Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM) is a Berlin-based German foundation that campaigns for wider use of reusable packaging systems. Founded in 1996 as a legally capable civil-law foundation, it focuses on resource conservation, environmental protection and the expansion of reusable shares across economic sectors.
The organisation works mainly through research, policy advocacy and sector cooperation. It commissions scientific studies, often with Fraunhofer institutes, and uses the results to argue for reusable transport packaging in political and industry debates. Its work covers beverage packaging, fruit and vegetable logistics, transport packaging and broader questions of circular economy. SIM also cooperates with environmental and trade associations, as well as companies with a reusable packaging focus, to develop annual thematic priorities.
A clear line of activity is its evidence-based comparison of reuse and single-use systems. Recent studies have examined breakage rates, greenhouse-gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and the circularity of packaging systems. On its website, SIM highlights the potential of reusable transport packaging to reduce product losses, especially in the food supply chain, and to improve material efficiency.
The foundation also acts as a convenor. In 2026, it is involved in the Deutsche Mehrweg Konferenz and the “Reuse & Logistics Leadership Days” in Berlin, underscoring its role as a network platform for industry, logistics and policy stakeholders. Another visible initiative is its Mehrweg glossary, aimed at clarifying terminology around reusable packaging systems.
SIM is led by Dr. Jens Oldenburg, who appears as managing director in public contact materials and register data.