In the living lab, we will offer innovative packaging solutions and test their acceptance. We are collaborating with the Waste Office of the City of Heidelberg, the practical partners with stores in Heidelberg, BUND Heidelberg and possibly other players. This so-called living lab will run for several months and will be accompanied by various measures such as public relations work. Based on the experience gained in the living lab, we develop strategies for municipalities and companies to reduce plastic waste. This should facilitate the practical implementation of packaging solutions and promote existing trends. The central results will be distributed in the form of company checklists and a conceptual handbook for municipalities.

So far, we have worked out a systematization of business models with regard to packaging. This is based on research in the literature and interviews with the practical partners involved in the project. In this systematization, we have distinguished three types of business models, each of which focuses on the positioning of companies in the packaging sector. In addition, we have carried out an initial compilation of approaches to sustainability-oriented packaging optimization. We distinguish between six approaches: Eliminating packaging, reusing systems, reducing the use of materials, substitution, rethinking the packaging design and services provided by manufacturers. We are currently in the process of selecting products from the food, office supplies, textiles and cosmetics product groups together with our practical partners in order to be able to compare the associated current packaging systems and sustainable approaches.

With this project, we are committed to generate experience with innovative and sustainable business models among our business partners, adopt them as trailblazers and implement them in their packaging practices. At the same time, other economic and social actors should be encouraged to follow suit in order to ensure widespread dissemination. We also want to develop approaches with local actors such as the Heidelberg Municipality to help local authorities reduce the use of plastics in packaging at a local level.

Our business partners, who work with us on the project, are very open and curious and support us tremendously. Other companies and trade associations that we have contacted so far in the course of our work also expect the project to provide new insights into what could be done sustainably.

The appearance of zero-waste shops.

To avoid packaging waste, reusable shopping bags should be used. Retail products should be selected with a view to the packaging used. And you should take your own reusable containers with you when you go shopping so that you can fill goods that are openly available or dispense with the packaging offered at the sales counters.

Interview: Kristin Kambach