Valorlux officially launched the ‘Spin’ pilot project on Monday. The idea is to offer bakeries, cafés, and restaurants reusable cups in the context of the new waste-management laws. As of 1 January 2025, it will be prohibited to offer single-use packages in Luxembourg.
This will not only affect to-go sales, but also home deliveries. The non-profit will first focus on cups without lids, which can be borrowed for free with the use of an app.
Customers will have to download the app beforehand and can rent a cup by scanning the respective QR code. The digital aspect is the main thing differentiating the system from others, explains Corinne Bremer, who is in charge of sustainable development at Valorlux:
“Why digital? Because it allows us to trace every single object at all times, we know where our packaging is, whether a customer has them, if they are being cleaned, or if they are with the logistics department. And that way we can prove that the rotation works.”
People can borrow a cup for a maximum duration of twelve days before it has to be dropped off at a collection point. If they fail to do so, a deposit of €5 has to be paid. For that reason, a payment method has to be registered when first using the app.
The goal of Valorlux is to create a coherent solution that accommodates both customers and businesses in the hospitality sector. Valorlux director Claude Turping noted: “We consciously call this a pilot project as we can evaluate how customers react to the system. The idea is clearly to expand to other packaging. We started with the cups as it is easier than a salad or pizza box.”
15 Luxembourg City businesses will participate in the early stage of the project. The app is available to download as of Monday under the name ‘Spin by Valorlux’.
