Success Story
GastroLand Hamburg
Reusable system - the best alternative for hospitality industry and customers
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The successful switch from single-use to reusables by a catering company
Single-use To-Go packaging was already seen as a major problem by GastroLand Hamburg before the pandemic. By partnering with the reusable system Relevo, they successfully eliminated single-use packaging at two locations, actively contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction. This is the success story of a catering company that embraced the switch from single-use to reusable solutions.
The Buisness Catering GastroLand operates a total of five canteens in Hamburg and three in Schleswig-Holstein, including the coporate cafeterias for Mercedes-Benz branch in Hamburg and the Federal Employment Agency in Lübeck. Founded in 1993, the company currently emplys a total of 35 staff members. At GastroLand Hamburg, sustainability is a core value embedded in the company’s culture.
- 8 Canteens in Hamburg & Schleswig-Holstein
- Over 1000 Single-Sse Containers Saved in Just 4 Weeks
- Founded in 1993
The Challenges
Offering sustainable takeaway meals had long been a top priority for GastroLand. Yet initial attempts for using “greener” single-use packaging didn’t work as hoped. Bianca Lemke, Executive Assistant says: “We tried to use more sustainable disposable options, but they just didn’t cut it!”
The problem was that the materials used for alternative single-use packaging did not meet the desired requirements: “The packaging wasn’t leak-proof, and our customers had to carry leaking containers to their offices!” As a result, GastroLand was forced to revert to using Styrofoam. Bianca Lemke explains: “On good days, we would go through 50 to 60 units, but prior to Relevo’s introduction, we didn’t have any other viable solution!”
The Solution
GastroLand was eventually introduced to Relevo by a fellow hospitality operator who was particularly impressed by how easy the system works and its seamless integration into daily operations. Ultimately, GastroLand Hamburg was also convinced by the fair pricing and high quality of Relevo’s reusable dishware. In January 2022, GastroLand officially launched the Relevo reusable system.
According to Bianca Lemke, everything settled in quickly and smoothly. She especially praises the guests: “They embraced the change without any complaints or resistance!” In addition to reducing packaging waste, she has also received positive feedback about the Relevo dishware. Guests say their food stays warmer in a Relevo container than in a single-use Styrofoam box.
A deposit system wouldn’t be feasible for our canteens due to the complexity involved. Relevo’s digital app solution is straightforward, and it’s very well received by our canteen guests.
- Bianca Lemke, Executive Assistant
Results
GastroLand initially launched Relevo’s reusable system at their Mercedes Benz Hamburg location. Within the first four weeks, they were able to save over 1,000 single-use containers. This strong adoption rate has continued further, proving that customers embrace the system enthusiastically. And it doesn’t stop there! GastroLand Hamburg has since successfully introduced the Relevo reusable system in the staff canteen of the Employment Agency in Lübeck.
The next location to adopt the reusable system was Camfil GmbH, based in Reinfeld, Schleswig-Holstein. They implemented Relevo during a company health week.
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