IQPAK®: GVM study sees billion-euro market for new packaging system

A recent study by GVM on the market entry of IQPAK® has identified a huge potential: In Germany alone, IQPAK® packaging could replace 23 billion fillings every year. According to GVM, a leader in packaging market research, potential sales for the German packaging market could reach between 1.6 and 2.8 billion euros, depending on the scenario. The amount of waste generated by packaging could be cut by half.

Darmstadt, Oldenburg, July 22, 2025: Disposable packaging generates huge amounts of waste. On the other hand, reusable packaging means a great deal of energy-intensive effort for bottlers due to return and rinsing processes. IQPAK® packaging offers an alternative for both systems. The innovative packaging consists of a reusable core with an RFID chip enclosed by thin protective layers on the outside and inside. After use, the protective layers are refurbished and the base body directly reused. This results in less waste, the CO₂ footprint is small and bottling plants no longer need to invest in rinsing technology. The returned packaging is processed in refurbishment centers, so retailers and food manufacturers can focus on their core business.

“IQPAK® can replace a large number of packaging solutions, especially cups, trays and block packaging,” concludes the GVM study, which was commissioned by the IQPAK® working group of Fraunhofer LBF and Löning + Partner. A conservative estimate puts the market for the system at 15 billion fillings per year – equivalent to 360 fillings per household per year. A further 52 billion would be added across the EU.

Sales of between EUR1.6 and EUR2.8 billion possible in Germany alone

In an optimistic scenario, the market for the system could even reach 23 billion fillings (a further 81 billion across the EU) if the IQPAK® system is expanded to include threaded closures, for example. GVM estimates the potential sales the IQPAK® system can generate within the German market at between EUR1.6 and 2.8 billion, depending on the scenario. The benefit for the environment:  “Switching to IQPAK® packaging can reduce the amount of waste by 55% – 60%,” according to the study. 

Easy changeover, major cost benefits for the food and beverage industry

The GVM study sees advantages of the system for the food and beverage industry, retailers and end consumers. The filling industry, i.e. food manufacturers, can use IQPAK® on their existing filling systems. Manufacturers who switch from disposable to reusable with IQPAK® do not need to purchase rinsing machines. For those who already use reusable containers, the changeover will save them rinsing machines and associated costs.

Another potential saving: According to the study, businesses using IQPAK® for their products in Germany can save “a mid to high double-digit million amount” in EPR participation fees and levies for the single-use plastic fund.

Unlike other systems, IQPAK® offers the option of using recycled materials in the reusable core and the outer film layer that are not approved for use in food packaging – because only the inner film layer comes into contact with the contents.

The study sees the simplicity of returns handling as an advantage for retailers. Returns can be made via app and return boxes, and the deposit is refunded digitally, so the switch to IQPAK® means no additional work at the checkout and significantly reduced handling costs for empties.

This is also an important advantage from the end consumer’s point of view. They can return the IQPAK® packaging at the points of sale or throw them into containers outside supermarkets. The app also offers the opportunity to increase customer loyalty. IQPAK® is also of interest to municipalities that want to reduce their CO₂ footprint or the amount of waste they have to collect.

GVM recommendations: With 1:1 substitution in pilot markets

“The study confirms not only that IQPAK® has huge potential, but also that the hurdles to market entry are manageable. That’s because IQPAK® creates a win-win-win situation: for manufacturers, for investors and for the environment,” explains Johann Löning, founder and owner of Löning & Partner. “IQPAK® therefore has the potential to disrupt the packaging market. We’re currently looking for an anchor investor to help us implement the system in a pilot market,” Löning adds. Löning and Christian Beinert from Fraunhofer LBF describe the business model based on recurring revenue as extremely robust, thanks in part to the very low material costs for the hygiene layers and the high cycle stability of the IQPAK® system carrier.

The authors of the GVM study recommend that the market launch of the IQPAK® system should initially focus on the 1:1 substitution of 500 g cups for dairy products and of cups and trays used as service packaging.

The full study and the GVM press release can be found at: https://iqpak.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250716_Kernbotschaften_GVM_IQPAK_engl.pdf

Further information can be found at www.iqpak.com

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