• 11/19/2025

Sustainability meets participation: a project with double added value

Recycling and doing good at the same time – during ConSozial 2025, NürnbergMesse, together with Pfandnetzwerk and noris inklusion, brought a project to the exhibition grounds that combines ecological and social sustainability. The focus was on a mobile deposit trailer that not only collects bottles but also opens up new perspectives for people with disabilities – and shows how one bottle can become something more.

Written by Johanna Köhler

Four men and one woman are standing next to a blue mobile trailer with the words “SPENDE DEIN PFAND” and “DONATE YOUR DEPOSIT” written on it. All of them are wearing blue T-shirts and a mix of dark and light-colored pants. Two people are pointing to the drop-off openings on the trailer. The trailer has several round openings for bottles and displays graphic symbols of bottles. In the background, there are glass walls, doors, and a banner with the words “PFAND” and “DEPOSIT.”

What at first glance looks like a simple collection campaign has a dual effect when you take a closer look. Anyone who throws their empty bottle into one of the specially marked containers is not only supporting environmental protection, but also an inclusive work project. The collected deposits are sorted by employees of noris inklusion and fed into the recycling cycle. The proceeds then directly benefit the employees – for example, for small celebrations, excursions, or purchases that make everyday work easier. At the same time, new areas of responsibility are created for the employees, opening up year-round work opportunities.

Deposits as a resource for social participation

As part of the cooperation, noris inklusion is responsible for the operational implementation of deposit logistics: employees empty the bins, sort the deposit items, and ensure that the bottles are recycled properly. This not only creates new job opportunities, but also a strong sense of purpose and commitment.

“We see ourselves as ambassadors for the Pfandnetzwerk”, says Wiebke Goldhammer, who is responsible for public relations at noris inklusion. “The concept also appeals to our employees with disabilities – they are very environmentally conscious and committed.” For them, the campaign is therefore more than just a project – it is a visible sign of active inclusion and active participation in environmental protection.

The collaboration with noris inklusion is also a win for the Pfandnetzwerk. “With partners like noris inklusion, we can ideally combine ecological and social sustainability,” explains Christian Overweg, founder of the Pfandnetzwerk. “Together, we are creating a system that strengthens both the environment and society.”

Two men are standing indoors next to an oversized black plastic bottle with a blue label and the words “DONATE YOUR DEPOSIT.” The bottle serves as a deposit collection container and has a round opening. Both individuals are wearing casual clothing: one person is wearing a gray blazer over a white shirt with jeans, the other is wearing a black sweater and jeans. In the background are white partition walls and a seating area.
Deposit connects: Environmental responsibility meets social sustainability.

Working together for sustainability in practice

The cooperation with NürnbergMesse was an important step for the deposit network. As one of the first pilot projects in the region, it became clear some time ago that sustainable deposit recycling also works on a large scale. NürnbergMesse supports the project as a sponsor, thereby setting an example for social responsibility on its own premises.

The project gained additional visibility with ConSozial, the leading trade fair for the social economy. This is where stakeholders who are committed to inclusion, sustainability, and social innovation come together – precisely the issues that connect the Pfandnetzwerk. “Together with our partners and sponsors, we want to show what deposits can be: a symbol of collective action and social responsibility,” says Overweg. “Everyone can help conserve resources and do good – bottle by bottle.”

The cooperation between the Pfandnetzwerk and noris inklusion impressively demonstrates how the circular economy and inclusion can go hand in hand and how an everyday gesture can contribute to greater participation.
It is an example of how trade fairs can be not only places of exchange, but also platforms for social engagement and sustainability. And it makes it clear that responsibility starts small – sometimes with a single bottle.

Two men and a woman in blue T-shirts are standing next to a blue trailer with the words “DONATE YOUR DEPOSIT” written on it. The woman and one of the men are each putting an empty bottle into a round opening in the trailer, while the third person is standing next to them. The trailer has several openings and graphic bottle symbols. In the background, there is a glass facade and a banner with a deposit design.
Every bottle counts – for environmental protection and new perspectives.

Author

Portrait Johanna Köhler
Johanna Köhler
Online Editing // PR Trainee