REUSABLE GLASS BOTTLE WASHING

Less packaging waste. Lower Cost.
A complete service for drink producers.

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Real Impact. Measurable Results.

Every bottle returned, washed, and refilled makes a difference – backed by numbers, not promises.

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less CO2 emissions

vs. one-way

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less waste

at 25 times average use

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average reuse per bottle

per packaging unit

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water savings

per wash cycle

Glass Bottle Reuse

The Sustainable Choice For Drink Producers

The shift to reusable glass bottles is no longer a trend – it is an economic and ecological necessity. Bottles that are washed and reused multiple times generate up to 79% less CO₂ compared to recycling. For breweries, beverage brands and drink producers, this translates directly into a lower carbon footprint, a stronger sustainability story and reduced packaging costs.

As Belgium's industrial glass bottle washing centre, Bring Back – in partnership with Gaasch Packaging – offers a fully local return logistics system. Producers return used bottles, which are professionally washed and returned to circulation. Transparent, scalable and future-proof under European PPWR packaging legislation.

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Every
bottle
comes
full
circle.

How Does The Pool System Work?

From first conversation to reuse – in 4 steps.

01

Intake Call

We discuss your bottle volumes, formats and logistics. No commitment needed.

02

Join The Pool

When you join the system, you can use glass bottles that are registered in the shared return and washing system.

03

Return & Wash

Used bottles are professionally cleaned and certified for reuse at our Belgian facility.

04

Back In Circulation

Washed bottles are made available again – for you or other pool participants.

Transparent Pricing – With Build-In Savings

A straightforward service fee, a refundable deposit, and meaningful tax reductions for producers who switch to reusable packaging.

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How Producers Are Charged

Producers who join the Bring Back pool pay:

  • A service fee covering bottle use and crate handling
  • A deposit on bottles and crates (refunded on return)

Cost Reductions – What Producers Save

Saving Type Who Benefits Details
Reduced Fostplus Fee All sectors using reusable packaging Fostplus contributions are lower for packaging formats enrolled in a certified reuse system.
Reduced Excise Duty Drink producers Producers using reusable packaging benefit from a reduced excise duty rate.

Packaging Regulation Is Changing. Are You Ready?

The European PPWR sets binding reuse targets for drink producers – with key deadlines in 2030 and 2040.

What Is PPWR – Three Core Objectives Of PPWR

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Reduce Overall Packaging Waste

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Increase Reuse Rates And Recycled Content

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Prevent Packaging Waste At Source

Impact On Drinks Sector – Targets

Deadline Target Scope / Notes
2030 10% of drink packaging must be reusable Excludes wine and spirits. Producers currently using disposable glass are most likely to switch first.
2040 40% of drink packaging must be reusable Producers using cans, PET, Tetra Pak and other formats will also need to transition.

Deposit On Cans & PET – Strategic Note For Producers

Deposit incoming for cans & PET: By 2029, EU member states must introduce a deposit-return system for cans and PET bottles – unless they can demonstrate a selective waste-sorting rate above 90% for those formats. For many producers, switching to reusable glass now avoids both deposit complexity and long-term compliance risk.

What You Need To Know Before You Start

Not all labels are compatible with industrial washing. This is a prerequisite – not an afterthought.

Why Labels Matter For Reuse

Not all labels survive the industrial washing process. Labels that dissolve incorrectly, leave adhesive residue, or contaminate wash water create operational problems at the washing facility and can compromise bottle certification. For this reason, Bring Back requires washable labels – and has a formal process to verify and enforce this.

The Three Party Contract

Bring Back operates a three-way contractual arrangement involving:

Party Role Responsibility
Producer (Drink Brand) Bottle owner / filler Ensures labels applied to bottles meet the agreed washability specification.
Bring Back Washing facility / pool operator Sets the washability standard, verifies compliance, and certifies bottles for reuse.
Label Printer Label manufacturer Certifies that the label materials, adhesives and inks meet the Bring Back washability specification.

This three-party contract establishes clear responsibilities for washability – so that if a label causes a problem during washing, the liable party is clearly identified. This protects both Bring Back and the producer.

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Label
Requirements
Checklist

Washable Adhesive Label adhesive must dissolve cleanly at industrial wash temperatures without leaving residue on glass.
Ink Stability Inks must not bleed or contaminate wash water.
Paper/Substrate Compatibility Label substrate must separate fully from glass during the wash cycle.
Pre-Approval Required All new label designs must be submitted to Bring Back for approval before first use on pool bottles.
Printer Certification The label printer must be a party to the three-way contract and confirm specification compliance in writing.

Contact Us!

Do you have questions about our products or would you like to receive a customised quote? Use our enquiry form to contact our team of experts directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

E-mail: contact@gaaschpack.eu
Phone: +32 (0)2 454 14 11

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