The CSCP and Transgourmet Germany Collaborate for Less Packaging Waste

A single German citizen generates over 220 kilograms of packaging waste per year, according to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). In response, the German federal government launched a new packaging act (VerpackG) in 2019, which along with the new EU strategy for plastics is set to increase recycling rates and boost reusability. This has led many food retailers and companies from the business-to-business (B2B) sector to look at ways to reduce the growing amount of packaging waste. Collaboratively with Transgourmet Germany, a leader in the food retailer market, the CSCP has developed and implemented an assessment methodology that advances their sustainable packaging efforts.

A specialist in the large-scale supply of a full range of products in the gastronomy and communal catering sectors, Transgourmet has more than 41,000 customers. The full range of around 15,000 articles includes not only foodstuff but also commodities and consumables as well as catering equipment and services. Considering the high amount of packaging involved, Transgourmet is committed to a long-term strategy that relies more on sustainable packaging materials. The CSCP has supported Transgourmet in achieving this goal by developing criteria for a sustainability assessment of the packaging portfolio with a special focus on its private label, to-go packaging as well as fish and meat packaging.

During the course of the two-and-half-years project, the CSCP developed and implemented the assessment strategy on a wide range of the Transgourmet packaging portfolio. The strategy was developed in close exchange with Transgourmet, to understand the specific needs of key actors, for example handling and logistics.

“We have very much valued the CSCP’s ability to step into our colleagues’ and customers’ shoes to customise the methodology and the advice to foster the procurement of more sustainable packaging. This sets the collaboration process apart from purely scientific external support or a classical consulting approach”, says Melanie Prengel, Head of Sustainability at Transgourmet Germany.

The final assessment methodology was created in a way that follows a holistic approach focusing on recyclability and toward enabling the circular economy. Thereby, it is in line with the demands of the EU’s plastic strategy and also contributes to the goals of the EU Green Deal to reduce packaging on one hand and increase the amount of recyclable packaging on the other.

Transgourmet Germany belongs to Transgourmet Central & Eastern Europe and is a leading multichannel supplier for customers in gastronomy and hotel sector, catering, social organisations, retailers and other industries.

For further information, please contact Alexander Mannweiler.