Gently and DeliverZero partner on reusable foodservice options for Los Angeles

20 Sep 2023 --- Los Angeles, US residents can now embrace a zero-waste approach to food delivery, as Gently, a last-mile logistics innovator, has teamed up with DeliverZero, the New York-based reusable takeout packaging system.

The partnership claims to take a step toward reducing the environmental impact of single-use food containers by providing consumers with a method to return used containers to participating restaurants.

The US has an annual consumption of 561 billion single-use foodservice items, which DeliverZero is aiming to reduce. The company’s reusable food containers are intended to allow restaurants, delivery platforms and point-of-sale systems to offer customers an environmentally sustainable alternative for takeout and delivery, ultimately curbing the generation of paper and plastic waste. 

These reusable takeout packaging systems can potentially eliminate 54% of emissions typically associated with single-use containers, according to DeliverZero.

“Our goal is to provide DeliverZero with the logistics capabilities and transportation infrastructure to significantly reduce restaurant takeout waste in the LA area,” says Gently co-founder Elian Pres-Gurwits. 

“Gently same-day delivery and pickup can be used across various consumer and enterprise verticals, including retail, food and DTC. Our network of nano fulfillment centers placed throughout greater Los Angeles will enable the DeliverZero vision to transform the food delivery industry.”

DeliverZero says with the right logistics provided reuse can work.Logistically reusable
In the initial phase, select Los Angeles restaurants like Lazy Daisy and Planta will incorporate DeliverZero’s reusable food containers into their online ordering process. Once the food is delivered, consumers receive a text from DeliverZero to initiate container pickup, which undergoes thorough cleaning for reuse. 

Gently powers the logistics network, including technology, vehicles, drivers and nano fulfillment centers, enabling environmentally sustainable same-day delivery and returns across major US cities.

While Innova Market Insights pegged “Reusable Revival” as a top 2023 packaging trend, a McDonald’s commissioned study suggests that 2030 mandatory reuse targets set by EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revisions could increase plastic packaging waste significantly for dine-in and takeaway.

A peer-reviewed LCA commissioned by the European Paper Packaging Alliance indicates that recyclable, paper-based packaging in food delivery and takeaway offers environmental advantages over reusable systems. However, an independent review by Eunomia Research and Consulting highlights the unreliability of data and test parameters in influencing policy change and consumer perception.

A separate study suggests that reusable containers could reduce climate impact when return and washing systems are optimized.

Lauren Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of DeliverZero, emphasizes the need for systemic solutions to address food delivery waste issues. She views the partnership with Gently as an environmentally sustainable alternative to misleading compostable options and says the logistics company was an “obvious answer” for DeliverZero. 

Gently’s all-electric fleet and nano fulfillment centers empower retailers to compete with big e-commerce players effectively in speed and service. 

Sweeney underscores, “The biggest argument against reuse is that it’s too complicated and costly. With the right logistics – affordable, fast and consistent – reuse works.”

By Radhika Sikaria