Are reusable products always the best solution?
The answer to this is not clear – and in ABENA we believe that there are many aspects to consider when making an educated choice between disposable and reusable products. We have therefore gathered a number of questions, you can take into consideration before choosing one over the other.
What does “reusable products” mean?
“Reusable products” mean that a product should be washed after each use and thus can be reused again and again, provided that the product is handled according to the washing instructions.
Products suitable for reuse are typically made of a stronger material than disposable products that are typically made of a thinner material. The material is suitable for washing with water and soap and it is often durable in use, so it can withstand frequent washing and use.
ABENA has a selection of reusable products in various categories, such as cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, incontinence underwear, washable bed mats, mops, cleaning cloths, and much more.
What are your needs?
Before choosing your product, you first need to decide what you want the product to do. You should therefore consider the following:
- Should the product be used in a steady flow, or are there peak periods where you require more products at short notice?
Example: Cups, cutlery and, other tableware for festivals, schools, and sports events or open house events. If you only need products for one particular event, consider whether it is better to purchase disposable products for the purpose, as these do not need to be washed or stored afterward.
Do you have access to adequate washing facilities?
The use of reusable products creates the need to be able to wash the product after use. You should therefore consider the following:
- Is there access to adequate washing facilities that can handle washing and hygiene requirements according to the guidelines from your official food safety and health authorities?
Tip: If the products are to be used in a place where there is a particular risk of infection, a disposable product may be a better solution to avoid infection.
Do you have the physical space and employee resources available?
Both before and after washing, the use of reusable products places demands on both your physical surroundings and the available resources. You should therefore consider the following:
- Do you have the physical space to handle and store both dirty and clean reusable products so that you store the products correctly and avoid cross-contamination?
- Do you have the resources to collect the dirty products and to make sure that the clean products come back to the place of use?
Tip: We recommend that you use a trolley or similar to transport your reusable products as this ensures good ergonomics. You should therefore consider whether there are stairs or lifts at your location before you decide whether reusable products are the ideal solution.
What is your willingness to invest?
Whether the reusable solution is ideal for you also depends on how willing you are to invest in the purchase of products. You should therefore consider the following:
- Do you want to set aside finances in the short term to purchase a reusable product, which will not show any earnings of the investment for a long time?
Tip: Please note that there may be a loss of products during the period where you need to see a payback, for example cups or surfaces that may break.
Can the product be recycled after use?
When considering the purchase of reusable products, it may be a good idea to examine how the product should be disposed of and whether it can be recycled. You should therefore consider the following:
- How should your selected product be disposed of – and is this disposal method easy for you to carry out or implement?
Tip: Many reusable products can be recycled if sorted at the source. If you choose a reusable product that can be recycled, you help that the product can be recycled in whole or as a part of a new product. Learn more about correct sorting here.
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