Deliverable 7.2 presents the R3PACK Business Plan, developed under WP7, to assess the exploitation potential, market readiness and scalability of reusable and fibre-based packaging solutions tested in the project. It does not constitute an investment-ready business plan, but rather an evidence-based analysis of the conditions required to move from pilot demonstrations to large-scale deployment across Europe. The deliverable shows that reuse systems are technically and operationally feasible, but their economic viability depends on massification, standardised packaging formats, shared logistics and washing infrastructures, and high consumer return rates. Fibre-based substitution demonstrates strong short-term potential for dry and low-moisture food categories, while products requiring high barrier performance or transparency will require further R&D before reaching competitiveness. Overall, D7.2 concludes that reuse and substitution are complementary transition pathways. Their large-scale adoption will rely on coordinated value-chain action, supportive regulatory frameworks (PPWR, AGEC), consumer engagement, and targeted public and private investments to reach cost parity and long-term economic sustainability.
Bessone et al. (Mon,) studied this question.