Returnr Redesigns Take-Home Indulgence — and Eliminates Polystyrene Waste
In a bold move to cool down the climate impact of take-home treats, Australian reuse pioneers Returnr have unveiled their latest innovation: a fully reusable gelato tub designed to replace single-use polystyrene containers — without compromising the creamy, non-melty magic of gelato in transit.
This thoughtfully engineered container not only preserves the gelato's texture and temperature but also redefines the take-home dessert experience through functional design, high quality materials, custom branding, and sustainable circulaity.
The problem with polystyrene — and the path forward
For decades, polystyrene tubs have been the go-to for take-home gelato due to their thermal insulation. But their environmental impact is chilling: polystyrene is non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, and widely banned in regions aiming to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
Returnr’s solution? A modern, modular tub that maintains all the insulation performance of polystyrene — with none of the waste.
Form meets function: the two-part tub system
The new Returnr gelato container features an insulated outer casing that keeps contents cold during transport, housing a swap-able inner tray available in two material options:
BPA-free food-grade polymer: Lightweight, durable, and ideal for everyday reuse.
100% recyclable stainless steel: Premium, elegant, and suited to artisan gelato brands aiming for a top-tier aesthetic and environmental credibility.
Both formats allow for rapid cleaning and sanitisation, making them ideal for return and reuse in circular systems — whether managed in-store or via third-party reuse logistics.
Branding as bold as the flavour
Design is at the heart of this innovation. The tub’s outer casing can be fully customised in colour, texture, and logo placement, creating a tactile and visual experience that aligns with each gelato brand’s identity. Whether it’s a playful pastel for summer sorbets or matte black elegance for indulgent dark chocolate scoops, the Returnr tub transforms packaging into an extension of the gelato itself.
Elevated user experience, sustainable legacy
By replacing single-use packaging with a high-quality reusable product, Returnr not only addresses environmental waste — they improve the user experience. Customers enjoy a premium, reusable container that adds delight to the ritual of take-home dessert, while businesses benefit from brand differentiation, long-term cost savings and new revenue streams – through reusable packaging sales.
“With this new tub, we’re not just solving a waste problem — we’re redesigning the way gelato is experienced at home,” says Brett Capron, Design Director at Returnr. “We’ve created a product that’s elegant, thermally effective, and endlessly reusable — turning the act of taking home gelato into a sustainable, brandable, and joyful moment.”
A scalable step toward zero-waste food retail
The gelato tub joins Returnr’s expanding portfolio of reusable foodservice containers, including bowls, trays, and coffee cups — all designed to integrate seamlessly into the growing circular economy. For gelato makers, it’s a step toward zero-waste retail that doesn’t compromise on design or function.
Contact Returnr to inquire or custom design a gelato tub for your brand: https://returnr.org/pages/contact-us
