Integrating behavioural, material and environmental science to inform the design and evaluation of a reuse system for takeaway food

Reuse packaging systems (both return and refill) are a key part of achieving a circular economy, however adoption and uptake are low. A reuse system must be environmentally beneficial, economically viable and acceptable to users such that they are willing to use, and reuse, the system. Here we focus on returnable takeaway food containers and develop a methodology that combines simulating wear associated with use, assessments of consumer willingness to reuse worn containers, and quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA). The findings suggest that environmental break-even points may be lower than the number of times people are willing to use a worn container. Factors such as the design of containers and washing can be improved through lightweighting and use of renewable energy, and behavioural interventions can be delivered to increase willingness. Such interdisciplinary research enables careful system design to ensure that reuse systems confer environmental benefit.