Who runs devolver?

The company was founded and is run by Allison and Mary, two mums from Sydney’s Northern Beaches who wanted to do something about this wasteful world we live in. You can read more about our story here.

How does devolver work, in simple terms?

By showing the QR code in their app, takeaway lovers can borrow a container for their take away food from a participating food outlet and return it within a 14 day time frame to the same or another participating outlet for no fee. Tracking happens digitally through the retailer using their app to scan the customer’s QR code against the QR of the borrowed container.

How does the retailer app work?

The retailer app is used by food retailers to scan the unique QR code on a customer's devolver app, as well as the QR code on the reusable container they are borrowing. The app then tracks the usage of the container and charges the retailer a small fee per use. Retailers can easily monitor their usage and track the positive impact they are making.

How much do I pay as a retailer?

We charge our food outlet partners a small fee per use that is similar to the cost of buying a single use container. There is no setup - or fixed monthly fee. You only pay us if a container is used and therefore a single use container avoided.

We are a mission driven business and as such have tied our financial success to our environmental impact.

What are the benefits for food retailers?

By using devolver, food retailers can:

• Reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

• Attract eco-conscious customers who are looking for sustainable options.

• Stand out in a crowded market and differentiate yourself from competitors.

• Save money on buying and disposing of single-use containers.

• Save time on restocking and disposing of containers, as devolver takes care of topping you up with devolver containers as stock runs low.

• Benefit from a simple and easy-to-use system that integrates seamlessly into your current operations.

Why a digital system and not just a refundable deposit?

There are a few reasons we decided against a refundable deposit system:

1. A deposit is an outlay. Subconsciously it feels a bit like an added cost.

2. It’s an unnecessary transaction and bookkeeping hassle.

3. There’s no urgency in returning. Without a deadline and reminder, it’s easy to forget to return your container. As seen with other schemes, the item might just sit on peoples’ shelves for months or be forgotten all together. We need our containers back in the loop so they can actively replace single use containers. That’s the whole point of the exercise and the most efficient way to reach our goal of replacing single use.

4. Our apps keep track of your impact, which is a great motivator.

What do I need to set up devolver in my business?

All you need to offer devolver in your business is an apple smart device to install the retailer app on. This can be a shared smart phone / iPad or staff members can have the app installed on their own phones and use the business account login. We will deliver your containers as well as info material and signage, and assist you all along the way.

How do I sign up my business with devolver?

To join our network as a retailer, you can either contact us direct and we will walk you through, or you can download the retailer app and enter your details there. You will then be contacted by a devolver representative who will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Devolver will provide you with the reusable containers, information material, and signage to display in your business.

Do users need to wash the container before they return it?

If they’re returning it on the day, they don’t need to worry about washing your container. However, we do ask that they give it a wash if they keep it for any longer. Our containers are dishwasher safe. Every partner will need to professionally clean the container again before handing it out to the next customer.

Can consumers extend their loan period?

For just $2 per container users can extend their loan period by 7 days. This is a non refundable cost and a one off so they need to make sure they return the container/s before the new expiration date to avoid the $15 replacement fee.

Can someone else return the container for them?

Yes absolutely. Each container is uniquely identified via their QR code so we will know whom the container came from, no matter who returns it.

Can consumers return the container/s to a location different to where they borrowed it?

Yes. They can return the borrowed container/s to any participating devolver outlet. These can be found in the app!

What are the containers made from?

Our containers are made from food grade 304 stainless steel, together with a BPA free food grade PP lid. The container is leak proof and has as few parts as possible to make cleaning a breeze. They are dishwasher safe but please don’t put them in the microwave!

Are devolver containers for sale?

Our containers are not for sale. In theory anyone can “purchase” a container by borrowing and not returning it but that’s not the point of the exercise. Let’s face it, we aren’t very good at remembering to BYO would like to keep them in the system so they can work hard and eliminate as much single use as possible! We will also make sure that our containers are recycled and made into new ones at the end of their useful life.