Finding the right Refill + Reuse resources and partners for pilots

Here we take a look at a selection of people and businesses we know, as well as some newer players and interesting reuse examples. We applaud them for their efforts, helping to drive us closer to a refill revolution.

We start by taking a global view with the World Economic Forum’s report on The Future of Reusable Consumption Models. We recently wrote a summary in our Reuse + Refill Focus report for the Knowledge Bank.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation for Models of Reuse is often cited as a useful framework for businesses to consider. Head to slide 12 of the deck in this link.

Tracy from Root delivered a webcast in 2020 for the KIDV in the Netherlands, and interviewed Terracycle, Unilever and Veolia. The session identified the need for a forum for reuse collaboration. KIDV recently launched the Community of Practice on Reusable Packaging, a collaborative platform for research and discussion around the implementation of reusable packaging options. Retailers, research institutes, brand owners, service providers, and start-ups are all invited.

Upstream® was founded in 2003 by a group of Zero Waste activists in the US and Canada. They deliver superb events, great reports, and are the organisers of the Reusies Awards – check out the full list of finalists and solution providers.

Another initiative of note is The Refill Coalition, a refill trial by the multi-retailer Unpackaged, sponsored by UKRI. The trial focuses on standardised b2b refills with branded points in-store for customers to use. Berry Global are supplying the refill containers.

ClubZero, Ozarka, CauliBox, ReRe, Vytal, Again, and Dizzie offer solutions that are worth investigating.

Retailer initiatives are diverse, and many are currently trialling in-store refills. In the UK, M&S, Waitrose, and Morrisons, and online retailers Abel & Cole and Ocado, are all working within the Refill Coalition. Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Lidl are also currently trialling their own refill programmes.

Further afield, Algramo is working with Lider and Acuenta in Chile, trials for in-store refills are underway for Mercadona in Spain and Carrefour in France, and in Indonesia, Siklus is offering online groceries in reusable packaging.

– In France

We reviewed champagne packaging; reusable, but not recyclable

– In Croatia

We saw dry food refill stations in several retailers

– In Portugal

We found Eco Water refill units in a number of stores

Root is one of Europe’s leading sustainable consultancies, advising brands on how to use less and transition to becoming a regenerative, inclusive and kinder organisation to people and our planet.

To talk about your requirement please get in touch by email at impact@root-innovation.com or complete the enquiry form