Ocado has launched a trial to sell everyday products in refillable packaging. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste by offering customers the option to purchase items in containers that can be returned, cleaned, and reused.
The trial includes a variety of household essentials such as cleaning products, pantry staples, and personal care items. If successful, this initiative could lead to a broader adoption of sustainable packaging solutions across the retail sector.
During Phase One, 2kg packs of basmati rice and 1kg packs of penne pasta under the new Ocado Reuse brand will be included. Phase two, set to launch later this year, will introduce 3-litre containers of Ocado Reuse non-bio liquid detergent and Skies fabric conditioner.
The reusable containers are pre-filled with the products and delivered to customers along with their other groceries. Customers can return the empty containers to Ocado’s delivery drivers during their next delivery. These containers are then washed and refilled by suppliers for reuse.
Simon Hinks, product director at Ocado Retail, believes “Most people understand the concept and know it works in a physical store but this trial brings [refillable packaging] straight to customers’ doors. Our customers are already used to giving their bags back to our drivers for recycling – so this is a really sensible next step for us to help our customers reduce single-use plastic on products they buy frequently.”
Each container is designed to replace up to five single-use plastic items and can be used more than 60 times. If every UK household reused just one item weekly, it would eliminate more than 1.4 billion single-use packaging items annually.
This initiative aims to make it easier for customers to reduce their plastic waste by integrating refillable packaging into their regular shopping routines.
