Questions and answers about the VYTAL reusable system

How does the Vytal app work?

After registering, you will find your own QR code, the self-scan option and your delivery token for orders via third-party providers (Lieferando and Wolt) in the Vytal app under the middle, bottom button. You can use these options to borrow our reusable containers free of charge for 14 days from participating partners. The caterers scan the QR code on the Vytals and the one in your app to link you together. Meanwhile, you can also scan the Vytals yourself and show the confirmation on site. When you return it, only the QR code on the container is scanned to check it back out to you. This means that colleagues, friends and acquaintances can also return your Vytals for you.

What does the Vytal system cost?

The Vytal system is completely free of charge for customers. We are financed by the caterers who pay a small fee per filling of our Vytals. Nevertheless, they save money because the cost of disposable packaging is usually higher than our filling fee. In addition, if a Vytal is not returned to our partners within the 14-day return period, customers are automatically charged 10 euros per bowl and 4 euros per cup.

Why do I have to enter a means of payment?

The means of payment serve on the one hand as security, since we issue the Vytals without a deposit, and on the other hand as a method of payment in case you want to use our pre-order or delivery function.

How can I borrow Vytals?

In the Vytal app you will see our partners in your area. When you place your order, please say that you would like to have your food or drink in Vytal. When you place your order, the partner restaurant will either scan the QR code on the Vytal and the one in your app, or you will scan the Vytal itself. When you order through the Vytal app, your personal code is automatically transmitted to our Partner:in so that they can already book the Vytals to your account. For orders placed with Vytal partners via delivery services, you need to copy your delivery token into the comment field.

Is it possible to buy your containers?

In principle, our Vytals are not available for purchase via our app, as our system is only sustainable if the Vytals end up back in circulation as quickly as possible. However, if Vytals are not returned within the 14-day free loan period, 10 euros per bowl and 4 euros per cup will automatically be debited from your deposited payment method. The Vytal is then yours and can be used privately. A refill is no longer possible, otherwise it would become our property again.

Where can I return my borrowed container ?

You can select partners on the map in the Vytal app and see which containers they accept. Then just drop by, return Vytals and you're done. Only the QR code on the container is needed for the drop-off, not your personal QR code.

Does the container have to be rinsed before being returned?

Please rinse your Vytals before you put them back into circulation. This will save your favorite restaurant a lot of work. Of course, all partners wash the vytals in their industrial dishwashers before handing them out, so that they are always hygienically clean when you check them out.

Can I use Vytal without the app?

Using Vytal without an app is possible with our offline card. The offline card is a membership card that you can buy for a one-time fee of 10 Euros from our partners. With it you can use the system completely anonymously and without the 14-day return period. The offline card is an analog version of the app and can therefore not display all app features. Since we issue the Vytals without a deposit, the offline card can only be used to borrow two Vytals at a time. When you return them, the card is unblocked and you can borrow the next two Vytals. If no partner restaurant near you has offline cards, you are also welcome to order one at hallo@vytal.org. Please note: The offline card is a purchase card, so redemption is excluded. The ten euros serve as security (like the deposited means of payment in the app). If you do want to switch to the app, the card can be linked to the app. In this process, a credit in the form of ten Vytal credits is credited to your account.

Can I use Vytal through delivery services?

With your Vytal delivery token, you can have your food conveniently delivered by Vytal partners, whether you order through their own website or through third-party portals (Lieferando, Wolt). Just copy your delivery token and paste it into the comment field at the end of the order. The restaurant can then link the container to your account and give it to the driver. You can find the delivery token in the app by clicking on the middle button at the bottom and then on "Deliver". For privacy and security reasons, the delivery token is only valid for six days.

How long is the free loan period and can I extend it?

You have 14 days to return our Vytal to one of our partners. You can also extend the return period by one week for one euro, if the period should not be enough for you.

How do I know when to return the containers?

You will see in the Vytal app how many more days you can rent the Vytals for free. We will also remind you via email and push notifications when you return your Vytals, if you have allowed us to send you these notifications. You can find them in the app under "Profile" (bottom right button) and "Settings".

