Working Together to Reduce Single-Use Plastics – SURI Signature Launches Reusable Container System at Hamburg’s Weekly Markets

Following successful pilot phases at the Isebek and Goldbek markets, SURI Signature, in collaboration with the Interreg project Change(K)now! and the Baltic Environmental Forum Germany (BEF), is now expanding the reusable system to other weekly markets in Hamburg, Germany. The goal is to gradually replace single-use plastic packaging at market stalls with reusable stainless steel containers and sustainable alternatives.

The official rollout phase began in fall 2025. From 2026, the reusable stainless steel containers have been introduced at around ten to twelve Hamburg weekly markets. At the same time, additional market stalls has been incorporated into the SURI pool system. This represents a key step towards replication and transfer of the developed circular solution, and it will gradually create a citywide network where reusable packaging can be easily used, returned, and put back into circulation.

A key component of the rollout is the simple deposit system, which works without an app or digital registration. Customers pay a small deposit when making a purchase, which they receive back immediately on their next visit to the store. The system is complemented by a small 4% discount, which further rewards sustainable shopping.

The store expansion is supported by intensive training for store staff, informational materials for customers, and a communication campaign that will make ReUse visible and appealing, both in-store with banners and flyers, and online with creative social media formats, in collaboration with tthe Hamburg-based initiative OCLEAN, and the Change(K)now! project´s partner BEF Germany. In particular, they produced a promotional video  to attract younger target groups to the topic of reusable packaging, and it will be used for a social media campaign which will be running in the coming weeks.

Experience from the pilot phase has shown that success requires good design, clear communication, and dedicated staff. Thanks to improved, leak-proof stainless steel containers and close collaboration with the University of Kiel, the system has been made even more user-friendly.

In the long term, the SURI reusable system is intended to become part of a citywide reuse infrastructure, compatible with other deposit systems and digital tracking solutions. This will create a local, circular reusable system that equally involves the environment, the economy, and consumers.

“The rollout marks an important step towards making reusable packaging a practical standard in weekly market environments. Through the Change(K)now project, we were able to transform our internal processes and demonstrate that circular solutions can work in everyday operations. We are pleased to extend the concept to further vendors and contribute to reducing single-use packaging in local food systems”, commented SURI Signature.

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