RePlay Returnables (reusable bowls for New Zealand)

RePlay Returnables offers returnable bowls that are free to issue, just tap your card or phone to validate your account. After use, rinse and return containers within 4 weeks to one of their RePlay smart bins.

You rinse them and they are then washed and sanitised to use again for the next customer. The containers are in three sizes, to suit your needs.

Developed after two years of research, this system is creating a circular economy across the beautiful country of New Zealand, to prevent litter.

Why choose reusable cups and bowls?

If you run a small sandwich bar or café, it’s not only good for the planet to switch to reusable containers for frequent customers. But it will also save money, for better profits. For passing customers, there are also better options than plastic food wrap and sandwich bags.

Typically these schemes work on a deposit basis. People pay a pound or more to rent the item, then return it either to the eaterie or ‘reverse vending machines’ (working a bit like deposit return schemes which England does not yet have,).

Research has shown that nearly 100% of customers like this idea, so you can also market that you’re offering this service, which attracts more custom.

Clingfilm is awful stuff, one of the few plastics that is mostly not recycled at supermarket bag bins (it’s the ‘film you can’t recycle’ on top of ready meals and ice-cream tubs). And since removing PVC, it doesn’t even stick properly. Manufacture causes ‘nurdles’ which look like fish food when it ends up in the sea.