I missed my return deadline - can I still return the container?

At the end of the 14-day free return period, 10 Euros for Vytal Bowls and 4 Euros for Vytal Mugs will automatically be debited from your deposited payment method. You have then purchased the Vytals and can use them privately. However, you can return purchased containers to our partners at any time and receive half of the purchase price in the form of Vytal Credits. You can use these credits for pick-up pre-orders via the Vytal app at some of our partners or for the extension of return periods.

What are Vytal Credits and what can I use them for?

One Vytal Credit has the value of one Euro. Your Vytal Credit balance is displayed in your profile in the app. You will receive five or two Vytal Credits when you return a purchased bowl or cup to one of our partners. If you link an offline card to the app, you will be credited with ten Vytal Credits. The credits can be used to pre-order food from our partners via the Vytal app or to extend return periods.

How can I delete my account?

If you go to "Profile" in the app (the icon at the bottom right) and then to "My Profile", there is an item called "Delete Account". Please note that a deletion cannot be undone.

How can I make my favourite restaurant aware of you?

You can suggest your favourite restaurants via this link and at the same time download a "love letter" that you can pass on to the restaurant: https://en.vytal.org/vytal-fuer-konsumenten

Are the containers dishwasher and microwave safe?

Our Vytals are all dishwasher safe, they can be washed in any standard household dishwasher and also in industrial dishwashers at very high temperatures. In addition, all Vytals are suitable for heating in the microwave, whereas the lid must NOT be placed in the microwave, as pressure can build up underneath due to heating.

How is it ensured that the containers are hygienically cleaned before dispensing?

Our partners are contractually obliged to wash all Vytals by machine before serving so that they are hygienically clean. The same rules apply as for washing dishes for consumption in the restaurant.

How are the vytals disposed of and dismantled?

When you can no longer use a Vytal reusable container, we take it back to recycle it in a controlled way. To do this, our containers are crushed and melted down to form other products. In this way, our system remains circular and we completely avoid the creation of waste. Due to current legislation, new food containers cannot yet be made from them. We are in discussion with processing companies and will close the loop as soon as the legal situation changes.

How often can the containers be used?

A Vytal container can be reused up to 200 times if used properly. The most important factor is not rinsing, but how the customer treats the container. We therefore ask our customers not to cut into the containers with a knife in order to ensure the longest possible usability and thus a lot of saved disposable packaging waste. From ten fillings, they are more environmentally friendly than disposable packaging and save up to 30 kg of CO2 over the life cycle compared to disposable packaging made of Styrofoam or aluminum.

Can I also order via the Vytal app?

With many of our partners you can pre-order and pay via the app, so that you can pick up your food at the desired time without waiting on site or have it conveniently delivered to your home. Not all Vytal partners offer this service via our app. Partners that accept pre-orders are marked with "Pickup" and "Delivery" in the app. You can also order in our reusable packaging via delivery services. For this, you will be redirected to these third party providers within the app and just have to copy your delivery token into the comment field.

Can I return the containers to the delivery service?

If the restaurant you ordered from has its own delivery service, you can easily give the containers to the delivery drivers. If you have ordered through a third party delivery service, this is unfortunately not possible, as the drivers do not necessarily drive back to a Vytal partner, where your Vytals can be booked out again.

I would like to make a change to my order - how do I do that?

To make a change to your order via the Vytal app, you can easily cancel it within the cancellation period in the app and place it again. If you have a special request, you can leave a message for the restaurant in the comments field.

What material are the containers made of and where are they produced?

We looked for suitable materials and manufacturers for a long time and then decided on polypropylene, a very high-quality plastic that is particularly easy to recycle. In addition, our bowls are more ecological than stainless steel containers and can be used in the freezer and microwave (without lid).

