Re:Serve – From Single-Use to Reuse in Public Food Services
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Linköpings universitet - Institutionen för ekonomisk och industriell utveckling |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 973 420 |
| Project duration | August 2025 - October 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Circular and biobased economy |
| Call | Plastic Contract for Sustainable Plastic Use |
Important results from the project
Re:Serve developed reusable food containers and conducted promising resealing tests in an Eskilstuna kitchen. The project also produced a cooperation agreement and environmental and cost assessments. The baseline scenarios indicate potential for around 70% lower climate impact and lower costs per delivery. Full verification of leak tightness, hygiene and performance over repeated use cycles remains.
Expected long term effects
The project can help reduce single-use plastic, plastic waste, climate impact and costs in public meal services. Benefits depend on high return rates, durable containers, and efficient washing and logistics. The results support further development, procurement and business models for reuse. Following larger-scale verification, the solution could be adopted by other municipalities and organisations.
Approach and implementation
Linköping University, Mälarplast, Roltex Nordic, Menigo and Eskilstuna Municipality collaborated on product development, testing, life cycle and cost assessments, and a cooperation agreement. Tritan trays underwent repeated sealing tests at Rekarneköket. Results were promising, but full leak testing was not possible because the test equipment was unavailable. The work provided a basis for further development and larger pilots.