What Is the Ecoceno Reusable Packaging Service?
Ecoceno offers a smart, eco-friendly solution for food and drink packaging that’s designed to be reused. The idea is simple: take it, use it, return it. Perfect for busy spots like stadiums, bars, or events where quick transactions are the norm, as well as for regular customers at restaurants and supermarkets. Consumers order their food or drink, pay a deposit on the reusable container, and then return it to get their deposit back. It’s a system that encourages sustainability without complicating the user experience.
Main Benefits of Using Ecoceno’s Service
Here’s why Ecoceno stands out:
- Instant deposit refund when returning packaging at ecopoints in high-traffic venues.
- For regular customers, deposit is paid only once and refunded upon return, tracked via mobile phone number and SMS.
- Flexible return options: either at participating establishments or contactless return points.
- Packaging materials include plastic, metal, and glass, each chosen for specific uses.
- All packaging is microwave and dishwasher safe, making reuse hassle-free.
- Each container is designed for over 100 uses, ensuring durability and safety.
- 14-day return window to avoid fees, with clear penalties for lost or damaged items.
How Does the Ecoceno Service Work?
When a customer orders food or drinks from a place using Ecoceno, they can choose to receive their order in reusable packaging. This is done by showing a QR code from the Ecoceno app or sending an alphanumeric code through food delivery apps. After enjoying the meal, the customer has 14 days to return the packaging. If they don’t, fees apply—8€ per container (except pizza), 12€ for pizza boxes, and 2€ for bags. This system keeps things fair and encourages timely returns.
Where and How Can Packaging Be Returned?
Returns are super convenient. Customers can find return locations either on the Ecoceno mobile app (available for iOS and Android) under the “Map” tab with the “Return Locations” filter, or on the Ecoceno website under the “Partners” section. Packaging can be handed back directly at participating establishments, where staff scan the QR codes for instant deposit refunds. Alternatively, contactless return points allow customers to drop off packaging anytime, though it may take up to two business days for the return to be registered since Ecoceno collects from these points every two days.
Packaging Care and Hygiene Guidelines
After enjoying a meal, it’s recommended to rinse the packaging with water—no need for a full wash, just a quick rinse to remove food residue, odors, or dirt. Establishments and Ecoceno reserve the right to reject packaging that’s dirty or damaged. Hygiene is a top priority, so each establishment is responsible for thoroughly cleaning the containers according to food safety laws. Plus, all Ecoceno packaging is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it easy to keep clean and ready for reuse.
Ecoceno’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting reusable packaging and reducing waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by lowering the carbon footprint associated with single-use containers.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by minimizing plastic pollution in oceans.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – through sustainable resource use and recycling initiatives.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with establishments and consumers to drive change.
What Happens When Packaging Is Lost, Damaged, or Worn Out?
If a container is lost or damaged, customers are encouraged to contact Ecoceno via email at info@ecoceno.pt. Usually, the cost of the packaging will be charged to the consumer in these cases. Over time, after hundreds of uses, packaging may show wear and tear. When that happens, it must be returned to Ecoceno, which then sends it back to the manufacturer for recycling and repurposing. This closed-loop system ensures materials stay in use and out of landfills, closing the sustainability circle.