KoziolBowls (500, 750 and 1250 ml)
Madeof BPA-free polypropylene, lid made of thermoplastic elastomer. Made in Germany.
MepalBowls (500, 750 and 1250 ml - some still in circulation)
Madeof BPA-free polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer lid. Made in Holland.
SplitBowl & Coffee Mug (100, 200, 300 and 400 ml)
Made of BPA-free polypropylene. Made in Czech Republic.
500ml cold beverage mug
Madeof BPA-free polypropylene. Made in Germany.
Burger& Pizza Container
Madeof BPA-free polypropylene. Made in Germany.
Sushicontainer
Madeof stainless steel (75% recycled materials) and Tritan plastic. Made in China.

How do I return a container with a damaged QR code?

Vytals with damaged or missing QR code can be returned normally to our partners. However, please send us an email so that we know where you returned the Vytal, and we will manually remove it from our books. The restaurant then only has to return the Vytal to us so that it gets a new QR code.

What do I do if I break a bowl or cup?

If the bowl or cup is completely broken, then you don't need to do anything else - the money will be automatically deducted from the payment method you deposited after the expiration of the loan period. If only the lid or the bottom part is broken, please return the bowl to one of our partners and send us an email with a photo of the damaged bowl and the information where you returned it. Then we will refund half of the purchase price.

How do the Vytals get their names?

In the beginning, we came up with the names ourselves or used well-known personalities and movie heroes or place names. In the meantime, however, we need so many names that we use a database with international first names.

What do I do if a bowl leaks?

Please report leaking bowls directly to our partners. They can then sort out the bowls and send them back to us.

What requirements does my phone need for me to install the app?

Our customer app requires at least iOS 12.4 or Android 6.0, but preferably always the latest versions.

Why are you going the crowdfunding route (in addition to other investments)?

Tim raised this question in our webinar, starting at minute 37:35. Feel free to watch the recording. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us!

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What exactly is the money needed for?

At Vytal, the proceeds of the crowdfunding will be used to invest in additional bins, build additional sales staff, and improve our product experience on the partner side. More details can be found in our investment brochure on page 46.

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Is the 7% interest p.a. taxable?

Yes, capital gains tax must be paid on the annual interest, any bonus interest and also on any exit amount.

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What are your business development plans for the next 5+ years?

We currently have a clear focus on Germany and neighboring European countries. To enable global expansion, we rely on a franchise model that allows us to bring our technology/brand to other continents with local franchise operators. We have written more details about this in the business development section of the investment brochure. Also, feel free to check out the webinar recording, starting at minute 45:30 Tim takes up the question.

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How do you plan your international development?

For our international expansion, we rely on our own subsidiaries for large markets and on our franchise model for smaller markets. In both cases, of course, we are supported by the partnerships with the major delivery platforms and system catering operations that we have successfully built up over the past 3 years.

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The sales increase from 800 kEur in 2021 to the future years seems very ambitious. Do you expect society to rethink the concept of reusable packaging?

A resounding yes. The obligation to use reusable packaging on the part of the caterers will make reusable packaging the talk of the town. We are already noticing the increase in press coverage. Since reusable is clearly the best solution for disposable waste, both economically and ecologically, we are sure that it will become established.

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Can companies from the retail sector apply?

Yes in any case. We already have many grocers, organic and unpackaged stores as partners. We are very happy if you also want to offer Vytal instead of disposables.

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Many successful start-ups come from the U.S. Is there a competitor there that could ruin your global dream?

That is the beauty of the topic of "sustainability" and especially of "reusable" in Germany. Sustainability is one of the few topics where Europe has a clear advantage over Asia and the USA. When it comes to reusable bottles, there is no country in the world that is as well enlightened (as Germany) due to the established bottle deposit system. There are a few similar business models/startups in the USA (e.g. DeliverZero), but so far they are far behind our product and sales progress.

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How can you invest the money in concrete terms? Do I need a special account for this?

