Launch of 'reUse Wednesday' in Bern: Weekly Action Day for Reusable Solutions

Making reusable options more visible in everyday life

The 'reUSE Wednesday' aims to sensitize customers to the advantages and simplicity of reusable solutions. During 'reUSE Wednesday,' reusable options will be prominently highlighted in the restaurant. Ursina Haslebacher says: 'The pilot aims to demonstrate whether this increased visibility will lead more customers to opt for reusable options — and whether this effect will persist afterwards. Those who take away their meals from 'Wow Momo' on this day are encouraged to consciously choose against disposable packaging and to thus set a sign for a sustainable and circular future.' Nyima Petsang, the owner of 'Wow Momo', explains: 'My wish is that at least 60% of my dishes will be served in reusable containers, which would be twice as many as today. I am participating in this project because I care about the environment and am convinced that we can achieve sustainable change together.'

The action day is actively highlighted in front of the restaurant and on social media. Supported by striking posters, digital displays, and informative contributions, reusable options are showcased as simple and practical alternatives. Participating restaurants are supported by reCIRCLE with comprehensive communication materials to effectively inform their guests about the initiative.

‘With 'reUSE Wednesday,' we want to demonstrate that sustainable action is not an extra effort but can simply become part of daily life,' explains Ursina Haslebacher, Project Manager at reCIRCLE. 'When reusable options become the norm, real change occurs in thinking, behavior, and ultimately in society. Our vision is to establish 'Reuse Wednesday' as a regularly recurring day for reusable solutions, thereby creating a movement,' Haslebacher continues.

Part of a European research project

The Bern pilot is part of the EU research project STOPP (Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Plastic Packaging Pollution from the Food System), which aims to drastically reduce plastic waste in the food industry. New business models, technological innovations, and changed consumer behavior form the core of the initiative. As a Swiss partner of the project, reCIRCLE brings in its extensive experience with reusable systems and tests practical solutions with catering businesses. 'Switzerland has enormous potential to anchor reusable solutions in the takeaway sector. Bern, with its awareness of sustainability and a growing network of committed restaurants, offers the ideal foundation for a successful start,' emphasizes Haslebacher.

Outlook

The 'reUSE Wednesday' will be regularly conducted with changing restaurants in various cities in the future. Interested catering businesses can contact reCIRCLE to become part of this movement. In the long term, the initiative aims to expand into a national 'reUSE Wednesday' throughout Switzerland.

Notes to the editors:

Note: Disposable packaging will still be available, but reusable packaging will be issued by default, and customers must actively opt-out if they prefer disposable packaging. Thus, the standard is reversed.

Website: www.recircle.ch

For further information:

Ursina Haslebacher
Project Manager reCIRCLE AG
Greyerzstrasse 70
CH-3013 Bern
Tel.: +41 31 352 82 82
E-Mail: ursina.haslebacher@recircle.ch

Media contact

Esther Beck
ESTHER BECK PR
Phone +41 31 961 50 14
contact@estherbeck.ch
www.estherbeck.ch

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