Munich Startup: What does We Carry do? What problem do you solve?
Nelly Mathias, We Carry: We Carry is the first deposit system for reusable packaging in bakeries. Currently, we use 4.6 billion disposable bags in Germany for purchasing baked goods. That's quite a lot, and we usually only use the bags for a few minutes.
Our core product is that we offer a Service for bakeries We also call this "packaging-as-a-service." We take care of delivery, collection, and cleaning. The bakeries incur no expense, but are able to offer an alternative to disposable packaging. For the end customer, it's easy with a deposit – comparable to the bottle deposit.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Nelly Mathias: Yes, and no! Reusable bags for bread and other items are indeed available everywhere. But that's precisely the problem. We all have one somewhere at home. Most of the time, we can't find it or forget it when we want to buy baked goods.
Buying a new one every time? It's unattractive, both economically and ecologically. That's why We Carry offers a solution at the point of sale that we're already familiar with: buying and transporting baked goods in a cloth bag.
We Carry: Fight against disposable bags
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Nelly Mathias: At my parents' house, disposable paper bags are scattered throughout the kitchen. Mainly for our family dog, who then gets fed the old bread. This always bothered me. I also noticed that I keep reaching for the disposable bag myself, because I don't have my bag with me. Mischa felt the same way. That's why we teamed up and developed the idea of We Carry.
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Nelly Mathias: It certainly takes time to fully develop the reusable concept in discussions with bakeries. Many introduced deposit cups for coffee and other beverages at the beginning of 2023 as part of the mandatory reusable offering. This often evoked mixed feelings among the businesses.
We therefore truly want to establish an approach that doesn't involve any direct effort on the shop floor. If deposit cups often have to be washed directly in the bakery, we'll cover that part as well. Nevertheless, we must continually address these fears about the potential additional effort involved in reusable packaging. Because ultimately, reusable packaging makes more sense not only ecologically but also economically.
Comprehensive service for Munich and other cities
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Nelly Mathias: By the end of 2024, we will have established our reusable solution in two additional German cities – including the logistics processes behind it. Furthermore, we will truly make a nationwide impact from our home base in Munich and be available in many bakery chains. On the technological side, the serialization of our reusable bags will be completed by mid-year.
In five years, we will be an established and proven sustainable alternative to disposable packaging in Germany and at least one other European market. More than 20 percent of all baked goods sold in Germany will be in reusable WeCarry bags.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Nelly Mathias: We can't imagine a better location to start a business. The ecosystem is huge and helps you gain exposure. This, in turn, makes it much easier to build a network of supporters and potential investors.
Munich Startup: Public transport or bicycle?
Nelly Mathias: Absolutely by bike! Not least because we're currently using a cargo bike to deliver and pick up our reusable bags within the city. It's sometimes strenuous, but a lot of fun!
