied to incoming EU packaging waste rules shows competitors can share pooling infrastructure, a model foodservice packaging makers may need to serve.

• Trial ran for three months in spring 2026 across four grocery stores in Espoo, Finland.
• Customers paid a EUR 3 deposit for a reusable biobased polypropylene box instead of a single-use container.
• Results published 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned to the system after seven days on average.
• 91 percent of boxes that passed washing were approved for a further use cycle.
• 16 organisations took part, including Orthex, Lassila & Tikanoja, Pakkauskierrätys RINKI, Compass Group and Borealis Polymers.
• The pilot is part of the Business Finland-funded Reusify project led by VTT and the University of Vaasa, linked to the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation.

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