Innovation

Réseau Consignes is revolutionizing waste management in Switzerland by implementing a reusable glass packaging system, which directly addresses UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Founded in 2019 by Hervé Le Pezennec, the company collaborates with local producers and distributors to create a circular economy for glass containers such as bottles and jars. Rather than traditional recycling methods, which often consume more energy, Réseau Consignes washes and reuses these containers, significantly extending their lifecycle and reducing overall waste. This system fosters local production and encourages a shift towards sustainable business practices, as companies in the network work together to minimize environmental impact.

The innovation behind Réseau Consignes lies in its approach to mutualizing infrastructure and services. Instead of each producer investing in their own washing facility, Réseau Consignes provides a shared service, which makes the process more efficient and cost-effective for small and large businesses alike. This model supports UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by creating a network that enhances local supply chains, reduces transportation needs, and lowers carbon emissions. Consumers also play a key role, as they can return containers to any store within the network, making sustainable practices more accessible and convenient for the community.

By reducing the need for new glass production and lowering waste, Réseau Consignes helps preserve natural resources and promotes a circular economy that aligns with the UN SDGs. This innovative solution not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the local economy by supporting small producers and encouraging sustainable consumer habits.

Hervé Le Pezennec overseeing the sterilization process of reusable jars at Réseau Consignes.

Inspiration

Hervé Le Pezennec, founder of Réseau Consignes, was inspired by his core values of collaboration, transparency, and mutualization, which he had honed during his 30-year career in IT. When transitioning to a more sustainable field, Hervé saw an opportunity to create a business that aligned with his principles and addressed an important environmental challenge. He recalls a key moment when he realized the inefficiency of the current recycling system: "I went to buy milk in a store, and I saw these glass bottles. I found the idea interesting because I had known this return system when I was younger. But then I learned that the milk came from over 100 kilometers away. I thought, we are trying to be ecological, but we are still creating unnecessary waste through long transportation."

This sparked the idea for Réseau Consignes. Hervé saw the potential to reinstate a reusable glass container system that had once been common but had largely disappeared in the 1990s. "Why don’t we have a return system anymore?" he asked himself. From this realization, he began developing the business by starting small, with a personal investment and a hands-on approach to learning the trade. "I wanted to learn directly by being in the field," Hervé explained, which allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions in creating a sustainable packaging system.

Driven by the desire to make an ecological impact and reduce waste, Hervé continues to lead Réseau Consignes with a mission to promote reuse and sustainable practices in Switzerland.

Overall impact

Réseau Consignes has had a significant impact on both the local community and the environment by reintroducing a reusable glass packaging system. In the short term, the innovation has allowed local producers and distributors to reduce their waste and carbon footprint. By using a shared infrastructure for cleaning and reusing glass containers, the company has helped businesses cut down on packaging waste and energy consumption, while also encouraging sustainable practices. Within a few years, Réseau Consignes has established partnerships with over 50 stores and 20 producers, leading to the reuse of approximately 100,000 glass containers annually.

In the long term, the company’s impact is expected to grow as it expands its operations. Plans to invest in industrial-scale washing facilities will allow Réseau Consignes to increase its capacity to handle more containers and further reduce waste. Additionally, the business model promotes a circular economy, where resources are reused rather than discarded, leading to a more sustainable and resilient local economy. The innovation aligns with the UN SDGs, specifically targeting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The company’s efforts to promote local production and reduce transportation distances also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Evidence of Réseau Consignes' success can be seen in the growing number of businesses joining the cooperative and the increasing volume of containers being reused. As the company continues to scale its operations, it is set to become a model for sustainable packaging solutions across Switzerland and potentially beyond.

Business benefit

The innovation implemented by Réseau Consignes has brought several benefits to the business, both operationally and financially. By creating a shared infrastructure for washing and reusing glass containers, Réseau Consignes has been able to attract a growing number of local producers and stores into its network, expanding its market reach. This collaboration has not only reduced the costs associated with packaging waste for these businesses but also opened new revenue streams for Réseau Consignes. The company earns revenue by providing cleaning and logistics services to its partners, creating a sustainable and scalable business model.

As the network grows, Réseau Consignes has also benefited from increased visibility and reputation in the local community. The company’s commitment to sustainability has helped it build strong relationships with environmentally conscious producers and consumers, enhancing brand loyalty and trust. This innovation has allowed Réseau Consignes to position itself as a leader in the circular economy, aligning with current market demands for sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the business is poised for future growth. Plans to invest in an industrial-scale washing facility will not only increase capacity but also create new employment opportunities as the company scales operations. The expanded infrastructure will enable Réseau Consignes to handle a higher volume of containers, serving more businesses and potentially entering new markets across Switzerland. By providing a service that supports sustainability while reducing costs for its partners, Réseau Consignes has established a business model that is both profitable and environmentally responsible.

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Social and environmental benefit

Réseau Consignes’ innovation has a direct and positive impact on both society and the environment. By reintroducing a reusable glass packaging system, the company significantly reduces the amount of waste generated by local businesses and consumers. Instead of relying on single-use containers, Réseau Consignes offers a sustainable alternative that extends the lifecycle of glass bottles and jars, helping to reduce resource depletion. This innovation addresses UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting a circular economy where resources are reused rather than discarded, leading to a reduction in overall environmental impact.

The cooperative nature of Réseau Consignes’ business model benefits local communities by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Producers and distributors within the network can reduce their operational costs and environmental footprint, making sustainable practices more accessible to a wider range of companies. Additionally, the system encourages consumers to participate in environmentally friendly practices by making it easier to return and reuse glass containers. This contributes to raising awareness about sustainable consumption, which can lead to broader societal changes in attitudes towards waste and resource management.

On a larger scale, the reduction of waste and energy consumption through the reuse of glass containers also leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to UN SDG 13: Climate Action. By lowering the demand for new glass production and reducing transportation distances, Réseau Consignes plays a role in mitigating climate change and promoting a more sustainable future. This innovation not only benefits the environment but also strengthens local economies by promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Interview

Hervé Le Pezennec, Founder and CEO

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