Reusable that excites: How to turn it into an experience for your guests
A deposit-free reusable system reduces single-use waste, saves costs, and strengthens the sustainability of your food service. But success depends on guest acceptance. To ensure reusable packaging is truly used in everyday life, it must be visible, appealing, and simple. Relevo supports you with a variety of tools: from stamp cards and promo campaigns to attractive POS materials. In this article, we’ll show you how to actively inspire your guests to choose reusables.
Why guests hesitate with reusables
Even if the reusable system is perfectly integrated technically, that doesn’t mean everyone will automatically use it. In daily routines, there are often barriers that can easily be removed:
Convenience: Single-use is a habit. Without visible benefits or incentives, guests tend to choose disposables out of routine.
Lack of knowledge: Many guests don’t know how easy reusable usage is, or that no deposit is required.
Tech concerns: Some guests avoid downloading apps or have concerns about using digital systems. Relevo offers alternatives such as Fast Check-In, browser registration, or returns via tablet.
Return concerns: Uncertainty about where and how to return containers keeps some from using the system. Clear communication and practical return locations help.
Lack of incentives: Without small rewards or motivational campaigns, guests often lack the final nudge to consciously switch to reusables.
Once you understand these barriers, you can counteract them and actively promote reusable use.
5 tips to make reusables more attractive
Create visibility
Reusables must be visible and present. Use POS materials such as posters, displays, or QR codes at the serving point and on the menu. Make it clear to guests: you can enjoy your meal sustainably here. Often, a single well-placed message is enough to trigger spontaneous decisions for reusables.
Set incentives
Small rewards encourage regular use. For example:
- With a stamp card, every 10th reusable meal is free.
- Promo campaigns for new registrations make reusables more attractive.
Another measure you can use is “Rescue Relevos.” This is an initiative to combat food waste. Offer leftover meals at a discount and notify your guests via push message through the partner platform. This builds an emotional connection and encourages repeat use.
Book your free consultation now. Discover how to easily and effectively make reusables more attractive for your guests.
Simplify usage
Access to reusables and borrowing options should be as easy as possible for everyone. At Relevo, that means:
- Simple and convenient borrowing with the Relevo app
- Fast registration without the app via Fast Check-In
- Browser option as an alternative to the app
- Vending machine solutions for 24/7 food service
- Reusable usage also for delivery orders
The fewer the barriers, the higher the adoption.
Create experiences
Reusables shouldn’t be just functional, they should be emotionally engaging. A dedicated to-go menu for sustainable meals or drinks brings the topic to the forefront. Tell the story behind it: “Why do we use reusables, and how can you be part of it?” When guests can relate to the sustainability mindset, they are more likely to switch and actively use the system.
Ensure continuity
Reusables need consistent support. Plan regular campaigns, inform your team, and encourage them to proactively talk to guests. Communicate successes with clear messages, for example, how many reusable containers have been used and how much single-use waste has been avoided. Make these achievements visible to foster a sense of community. This helps guests reconnect with the importance of sustainability and their contribution.
How reusables become part of everyday life
A reusable system only reaches its full impact when guests actively adopt and regularly use it. With clear communication, attractive incentives, and easy return options, acceptance can steadily grow. The key is to keep reusables visible and provide new impulses. That’s how a reusable culture emerges, shaping operations sustainably and making a tangible contribution to environmental protection.
Book your consultation now and strengthen reusables in everyday life
Book a free consultation now and learn how to successfully integrate reusables into your daily operations. Together we’ll develop the right measures to noticeably increase adoption.