"The feedback on our reusable bags from our customers is very positive. It was important for us to be able to offer an alternative," says Roland Schmitz-Hübsch of Otto Schmitz-Hübsch in Bornheim-Merten, where the company recently added reusable cotton bags from Kiwi-Media. He also offers cartons for transporting 3 to 4kg-bags of food.
"These alternatives are a trend now, and they are important to customers as well. As a next step, we might put a price on plastic bags, perhaps a symbolic penny as Aldi did." He found it a difficult decision, he explains:" This kind of educational measure is actually not mine to implement, as a grower. Many people approve of these alternatives, and many do not. So I like to offer both options."
Schmitz-Hübsch has a pragmatic take on the discussion about packaging: "I think that it is also a matter of proper disposal." If you recycle a plastic bag, it certainly will be more sustainable than paper bags. "Unfortunately, there is still a lack of education and I, as a producer, cannot take on this education on my own." The development itself is very positive, but media attention and the level of knowledge that consumers have leaves much to be desired.
When choosing recyclable bags for his marketing, he had to choose between a pure cotton bag and the Kiwi Media version with the polyester. "The net has the clear advantage that you can see the goods from the outside, which makes for a smoother transaction at the cash register. " Even plastic-only nets were tested, but the manager was ultimately unsatisfied with the quality of these. "We sell mainly heavy foods such as potatoes, apples and pears. For us, these nets should be able to contain 3 kilograms." After a year-long search for a suitable bag, he finally found a solution. The cotton bags of Kiwi-Media are very stable and the cord with which they can be closed simplifies the transport further, says Schmitz-Hübsch.
For the future, the retailer hopes to make an additional switch to Fairtrade cotton: "This would fit very well with the idea of sustainability and consumers are showing more and more interest in the relevant certifications."
So far, the bags are doing well, he says: "We are now waiting for our peak season to see how much difference we can really make with this alternative, but so far we are very satisfied."
For more information:
Roland Schmitz-Hübsch
Otto Schmitz-Hübsch GbR
Bonn-Brühler-Str. 14
53332 Bornheim - Merten
Tel: +49 (0) 22 27 - 33 21
brief@schmitzhuebsch.de
www.schmitzhuebsch.de
Norman Killius
Kiwi Media GmbH
Erlenweg 19
79227 Schallstadt
Tel: 07664-4039909
Fax: 07664-4039910
E-Mail: info@kiwi-media365.de
Web: www.kiwi-media365.de