Commerces pour le climat How to reuse: the guide Packaging Directory Best Practices Fonds d’accompagnement Charte d’accompagnement Lexique FAQ Nous joindre Commerces pour le climat How to reuse: the guide Packaging Directory Best Practices Fonds d’accompagnement Charte d’accompagnement Lexique FAQ Nous joindre
CRÉER UN PROFIL
Retail Retail
Products sold at the counter and/or in bulk | Food counters
WHERE TO BEGIN ?
  • Prioritize using products sold at the counter (meat, cold cuts, cheese) and/or in bulk (fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, cookies, oils, vinegars, etc.). Serve and wrap in store.
  • Limit the packaging products and containers ordered from suppliers (see if you can get a reasonable supply from them).
  • Reuse the containers and packaging that products were delivered in when packaging customers’ purchases. Watch out for direct or cross-contamination.
  • Train your teams and establish a new set of professional practices surrounding the use of reusable containers.
  • Encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers and bags. These items must be commensurate with providing a hygienic service.
  • Offer reusable containers on consignment: develop an in-house system (for example, using Mason jars or Tupperware containers) or join an all-included program (outsourced).
WHAT ARE THE STEPS ?
  • Specific equipment : distributors, fluid dispensers, gravity silos, scoop bins, etc.
  • Handling : the space should be arranged as to avoid direct or cross-contamination.
  • Hygiene : follow all recommended practices and MAPAQ’s hygiene and food safety protocols.
  • Cleaning : should be done regularly throughout the day with the right products.
  • It’s important to implement a clear protocol that is clearly communicated to both your staff and customers to ensure it is properly followed. For example :
    • Wash your hands often ;
    • Always ensure that the service (accessible to customers) and preparation areas (only accessible to staff) are kept clean ;
    • Limit contact between specific products as much as possible ;
    • Specify how consigned cups, glasses, containers and utensils should be returned ;
    • Have a dedicated return area for reusable consignment containers (for example, space on a cart or tub for retrieval).
  • Cleaning : use functional industrial-level (preferably energy-efficient) cleaning and sanitation equipment. Outsource this operation if space is an issue.

Here are some suppliers who offer products and/or services that can help you implement reusable solutions for RETAIL :

Packaging suppliers for retail stores
Equipment suppliers for bulk stores
Regular restaurant suppliers
Retail and second-hand stores

Quebec company designing products and systems for the management of reusable packaging

Bo
  • Company created in 2020
  • 3 divisions : Bopaq (design, sale and rental of reusable packaging), technology for tracking and inventory management of reusable products and LavaBo (washing center)

Products
– Free or deposit loan (depending on the choice of the merchant) with the Bo mobile/web application to track or refund the deposit
– Range of 7 high-end containers (free loan)
– Range of 3 containers (and more planned for next fall) cheaper (with deposit)
– Borrowing can be free for customers with a Bo account when they return the container(s) to a Bo recovery point (return bin installed at a partner business). The returned and recovered containers then go to the washing center.

New
– 22 oz mug “8oba 22” for drinks such as bubble teas, slushes, iced coffees (pre-orders in progress)
– Tray for groceries or events

Services
– Technology : mobile/web application that allows the tracking of reusable containers; or for the return and refund of consigned meals
– Reverse/return logistics service
– LavaBo : recovery of containers and washing (flexible offer depending on the nature and the needs of the food trade)
– Assistance in setting up Bo solutions and tools
– Local manufacturing (South Shore of Montreal)

Contact
514 577-6811
[email protected]
https://www.bopaq.com

A service offer that is very popular with caterers, restaurants and specialized businesses (butchers, cheese shops, etc.)

Retournzy
  • Solidarity cooperative created in 2021
  • Rental service for returnable reusable food containers
  • Turnkey service for collecting, washing, sanitizing and redistributing containers

Products
– Stainless steel containers with or without yellow food grade silicone lid (3 sizes : 1200 ml, 1000 ml, 600 ml)
– Glasses (2 sizes : 16 oz, 10 oz)
– Utensils

Services
– Deposit : $9 – the deposit is not a cost, but a monetary exchange when borrowing a container to encourage its circulation
– Turnkey service for collecting, washing, sanitizing and redistributing containers
– Assessment of the needs of the caterer, restaurant or business
– Employee training and training content for the implementation of the deposit
– Communication support & SEO on website
– Delivery of containers by cargo bike or electric car

>> Contact form to be completed on the website or by email

Contact
438 738-1591
[email protected]
https://retournzy.ca

The pros
  • Reduce single-use packaging.
  • Reduce food waste (customers get the portions they ordered).
  • Maintain better control over your inventory.
  • Increase customer loyalty with container returns.
  • Meet customers’ expectations vis-à-vis the reduction of single-use packaging.
The cons
  • Inform and train your team about proper hygiene and food safety protocols.
  • Adapt meal portions to the size of the reusable containers.
  • Communicate and offer your reusable container program to customers (posters, communiqués, etc.).
  • Implement an incentive or refund program to return reusable containers.
  • Make room for storage if containers are washed on site.
  • Outsourcing can be a solution if space is an issue.

THEY DO IT, WHY DON'T YOU ?

Épicerie LOCO
supplies itself with second-hand equipment as part of its zero waste approach.
Meta Épicerie
has set up a home deposit system (Mason jars) for its bulk offer.
Le Paradis du fromage
offers Retournzy containers.
Épicerie Basta
offers a wide range of products in reusable containers.

VIEW THE OTHER TYPES OF ACTIVITIES

Eating In

Eating In

Delivery at Home

Delivery at Home

Takeout

Takeout

CONSULT THE PACKAGING AND CONTAINERS LIST

This guide was produced in partnership with the City of Montreal.

City of Montreal
© 2024 Montréal – Métropole en santé. Tous droits réservés.  |  Politique de confidentialité
© 2024 Montréal – Métropole en santé. Tous droits réservés.   |   Politique de confidentialité