#Germany #Berlin #EU Regulations #BMI Korea #Reusable Packaging

The New Challenge of 2028: Cleaning Reusable Cups in the EU

With the European Union's new regulation coming into effect on February 12, 2028, food service providers offering takeout will be required to supply reusable packaging. This shift toward eco-friendliness aims to drastically reduce waste, but it raises a critical question: Who is responsible for washing the millions of reusable cups that will flood the market?

In 2023 alone, the EU generated a staggering 79.7 million tons of packaging waste, which translates to about 177.8 kg per person. Although the recycling rate for plastic packaging was reported at 42.1%, the expected demand for disposable cups is projected to reach 491 billion by 2028 globally. In the United Kingdom, around 7 million disposable cups are consumed each day, resulting in a yearly waste of over 30,000 tons.

Research from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that switching to reusable cups could lower emissions by up to 69% in comparison to single-use options. To align with sustainability goals, the EU Waste Directive outlines specific reduction targets: a 5% decrease in waste by 2030, ramping up to 15% by 2040. However, many European markets currently lack the necessary infrastructure for washing these reusable items.

BMI Korea, a leader in high-pressure cleaning solutions, claims to have developed a technology to meet this emerging demand. Their HPW-5000 model can wash up to 5,000 reusable cups per hour at a pressure of 50 bar, drastically outpacing manual washing methods and potentially replacing 4 to 5 staff members on each production line. This solution has been operational in Korea for over two years and is set to expand to Japan by October this year.

Sang Koo Lee, CEO of BMI Korea, emphasizes the urgency: "Reusable cups reduce emissions significantly, but only if operators can clean them quickly enough. Europe has set a legal deadline, yet washing capacities have not scaled up. This is the crisis we are addressing."

BMI Korea also offers the HPW-1000 model, processing 1,000 cups per hour, while a specialized lid-washing machine can handle 1,000 lids hourly. The company's experience spans over 89 installations in 28 countries, partnering with leading brands in bottled water to implement efficient washing systems.

When asked about the implementation of their technology, BMI Korea highlighted its functioning for more than two years in Korea and upcoming installations in Japan. The solution addresses key pain points in the washing process, which currently relies on slow and inconsistent manual labor. Automating this procedure could not only enhance efficiency but also ensure safety and hygiene standards are met.

As Europe transitions to a more sustainable approach toward food packaging, the demand for effective cleaning solutions is paramount. Operators need reliable systems that manage the increased volume of reusable items to avoid potential penalties associated with non-compliance. Without a strong infrastructure for cleaning, the benefits of reusable packaging could be overshadowed by logistical challenges.

The clock is ticking; as the deadline approaches, the search for effective solutions becomes more critical than ever. The question looms larger: who will wash the cups as Europe embarks on this ambitious journey toward sustainability?