Reusable Takeaway Containers: Disposable to Durable - A feasibility study of transition towards reusable takeaway containers in Sweden

Abstract: Ever growing environmental impact due to human activities has increased efforts globally to tackle the issues by promoting sustainable behavior. Similar efforts are also being made to handle the waste and litter problem of single-use takeaway food packaging. Sweden aims to reduce the impact of takeaway food packaging by introducing a directive to reduce consumption of single-use packaging and replace them with reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages. This research investigates the feasibility of transitioning to such a practice of reusable containers from perspective of both, business owners and consumers, in Sweden. The research used mixed method strategy to collect qualitative data for understanding challenges from perspective of business owners and quantitative data to understand consumers’ perception towards such a change. Based on the collected data of current research and compared with findings of previous studies, the research concludes that more pilot studies are needed to generate solutions for reverse logistic challenges that entails a system of reusable containers for takeaway food and need for increased awareness among business owners and consumers to drive the change forward.