Logistical company Gently has partnered with New York’s reusable takeout packaging system DeliverZero to introduce a simple and sustainable zero-waste food delivery option in Los Angeles (LA), US.
Gently and DeliverZero will work together to support a network of returnable restaurant takeout containers across the city.
Through this effort, the two companies aim to significantly minimise single-use packaging waste while contributing to a circular economy.
The partnership will introduce a simple mechanism for consumers to return their used food containers to participating restaurants.
DeliverZero CEO and co-founder Lauren Sweeney said: “Access to systemic solutions to the food delivery waste problem is simply not available, but most of us are craving it.
“The biggest argument against reuse is that it's too complicated and costly. With the right logistics - affordable, fast, and consistent - reuse works.”
Some LA-based restaurants such as Lazy Daisy and Planta have already begun providing their customers with the option to choose DeliverZero’s reusable food containers when placing online orders.
Consumers can choose this reusable container option while ordering directly from the restaurant itself, as well as via other third-party delivery services.
Customers will receive a text from DeliverZero to pick up their used containers post-delivery.
Customers are required to wash their reusable containers before returning them to the restaurant for eventual reuse.
Gently is responsible for providing the logistical technology, vehicles, drivers, and nano fulfilment network throughout the process.
The company also allows its associated brands and retailers to fulfil same-day pickup and delivery standards across major US cities.
Gently co-founder Elian Pres-Gurwits said: “Our goal is to provide DeliverZero with the logistics capabilities and transportation infrastructure to significantly reduce restaurant takeout waste in the LA area.
“Gently same-day delivery and pickup can be used across a variety of consumer and enterprise verticals, including retail, food and DTC [direct-to-consumer]. Our network of nano fulfilment centres placed throughout greater Los Angeles will enable the DeliverZero vision to transform the food delivery industry.”
