Smartbin & deposit system
The system is in development, with the initial phase set for rollout in January 2025.
Reasoning
Every year, Danes discard more than 130 million single-use coffee cups, a staggering figure that not only exacerbates the waste crisis but also leaves a heavy carbon footprint. In general the danes are only 4% circular, meaning that only 4% of what we use is being reused.
While plastic often gets a bad reputation, it’s actually a fantastic material when used responsibly. By keeping it in a loop, we can harness the benefits of the material properties while preventing it from becoming waste that pollutes our environment.
Our SmartBin and Deposit System is designed to eliminate single-use packaging in urban environments by establishing a comprehensive network of participating cafés, restaurants, and businesses. Much like the successful Dansk Retursystem, our open-loop model ensures that returning reusable packaging is convenient and accessible across the city.
The system incentivizes users to return packaging through a deposit mechanism, with SmartBins strategically placed at all participating locations and additional return stations positioned throughout the city. Users can easily locate return points and manage their deposit credits via a user-friendly web app linking to the credit card in their “wallet”, making the process seamless and encouraging widespread adoption.
The system
How the system works
The system is based on individual QR codes. After the customer has finished their drink, they follow the instructions on the cup and scan the QR code with their smartphone, which opens a web app. This app displays the network of participating retailers and return locations (e.g., Original Coffee, and from January 2025 Espresso House and Joe & The Juice + more) as well as the return stations that are part of the system.
In the web app, the user provides their credit card details or gives access to their Apple/Google wallet on their device for deposit refunding after the return. When returning the cup, the user places it in a SmartBin located at the participating stores, bypassing the need to wait in line to return their packaging.
After scanning, the deposit can either be donated, for example, to Plastic Change, or refunded to the customer. The deposit can be refunded in cash at the store by displaying a “pay-out QR-code” on the user’s device, refunded via credit card or bank transfer, or credited to our app for future use, depending on the user’s preference.
When the cup is returned in the SmartBin it releases the deposit, after which the deposit value of the packaging is reset, avoiding the risk of theft.
In phase two of the roll-out we will offer the solution of having the deposit paid out to a given loyalty program of the partner (Joe & the Juice’s app’s “rewards” wallet, Espresso House “Fika Club”, etc.) creating further incentives for depositing the packaging, and building value for the partners.
Stores manage their own inventory of reusable packaging, receiving it with their regular deliveries. Used cups are returned with the same vehicles, avoiding additional traffic in the city. From their respective logistics/warehouse point, the packaging are sent for washing at Gate Gourmet in Amager or Dansk Mobil Opvask in Gadbjerg, where they are cleaned in an optimized EcoCert washing facility, quality-checked, repacked, and sent back to the participating retailers warehouses.
How it works
the Customer journey
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Scan all the packaging you want to return using your smartphone.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Place the used packaging in the SmartBin and close it again.
Confirm the return for deposit transfer.
Web App
Web app flow
A holistic system
Do no harm
Pursue beauty
Our cups are designed to be CO2-efficient and functional, intentionally crafted to not be overly attractive. This ensures that users are motivated to return the cups rather than keep them, which is crucial for maintaining a high return rate and achieving the desired positive environmental impact when rolled out at scale to all user segments – and not only the environmentalists.
Our design philosophy is based on the belief that aesthetic value is not just about appearance but about the value and function that the product brings to the user and society. We build on the Danish design tradition by developing a system that combines simplicity, functionality, and user-centricity with a strong foundation in circular principles and Danish values.
Lead the way
Prove your impact
New Loop is currently developing and preparing the implementation of our SmartBin & Deposit System, which will be rolled out in 2025 in collaboration with partners such as the Copenhagen Municipality, Espresso House, and Joe & the Juice. The system builds on solid experience and evidence from our reusable packaging, which is already in use at various cafés, events, festivals, and companies. The shift from single-use to reusable packaging reduces CO2 emissions and minimizes environmental impact in an unprecedented manner and further ensures a positive impact with the choise of material – the ISCC-Plus material reducing the fossil content of the plastic with 73% exchanging it with used deep-fryer fat, and by lightweighting many of the packagings with air-bubbles reducing the material used for each item with 30% This allows a positive impact already after the second use.
Solve problems worth solving
New Loop addresses the fundamental issue of single-use packaging in urban environments, a challenge with significant environmental and economic consequences. Packaging ends up in nature as waste going into the stomach of fish and other species with close to 400.000 single use cups ending up in the ocean each year. We have developed a system that not only solves the problem of waste by giving it a value, but does so in a way that is adapted to existing infrastructures and business models.
Our solution is based on a deep understanding of the environment in which we operate and is designed to be scalable and adaptable, making it an effective and user-friendly way to tackle the problem.
Driving change
The SmartBin and Deposit System exemplifies how thoughtful design can drive positive change in the world. By addressing the pervasive issue of single-use packaging in urban environments, our system not only reduces waste but also minimizes the environmental impact through an innovative, user-friendly approach.
The system seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures, making it easy and cost-effective for both consumers and businesses to participate in a circular economy. By leveraging current logistics networks, it eliminates the need for additional vehicles in the last mile, reduces extra transportation, minimizes traffic congestion, and lowers CO2 emissions on city roads.
