Case study
Rolling out an operational container reuse scheme for takeaway and delivered food
Summary
Structuring a pilot project for container reuse in the fast-food sector, at the scale of a major metropolitan area.
Challenge
Understanding the practices and expectations of the various players (public authorities, consumers, restaurant operators, washing providers, etc.), designing an experimental framework to test the feasibility of reuse city-wide, and examining the business models and technical aspects for a lasting roll-out.
Details
From analysis to field deployment.
Challenge
A major French metropolitan authority set out to launch a pilot project for container reuse in the fast-food sector, in order to gain the strategic and operational insights needed to structure a potential larger-scale roll-out across the metropolitan area.
Solution
- Co-design workshops with restaurant operators so that they could take an active part in shaping the offer.
- An experimentation protocol to define the target local model (mapping of stakeholders and logistics flows, modelling of pilot scenarios and of the associated costs).
- Drafting a call for expressions of interest to select the service provider operating the reuse loop.
Results
Co-design workshops held
7
European cities studied
6
Restaurant operators mobilised
+150
Deliverables:
- 7 co-design workshops with the companies placing products on the market.
- A study of 6 European cities that have launched similar projects.
- 5 districts shortlisted for the pilot project.
- More than 150 restaurant operators and more than 50 collection points mobilised as part of the pilot project.
FAQ
What you need to know about us.
What is Circul'R?
Circul'R is a consulting firm specializing in the circular economy. Since 2016, we have supported over 150 large companies and public entities through consulting projects, sector coalitions, training programs, and the Circul'R Club.
How does Circul'R differ from a generalist CSR consulting firm?
Unlike a generalist CSR firm, Circul'R has specialized exclusively in the circular economy since 2016. This cross-functional expertise—covering supply chains, regulations (AGEC, EPR, ESPR), and business models—allows us to turn circularity into a measurable competitive advantage, including impact reduction, resource security, compliance, and new growth drivers.
Who is Circul'R for?
Circul'R advises large private companies—including many CAC 40 and SBF 120 groups—on strategic decisions across all sectors. We also support organizations that implement public circular economy policies, such as eco-organizations, agencies, donors, and local authorities.
What services does Circul'R offer?
Circul'R offers four complementary services: bespoke consulting to structure your circular strategy, sector-specific coalitions to solve shared business challenges, training programs to build circular economy skills, and the Circul'R Club, a network for companies committed to the circular transition.
What is Circul'R's expertise regarding circular economy regulations (EPR, AGEC, CSRD)?
Circul'R guides clients through the entire French and European regulatory framework for the circular economy, including the AGEC law, EPR schemes, and CSRD, as well as recent European legislation like the PPWR, ESPR, and CRMA. We translate these obligations into operational roadmaps, turning compliance requirements into strategic advantages.
What is the process for a consulting project with Circul'R?
A project begins with a diagnostic of your circular challenges, covering areas like supply, eco-design, business models, and regulations. Circul'R then builds a prioritized, quantified roadmap and supports the operational deployment of selected actions, right through to impact measurement and continuous trajectory adjustment.
How do you measure the results of your projects?
We define tailored circularity indicators upfront—such as materials saved, reuse rates, footprint reduction, and value generated—and track their progress throughout the project to ensure concrete business and environmental results.
Do you work only in France or internationally as well?
Based in Paris, Circul'R operates primarily in France and Europe. Internationally, we support cooperation projects, including sharing French expertise on EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and assisting donors with their circular transition programs in emerging countries, leveraging a network of operational partners and sector experts.
How do I get started with Circul'R?
Contact the team via our website: Circul'R will analyze your challenges and propose the right solution—whether through consulting, joining a coalition, taking a training course, or becoming a Club member—to accelerate your transition to a circular economy.