Monaco’s pioneering reusable container scheme for restaurants and takeaway services will cease operations at the end of December, as the Princely Government prepares to develop a more effective version of the environmental initiative.
Launched in 2022, the MaConsigne scheme was created to reduce reliance on single-use plastic packaging in the catering and takeaway sector by promoting a system of reusable containers. The programme allowed customers to borrow containers from participating restaurants and return them after use, creating a circular economy model for food packaging.
After more than three years of experimentation, the Princely Government says it has drawn positive conclusions regarding the scheme’s environmental and educational impact. However, officials have identified the need to evolve both the economic and operational model to ensure it fully meets expectations and achieves its waste reduction goals, according to a government statement.
Government thanks participants and pledges renewed approach
In announcing the closure, the government expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the experiment since 2022, including restaurateurs, partner entities and companies, users and technical teams. Officials described their engagement and participation as essential to understanding how such schemes can function in the Principality.
Drawing on the experience gained from the initial programme, the government says it now aims to evolve the concept whilst maintaining its ambition to reduce waste and promote the circular economy. Officials have characterised the closure of the current system as a strategic pause rather than an abandonment of the underlying environmental objectives.
Mission for Energy Transition to lead review process
According to the government, a phase of reflection and evaluation will be conducted under the aegis of the Mission for Energy Transition, which will examine different approaches in consultation with all stakeholders. This collaborative review process aims to identify improvements that can make a future iteration of the scheme more viable and effective.
The assessment will likely focus on operational challenges that emerged during the trial period, including container return rates, hygiene protocols, logistics costs and user engagement. These insights will inform the design of whatever system eventually replaces MaConsigne.
Commitment to waste reduction remains unchanged
Despite the closure of the current scheme, officials have emphasised that the government’s objective remains firmly fixed on proposing concrete, innovative and sustainable alternatives for reducing waste at source. The pause in operations represents an opportunity to build on lessons learned and create a more robust system that can achieve meaningful environmental impact whilst remaining economically sustainable.
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