Can Deposit Returns Work for Cosmetics? Kaufland Tests the Idea

Ten Kaufland stores and three VollCorner organic markets started testing the system on October 30, where customers return packaging from Lavera, Kneipp and Logocos brands. Marked products go into regular deposit machines, no special boxes or processes. Return the packaging, get 29 cents.

Why E-commerce Should Matter

Online stores face two problems at once right now. Customers want sustainability but don’t want to pay extra for it or make an effort. And packaging regulations keep getting stricter.

The project from startup Reo shows how a deposit system could get started – without customers having to change their behaviour. Go shopping, return the old packaging, and get money. Same model that’s worked for drinks.

What This Means for Online Retail

For e-shops, this matters mainly for one reason: packaging is an even bigger problem for them than for brick-and-mortar stores. Every order means cardboard, filling material, and tape. And cosmetics come with plastic bottles and containers on top of that.

If a similar system started working more broadly, it would open possibilities for integration with online sales. The question is how e-commerce could use such a system for its needs – whether through partnerships with physical stores or their own solutions.

Reality Versus Vision

For now it’s a test at 13 locations in one city. To make economic sense, it would need to scale to hundreds or thousands of locations. Plus, it needs infrastructure for collecting, sorting and recycling or reusing these packages.

Jessica Koch from Kaufland talks about “the future of retail” and partnerships with startups. Steffanie Rainer from Reo says “real change is possible when sustainability integrates into everyday life.”

For e-commerce, this signals that deposit systems are expanding beyond drinks. Those who prepare earlier have an advantage. Those who wait will deal with it under pressure from legislation.