Sustainable unpackaged shops in Hesse: How inflation is affecting them and why they are still important

Sustainable unpackaged shops in Hesse: How inflation is affecting them and why they are still important

According to a report from www.hessenschau.de, it appears that unpackaged shops, which are intended to help reduce plastic waste, are struggling in Hesse. The first unpackaged store in Frankfurt, Gramm.genau, is in financial difficulties due to falling sales.

In times of high inflation, many consumers hold onto their money, which makes sustainable products seem more expensive. The inflation rate in Hesse was 3.6 percent in October. This means that shops like Gramm. exactly have to struggle with falling sales and ultimately even have to change ownership. This reflects the difficulties that many unpackaged shops in Hesse have to contend with.

It also appears that an unpackaged store in Darmstadt, “Unverpackt”, has already had to close two branches due to falling sales. Increased energy costs and general inflation are forcing many shop owners to look for alternative solutions.

The Hessian Ministry of the Environment sees the unpackaged shops as important players in the fight against plastic waste and waste prevention, but financial support from the ministry is not possible. The Ministry of Economic Affairs also does not provide any support.

Despite the financial problems, the unpackaged shop operators are disappointed by the lack of support from the state of Hesse. Operator Bettina Will notes that sustainable food is generally not valued enough in Germany.

The financial problems that are emerging in many unpackaged stores in Hesse could lead to a market shakeout in which less successful stores close and only the most successful survive. This could have long-term impacts on the availability of sustainable products and consumer purchasing behavior. The market for sustainable products could change to meet growing economic challenges.