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Vytal, a developer of software-enabled reusable packaging soutions, has raised more than €6 million in a recent growth financing round.
The round was led by Emerald Technology Ventures through its Sustainable Packaging Innovation Fund with participation from Ventis. Existing investors Grazia Equity, Kiko Ventures and Rubio also contributed further growth capital.
Vytal, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, aims to transform the packaging industry through its technology platform, designed to replace single-use packaging with innovative reusable solutions. These solutions aim to create value for all stakeholders across the circular value chain of reusables – including raw material suppliers, consumers and professional cleaning hubs.
The new funding will enable Vytal to accelerate its efforts through expansion into new markets and further development of its software and data-driven offerings.
Dense networks such as corporate and university campuses, airports, shopping malls, festivals and other entertainment venues can benefit from switching to Vytal-powered reusable packaging solutions.
The company operates an open system of reusable packaging across restaurants and canteens in 17 countries, allowing consumers to borrow and return high-quality reusable containers from and to thousands of partner locations for free.
Vytal carried out a large-scale pilot of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vytal Events & Entertainment Solutions, at this year’s OMR Festival in Hamburg. Its smart reusable solutions were used by 70,000 event participants.
Benefits of Vytal’s individually traceable cups and food containers include efficiency during checkout through unmanned return processes, cutting down on staff needs for organisers and waiting times for consumers. Professional washing centres also benefit through automated, rather than manual, container counting.
Tim Breker, co-founder and managing director of Vytal, said: “We’re thrilled to take on board Emerald, a very experienced investor with a phenomenal network of corporate partners. Transforming the packaging industry towards circularity is a massive business opportunity and Vytal’s technology platform is positioned to win.”
He added: “We understand the conditions under which reuse outperforms single-use and focus on leveraging software and data to maximise the economic benefits of reusables for all our customers and across use cases”.
Top image: © Vytal
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