Economic Benefits of Reuse
Reuse is the smart financial choice. U.S. food and beverage businesses spend $24 billion each year on disposable serviceware, most of which could be switched to reusables. Shifting to reusables where possible could save U.S. businesses about $5 billion annually.
A survey of Bar Harbor, Bath, and South Portland food and beverage businesses found that respondents collectively spent 588 labor hours managing disposable packaging in the average month, including ordering, inventorying, assembling, and storing disposable packaging units. Bar Harbor businesses reported spending an average of $2,039 per month on packaging procurement; Bath businesses reported spending $736; and in South Portland, businesses spent $1,300. Businesses in each community also reported spending an average of $420, $245, and $710 per month, respectively, on waste management, including garbage, recycling, and composting services.
Small businesses can save a net average of $3,000 to $22,000 annually when they transition some disposables to reusables, as demonstrated by 166 case studies from ReThink Disposable. While initial investments are needed to transition to reusable products, cost savings for businesses are usually realized within only a few months.
Choosing reusable packaging can save businesses time and money by:
- Eliminating costs associated with purchase, inventory, stocking, and storing of single-use packaging
- Reducing waste management/disposal costs
- Helping to increase customer satisfaction and build brand loyalty
- Buffering businesses from the effects of supply chain disruption
Reuse works. Communities across the U.S. and the globe have already successfully implemented reusable food packaging systems. Check out these reusable packaging models and real-life case studies.