No, to invest you "only" need to make a bank transfer to Vytal in the last investment step. Later, when Vytal has generated the Vytal Token 2022 by October 2023, you will need a blockchain wallet to dispose of the tokens. Unless you want to dispose of the tokens (e.g. to sell them), Vytal will simply transfer your interest every year and also the repayment after 5 years to your bank account. If you do not have a wallet that is compatible with the blockchain you are using, a compatible wallet will be provided by Vytal free of charge. All you need to obtain the wallet is an internet-enabled device (smartphone, computer). You can find more info about the investment process at: https://wiwin.de/fuerprivatanleger

On the morning of November 22nd, we will send you the link to the WIWIN page, where you can invest as a Vytal Crowd newsletter subscriber at your leisure from 9 am. All other interested parties will be admitted only from 12 o'clock.

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Can I also invest if I do not live in Germany?

Yes, as long as your ID can be successfully verified during the Postident process (step 5 in the investment process).

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Hello, what do I need to do to invest?

On November 22nd, the link "Invest now" will appear on the WIWIN campaign page (https://wiwin.de/produkt/vytal?utm_source=Referral&utm_medium=vytal&utm_campaign=vytal). There your investment will be registered in 8 steps to Vytal, your identity will be verified via Postident procedure and in the last step the money will be paid to Vytal by you via bank transfer.

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What exactly is this token that you get in return for the investment? Is it an NFT and if so on which blockchain?

The token will not be an NFT but a security token and the blockchain will be Ethereum, Stellar Lumens, or a similar blockchain enabling the transfer and tradability of the Vytal Tokens 2022. The blockchain used will be announced directly to the investors by a notice in text form (e.g. by email) at least one week before the generation of the Vytal Tokens 2022.

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Doesn't blockchain involve mining, which is a big waste of energy?

WIWIN uses blockchains based on the proof-of-stake mechanism. These are much more energy-efficient and therefore more environmentally friendly than those based on the proof-of-work mechanism. Still, energy is needed to maintain the blockchain, that's true. In the WIWIN blog post, among others on the topic of blockchain and sustainability: https://wiwin.de/blog/blockchain-teil-4#nachhaltigkeit , WIWIN has deposited further information on this.

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"The investors' wallet must be compatible with the issuer's chosen blockchain" - what wallets are these?

The blockchain used will be announced in text form (e.g. email) at least one week before the tokens are generated. If you do not have a wallet that is compatible with the blockchain used, you will be provided with a compatible wallet from Vytal free of charge. An internet-enabled device (smartphone, computer) is required to receive a wallet.

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What is Vytal's current balance sheet? EK / FK?

As of today, Vytal has almost no long-term debt. Due to the last financing round at the beginning of this year in the total amount of approximately USD 10 million, we are currently well capitalized. Crowdinvesting does mean that we are taking on long-term debt, but at a healthy level for us due to the limited amount. We have already published the balance sheet for 2021 in the Federal Gazette for some time.

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Are restaurateurs perhaps positively biased toward deposit systems because a significant portion of the deposit remains with them as revenue due to the low return rate?

A distinction must be made here between third-party system providers and restaurateurs' "own, individual deposit systems". In third-party systems, restaurateurs first pay the deposit amounts to the system operator in order to obtain the reusable containers. They therefore advance money, which they then have to repeat from their guests. In addition, there are often shipping fees if, for example, too many deposited containers want to be returned to the system provider.Restaurant-owned deposit systems might work more like you describe. However, this also means that restaurateurs have to take care of the operation, i.e. purchasing and administration of the system. This is because deposit income is not a profit, but rather a liability for which it must be assumed that the containers will have to be returned at some point and the deposit money paid out.

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How can you guarantee the hygiene of your packaging?

Quality control and hygiene assurance during the life cycle of our containers are carried out by our partners. Together with our manufacturers, we ensure that the containers receive the necessary declaration of conformity that is required in Europe in order to be used here as food packaging. Tim will also address this topic in the webinar and discuss it in detail.

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What happens to "discarded" containers?

When partners sort out containers , we then check in our warehouse whether the bottom or top part can still be returned to the cycle. If this is the case, we will of course do so. Our goal is to replace as much disposable material as possible with each container and its lid. The really sorted out containers and lids are collected for a controlled recycling.

