'returnr' free-to-borrow reusable products eliminate the need for disposable packaging

returnr is a free-to-borrow product system that offers a wide range of reusable stainless steel products that could eliminate the need for single-use takeaway food packaging waste. borrowed with a $6 fully-refundable deposit, returnr’s range of cups, bowls, canisters and lids can completely terminate the need for disposable packaging.

returnr free-to-borrow point of sale display
all images courtesy of returnr

encouraging widespread use of reusable packaging for takeaway food consumption, returnr’s physical product collection responds to several distinct design challenges. all available cups, bowls and canisters are made of stainless steel – low cost, easy to use again and again, and completely hygienic while not retaining odours and smells in shared use. the products are free-to-borrow for end consumers with a fully refundable $6 deposit. the borrowing system requires no scanning, no app downloads, no credit card details and no personal contact details.

returnr free-to-borrow coffee cup

returnr’s products feature a set of ready-to-borrow twin-walled stainless-steel cups, bowls and canisters. the twin-walled design provides great insulation for hot and cold food and beverages, while the stainless-steel offers an inherently safe hygienic surface that doesn’t hold on to odours or stains when washed at a high temperature. all items can be used without a lid or with returnr’s range of 100% recyclable moulded cardboard lids that come with no polymer or chemical coating. in addition, there is also a set of reusable silicone lids available for purchase. 

100% recyclable un-coated & moulded cardboard bagasse lid

despite 10+ years of great purchase-and-own reusable coffee cup designs, reuse rates for takeaway coffee have struggled to rise above 30%, and reuse rates for meals and other beverages are far lower. returnr’s specifically designed sharing product system offers takeaway venues the option to completely eliminate disposable packaging. in 2019, returnr launched with coffee roasters brand st ali, within mercedes me café in melbourne as an entirely zero waste venue. furthermore, returnr again partnered with st ali, participated in the big design market to deliver zero waste takeaway coffee to over 3,000 customers in 3 days. 

returnr’s canister products come with a unique tagging solution for labelling coffee beans and pantry items purchased in the zero waste reusable canisters and stored in the home. returnr’s twin-walled cups and canisters are nestable for better logistics efficiency and returnr’s 1ltr bowl is stackable to easily carry multiple bowls. returnr’s deposit-return product system is an excellent way for users to employ reusable products in a zero-contact fashion to minimise transmission risk. used cups, bowls and canisters can be dropped in a washing basket or tray and food and beverages served only in cleaned and sanitised product held by the café/restaurant. controlling hygiene and eliminating single-use waste at the same time.

1L stackable bowl

coffee cups with silicone lids

coffee cup range (8oz, 12oz & 16oz) with silicone and cardboard lids

700ml canister with un-coated moulded cardboard bagasse lid

700ml canister used for purchasing coffee beans without the bag

canisters with silicone lids and labelling tags to organise at home pantry items

700ml canister used for purchasing coffee beans without the bag

1L bowl with reusable, buy-to-own silicone lid

700ml canister with reusable, buy-to-own silicone lid & labelling tags

project info:

name: returnr free-to-borrow reusable products
by: returnr, cumulo group

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom