Recup

RECUP, founded by Fabian Eckert and Florian Pachaly in September 2016, is an innovative company dedicated to combating the excessive consumption of single-use packaging. With its nationwide reusable deposit system, RECUP offers a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use cups and packaging.

• RECUP: A reusable deposit system for coffee-to-go cups, available in various sizes (0.2 liters, 0.3 liters, and 0.4 liters). These cups are made from 100% recyclable, BPA-free polypropylene and can be reused up to 1,000 times[2][3][5].
• REBOWL: A digital deposit system for take-away packaging, suitable for various hot and cold foods. The REBOWLs are microwave-safe, leak-proof, and can be reused up to 500 times[2][3][5].

The main mission of RECUP is to make single-use packaging unnecessary and to raise societal awareness of the problem of packaging waste. The company aims to rethink general consumption behavior and promote sustainable practices. RECUP stands for a combination of ecological, social, and economic sustainability and strives to build a long-term viable economic system[2][4].

• Circular Economy: The deposit system of RECUP is based on the principle of the circular economy. The cups and bowls are designed to be reused repeatedly and can be recycled at the end to recover the material polypropylene[4].
• Partnerships and Expansion: RECUP has over 13,000 distribution and return points in Germany, including cafés, restaurants, bakeries, kiosks, and gas stations. This ensures broad availability and accessibility of the system, even in rural areas[2][3].
• Recognitions: The company has been recognized by the German Environmental Aid Association as a “Best Practice” and awarded the “Blue Angel” by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, highlighting its efforts in sustainability and environmental protection[2].

RECUP operates as a GmbH and is financed through membership fees from providers as well as through the sale of its services. This ensures a regular income and allows the company to operate sustainably in the long term. Profits are reinvested to advance the company's mission and support further sustainable initiatives[4].