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How to evaluate the competition abroad?

The Vytal app is currently the most downloaded reusable app in the world. We also monitor our foreign competitors very closely. Based on the information available to us, many foreign markets are significantly behind Germany. This is a particular strength for us, as it allows us to develop much faster and avoid significantly more waste than foreign competitors.

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Frequently asked questions

General questions

Questions for restaurateurs

Questions for communal catering

Questions about crowdinvesting

Mandatory Reuse

Do you have any further questions? We'll answer them gladly!

Find us in:

Frequently asked questions

General questions

How does the Vytal app work?

What does the Vytal system cost?

Why do I have to enter a means of payment?

How can I borrow Vytals?

Is it possible to buy your containers?

Where can I return my borrowed container ?

Does the container have to be rinsed before being returned?

Can I use Vytal without the app?

Can I use Vytal through delivery services?

How long is the free loan period and can I extend it?

How do I know when to return the containers?

I missed my return deadline - can I still return the container?

What are Vytal Credits and what can I use them for?

How can I delete my account?

How can I make my favourite restaurant aware of you?

Are the containers dishwasher and microwave safe?

How is it ensured that the containers are hygienically cleaned before dispensing?

How are the vytals disposed of and dismantled?

How often can the containers be used?

Can I also order via the Vytal app?

Can I return the containers to the delivery service?

I would like to make a change to my order - how do I do that?

What material are the containers made of and where are they produced?

How do I return a container with a damaged QR code?

What do I do if I break a bowl or cup?

How do the Vytals get their names?

What do I do if a bowl leaks?

What requirements does my phone need for me to install the app?

Questions for restaurateurs

Does the Vytal Partner App need to be integrated into a running system?

Can customers scan their vytals on their own as they are issued?

How much space do the vytals need in the store and what is the best way to store them?

What is the best way to rinse the vytals?

Where, how and why do vytals need to be scanned?

How heavy are the containers? What is the tare I have to set on the scales?

What container varieties do you have on offer?

Why can't I add my logo to lids and containers?

How do I take back containers with damaged or missing QR code?

How do I get new containers and how can I return excess to you?

How do I change my opening hours or store other important information?

How can I check my own shell stock?

What happens after I register with Vytal?

Do you offer any other services besides bins?

What do I use to scan the containers?

What do I do if a bowl leaks?

What requirements does my phone need for me to install the app?

Questions for communal catering

Can I limit the use to employees of my company?

Can Vytals be returned outside business hours?

Can I integrate the Vytal system with my POS system?

Can we use our own containers and run them through the Vytal system?

Questions about crowdinvesting

Why are you going the crowdfunding route (in addition to other investments)?

What exactly is the money needed for?

Is the 7% interest p.a. taxable?

What are your business development plans for the next 5+ years?

How do you plan your international development?

The sales increase from 800 kEur in 2021 to the future years seems very ambitious. Do you expect society to rethink the concept of reusable packaging?

Can companies from the retail sector apply?

Many successful start-ups come from the U.S. Is there a competitor there that could ruin your global dream?

How can you invest the money in concrete terms? Do I need a special account for this?

Can I also invest if I do not live in Germany?

Hello, what do I need to do to invest?

What exactly is this token that you get in return for the investment? Is it an NFT and if so on which blockchain?

Doesn't blockchain involve mining, which is a big waste of energy?

"The investors' wallet must be compatible with the issuer's chosen blockchain" - what wallets are these?

What is Vytal's current balance sheet? EK / FK?

Are restaurateurs perhaps positively biased toward deposit systems because a significant portion of the deposit remains with them as revenue due to the low return rate?

How can you guarantee the hygiene of your packaging?

What happens to "discarded" containers?

How to evaluate the competition abroad?

Mandatory Reuse

What is the reusable duty?

How much do reusable alternatives cost?

To whom does the reusable obligation apply?

You have less than five employees and your restaurant is smaller than 80 square meters?

Do you have more than five employees or is your restaurant larger than 80 square meters?

What options do I have if I need to offer a reusable alternative?