Circl’it Case Study:
At a time of increasing pressure on the availability and cost of primary raw materials, rising customer demands for price and services, and against the backdrop of geopolitical changes, circularity is becoming a strategic tool for European companies of all sizes. Packaging represents a significant share of municipal waste. According to the EKO‑KOM report (EPR organization) for 2024, in the Czech Republic it accounts for approximately 22%, which corresponds to roughly 1.3 million tones of packaging waste per year.
Goodlok produces healthy non‑alcoholic beverages and fermented condiments for professional gastronomy. The company has long preferred an environmentally responsible approach. However, single‑use packaging made up a substantial part of their waste and burdened logistics through purchasing and handling. In addition, it created extra issues for customers, who had to deal with its disposal. Therefore, at the beginning of 2025, Goodlok approached Circl’it, a specialist in reusable packaging, with the aim of replacing single‑use tertiary cardboard packaging with reusable alternatives without increasing material or operating costs.
SOLUTION
After an initial analysis of operations and logistical requirements, the project was divided into three phases:
1) Consolidation of packaging types and internal assessment of possible solutions (Spring 2025)
The most suitable solution selected was a custom‑designed reusable polypropylene box with an average lifespan of 100 cycles and one standard size. The box is:
- Foldable to minimize volume during return transport and storage
- Lightweight, stable, stackable, and suitable for refrigerated areas
- Easy to clean
- Recyclable at the end of its life, with the material reused to produce new boxes
2) Testing in live operations (2nd half of 2025)
The test took place in live operations across 20% of the distribution network in the HoReCa and catering segments. Drivers and customers were informed about the program through direct communication and labeling on the packaging itself.
Testing results:
- Confirmation of feasibility in live operations
- Measurement of a 95% reduction in transport‑packaging waste
- Positive feedback from both customers and drivers:
- Customers most often pointed out that they no longer generate packaging waste that takes up space between pickups
- Drivers appreciated that the boxes can be easily folded during return transport and do not get in the way
- Confirmation of the need to introduce a packaging‑tracking system
3) Introduction of the reuse system across the entire operation (end of 2025–2026)
- Setting internal processes and selecting a tailored tracking system
- Implementing the project, which—thanks to replacing bulky cardboard boxes with lightweight reusable tertiary packaging used for 100 cycles—will:
- Reduce waste volume by more than 95%
- Reach financial break‑even by the 6th month after full implementation
- Simplify storage, purchasing, and handling of cardboard packaging
- Expanding the customer program to allow customers to actively participate in increasing the positive impact of deliveries of their fresh beverages
RESULT
The introduction of reusable packaging significantly reduces packaging waste. Starting in the first quarter of 2026, Goodlok’s customers will experience reduced concerns related to waste management. The next step will be a study exploring how to extend the reuse system to raw‑material suppliers and primary packaging.
Both Circl’it and Goodlok confirm that the successful implementation of circular packaging is built on a clear vision, strong project management, early involvement of employees, customers, and drivers, and the right choice of packaging.
