AK GGS welcomes mandatory reusability

Published at 20.01.2023

The Working Group on Commercial Dishwashing (AK GGS) welcomes the amendment to the Packaging Act passed by the Bundestag, which came into force on January 1, 2023. From now on, catering/restaurant establishments with five or more employees and a sales area of more than 80 square meters must offer an option for reusable dishes for takeaway meals.

The initiative to reduce waste from disposable tableware made of plastics presents restaurateurs with the challenge of purchasing suitable reusable containers and cleaning them correctly to ensure food safety, which is binding for every distributor. In a statement, the AK GGS therefore provides recommendations for the correct cleaning of reusable tableware.

With the growing number of individual reusable systems for food packaging, there is now an increased risk that unsuitable packaging will conquer the market, as there are as yet no legally binding specifications on the obligation to indicate dishwasher resistance and reusability. The AK GGS recommends that the caterers concerned purchase reusable tableware for takeaway meals that bears the voluntary mark of the reusable symbol or is made of materials that are designated as dishwasher safe.

Appropriate selection of materials with suitable surface finishes can prevent unwanted buildup of food coloring, flavors and odors, thus avoiding food deterioration. Prior to initial use, reusable containers should be rinsed to remove contamination from transportation and storage. Cleanability is made more difficult by material wear, so regular inspection for damage, for example, when containers are returned, is recommended.

Special plastic rinse aids and adapted processes should also be used for subsequent drying. Manual drying using dish towels is not recommended for hygiene reasons. Disposable paper can lead to faster material wear due to scratches. Damp plastic parts must not be stacked under any circumstances.

The detailed statement on the hygienic washing of reusable plastic tableware in the takeaway sector for safe reuse can be found here:

Hygienic washing of multi-use plastic tableware