Case study
Producing an economic model for the national scale-up of a reuse scheme in takeaway and delivered food service
Summary
A study of the economic implications of the national roll-out of a container reuse scheme for takeaway and delivered food service.
Challenge
Adapting the modelling of the reuse loop to every type of territory and its specific features, optimising the loop and the modelled costs as it scales up, and understanding the conditions required to meet the reuse targets and reach economic break-even within 10 years.
Details
From analysis to field deployment.
Challenge
An eco-organisation responsible for the EPR value chain for household packaging waste wanted to understand the economic implications (costs, benefits, resources required) of a national roll-out of the scheme, in order to obtain strategic recommendations on its economic performance and on meeting the regulatory reuse targets.
Solution
- Data collection to identify the differences between territories and the adaptations to be made to the reuse loop.
- Desk research on the packaging waste stream from delivered and takeaway food service.
- Review of the existing local model and adaptations for all the territory types identified, with a 10-year projection.
- Analysis of the results for different scenarios and recommendations on economic performance and on meeting the regulatory targets.
Results
Scenarios tested against the regulatory targets
9
Areas of recommendations set out
4
EPCIs categorised by their potential to join
1,255
Deliverables:
- 4 areas of recommendations to develop packaging reuse effectively in the sector.
- A categorisation of France's 1255 EPCIs (inter-municipal public cooperation bodies) into 4 territory types, with a scoring system based on their potential to join the scheme.
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.