How to set up a reusable takeaway container system - that your customers want to use!

You’re excited about the new reusable takeaway container system you’ve set up for your restaurant or cafe, (this makes our hearts sing BTW).

Now, to really start reducing your single-use waste (and associated costs!) there are 3 key things we recommend doing to get your customers using reusables at your venue.

1. Advertise it

This is an obvious one, but don’t forget to actively tell your customers about your reusable system. And remember that behaviour change can take time, so don’t just mention reusables once - keep reminding your customers about them.

The hands down best way to advertise your reusable system is to ask your customers if they want their food in a reusable when they order.

Although they may not have a reusable Mealbox (yet!), it’s a great way to start a conversation about reuse and get your customers thinking about single-use waste, even if they aren’t ready to make the switch.

Other ways to keep your reusable system on customers minds:

  • Join our network (if you haven’t already)

  • Post on your socials (and tag us so we can share) - we love seeing your beautiful food in a Mealbox and so will your customers

  • Put up the rePlated window stickers, posters and A-Frames we supply to our food partners

  • Create a display of Mealboxes to prompt conversations

  • If you run a deposit or SWAP system and take orders online - add reusables as an option.

 

2. Sell Mealboxes

If you have the space, selling Mealboxes at your venue is a great way to give customers the option to switch to reusables for their food order straight away. It also creates an additional revenue stream for your business (winning!).

Having reusables on display is also a great conversation starter.

 

3. Reward reuse

Customers LOVE freebies and discounts (don’t we all?). Setting up a reuse reward scheme is a great way to encourage reuse at your venue. There are a couple of simple ways you can do this.

A. Offer a small discount

Giving customers a small discount every time they use their Mealbox is a very simple and effective way to get your customers using reusables.

You can think of it as sharing some of the saving you’re making by not having to provide a single-use container.

B. Give out reuse loyalty cards

We provide reuse reward cards to give out to customers as part of our welcome packs, and you can create your own too.

You might want to give a small reward to your customers after 5 reuses and a bigger one after 10 reuses. If you sell Mealboxes, you could add the first reward stamp when a customer buys their Mealbox to get them going.

You’ll also need to decide on some rewards to motivate your customers to keep reusing. Here are some ideas:

  • Free coffee

  • Free side order

  • Free meal

  • Money off next takeaway order

  • Entry into a prize draw

And we’re sure you have loads of other creative ideas.

Want to find out more about our reusable takeaway container systems for cafes and restaurants? Head to our food business page or get in touch with us - we’d love to hear from you!


Naomi TarsziszComment