Press release

Carsten Schneider awards Blue Angel to reusable systems from Sykell and memo

11. February 2026

Press release by the Federal Ministry for the Environment dated 09.02.2026
Press Release No. 010/26 | Consumption and Products

Today in Berlin, German Federal Minister for the Environment Carsten Schneider presented the Blue Angel to two companies offering innovative and exemplary reusable packaging systems. Sykell is receiving the Blue Angel for reusable cups and bowls that are used when selling food and drinks to go. memo is being awarded the ecolabel for its reusable packaging systems in online shipping.

View of several reusable product containers from Sykell next to the framed Blue Angel certificate

These two companies are the first label holders to be presented with the Blue Angel following the ecolabel’s revision in the field of reusable systems. Both companies fulfil the new, stricter requirements, which are above all intended to improve waste avoidance, resource conservation and the circular economy.

German Federal Minister for the Environment Carsten Schneider: “Unfortunately, coffee in disposable cups is still part of everyday life today. This doesn’t have to be the case, as there are many good reusable options. Reusable is practical, environmentally friendly and conserves resources. The Blue Angel ensures that awarded reusable systems offer verifiable advantages for our environment. Two practical and environmentally friendly examples: reusable cups and lunchboxes from Sykell can simply be returned in reverse vending machines. And the memo boxes with the ecolabel are lightweight, robust and can even be used for private shipping.”

Person holding the framed certificate, standing next to Federal Environment Minister Schneider with a reusable box from memo

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider takes a look at memo's green reusable box.

memo is being awarded the Blue Angel for “Reusable packaging systems for transport and shipping”. The ecolabel indicates managed reusable packaging systems, from transport solutions in the supplier sector and shipping packaging to reusable padded envelopes for private use.

Two smiling men in suits, one holding the framed Blue Angel certification in his hands. Standing next to him, looking friendly, is Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider.

Various milky translucent reusable plastic containers from Sykell

Sykell is receiving the Blue Angel “Reusable systems for outdoor "to-go" sales of food and beverages” (DE-UZ 210) for its reusable cups and bowls. The ecolabel aims to reduce the use of disposable packaging in the to-go sector and strengthen environmentally friendly reusable systems for food and drinks.

When revising the Blue Angel for reusable systems, the focus lay on the minimum number of use cycles for reusable packaging. This requirement aims to reduce the use of packaging materials and prevent waste. In addition, criteria were introduced regarding the use of recycled materials and the origin of bio-based materials in packaging. Particular emphasis is placed on the recyclability of the reusable packaging in order to contribute to the circular economy even after the packaging’s service life. The revised Basic Award Criteria also place higher requirements on the materials, service life and recyclability of the reusable containers and on the system processes, including return, cleaning, logistics and documentation. The ecolabel is only awarded to systems that demonstrate high minimum usage and cleaning cycles, low-pollutant and recyclable materials and a binding deposit and take-back system.

Source: BMUKN: Carsten Schneider awards Blue Angel to reusable systems from Sykell and memo | Press Release (only in German)