Success Story
Student Union Potsdam
Anything Other than Reusables is Outdated: Easy Integration of Relevo on the Campus in Potsdam.
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Reusable Solutions as Everyday Practice on the Campus.
The Potsdam Student Union demonstrates how sustainable community catering can work in everyday life: Since February 2022, all seven dining halls as well as eight cafeterias and coffee bars have been using Relevo’s deposit-free reusable system. The transition began in December 2021 with a successful pilot test at the Mensa am Neuen Palais and was rolled out across all locations shortly thereafter.
In just the first five months, 10,525 Relevo containers were distributed. “In the same period of the previous year, from February 2021 to June 2021, disposable packaging was used 4,021 times in our dining halls. And that was despite a 30-cent fee and the option to bring your own containers,” explains Michéle Paschke, Head of Dining Halls and Cafeterias.
- 7 Dining-Halls
- Already 10,525 Reusable Containers Distributed in 5 months.
- 8 Cafeterias & Coffee Bars
- 95% of the Reusable Containers Remain in Circulation.
The challenge
Disposable packaging not only created a lot of waste but also led to rising disposal costs and additional organizational effort—especially during peak times in the dining halls. The Potsdam Student Union therefore looked for a solution that was both ecological and practical. It quickly became clear that a deposit system was not an option. “We knew we didn’t want a deposit system, especially because of the returns at the cash registers. And of course, it had to be suitable for large-scale catering. We carefully reviewed all available solutions,” reports Michéle Paschke.
The central question was how to seamlessly integrate a sustainable system into existing processes without adding extra work for staff or creating barriers for guests. With Relevo, the Student Union finally found a solution that met all requirements. “We are convinced that we are on the right path. We want to move away from waste consistently,” explains Michéle Paschke about the decision to switch to reusables.
The solution
In everyday use, the Relevo system proves itself in the dining halls through its flexibility, easy integration and variety of containers. In use are round and divided containers as well as cups in three sizes, ideal for a diverse cafeteria menu. “We really like the option of offering desserts and salads in clear glass, because guests can see what they’re buying. Thanks to the variety of shapes and containers, everything we prepare here can be taken to go. The containers are leak-proof. We tested that beforehand,” explains cafeteria manager Enrico Scheffel. The solution’s acceptance is evident in daily life: “Here in our cafeteria at the Film University, we have many ‘repeat customers’, they return a box and immediately take a new one.”
Behind the scenes, everything runs smoothly as well. The collaboration with Relevo is closely coordinated and tailored to individual needs. Around the holidays, return deadlines are extended. For heavily soiled containers, cafeteria staff can send photos to Relevo, and the users are politely asked via the app to rinse the containers before returning them next time. “The collaboration and communication with Relevo are seamless and fast—it’s truly a pleasure,” emphasizes Michéle Paschke. Logistically, everything fits perfectly too: 95 percent of the containers remain in circulation within the facilities. This is a clear sign of high acceptance and a well-functioning system.
Reusables only work if they’re convenient, which is exactly what we provide for students. We are committed to moving away from single-use items because anything else is simply outdated.
- Michéle Paschke, Head of Dining Halls and Cafeterias
Ergebnisse
The Potsdam Student Union takes reusables seriously, extending them to round-the-clock service. Since autumn 2022, students can pre-order their meals via an app and pick them up in Relevo containers from vending machines in the dormitories. The chilled meals are ordered and paid for the day before, and a QR code opens the collection slot the next day. Right next to it, is a return machine that is available for used containers. “We had to purchase a chiller and organize the logistics, but everything we launch here can also be used elsewhere, not just the machines, even the app. That’s how we understand sustainability,” explains Michéle Paschke.
The model demonstrates how digitalization, sustainability, and everyday practicality can be effectively combined. We are also impressed by the implementation at the Potsdam Student Union. “What makes it special is that the Student Union uses reusables not only in the dining halls but has expanded the catering service to 24/7 by integrating collection and return machines. This makes it very easy for guests to support sustainable to-go with Relevo and the corresponding machine technology. We appreciate the Potsdam Student Union’s commitment to sustainability. Even with pre-packaged meals, reusables are consistently used. It is also gratifying for us that Relevo provides a very simple solution for guests, which promotes high usage of reusables”, says Aaron Sperl, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Relevo.
The Potsdam Student Union thus plays a true pioneering role and serves as an example of how smart solutions can set new standards in communal catering.
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