UK Refill Coalition Launches First In-store Trial at Aldi to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste: Innovative Refill Solution Transforms the Way Consumers Shop

The UK Refill Coalition, consisting of Aldi UK, Ocado Retail, and CHEP, aims to combat single-use plastic packaging waste. Today, they are launching a pilot program at Aldi UK’s Solihull store to test a new refill solution for key food staples and household products. By eliminating single-use plastic packaging, this system allows retailers to offer refill products at a lower price compared to packaged alternatives. If successful, the Coalition plans to expand this initiative to more stores and online platforms.

Refills play a vital role in addressing the issue of single-use plastic packaging waste. If each household in the UK refilled just one item per week, over 1.4 billion items of single-use packaging could be eliminated annually. This solution involves reusable bulk vessels for products like cereals and pasta, as well as cleaning and personal care items. By removing single-use plastic packaging from the supply chain, this system increases efficiency and reduces costs. Customers simply need to bring their own containers.

The Refill Coalition has been supported by manufacturers Berry Global, DIGI, Eden, and Trade Fixtures, who have developed new equipment for this refill solution. The project is also backed by UKRI’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge fund. By creating a reusable vessel system, the Coalition aims to offer three key solutions: an in-store refill system for dry goods, a tareless weighing system and liquids dispense currently in development, and a bulk home delivery refill solution set to launch next year.

Designed to be a global standard, this solution can be adopted by any supplier or retailer, reducing costs, food waste, and expanding the availability of refills across different store types. Public appetite for alternative packaging choices is strong, with research showing that 67% to 85% of UK adults would try refilling if it was available in mainstream supermarkets, and 73% of online shoppers showing interest.

Although supermarkets have made efforts to reduce plastic packaging, it is estimated that the UK grocery market still sells at least 56.5 billion units of single-use plastic packaging each year. The Refill Coalition’s new refill solution is a step forward in achieving significant reductions in single-use packaging waste.

In early 2024, industry colleagues will have the opportunity to visit the live solution and learn more about the supply chain innovation behind this initiative. The Coalition, which has been working on this project for over three years, is excited about the potential impact of refills in reducing single-use plastic packaging and looks forward to future developments. Quotes from the Refill Coalition members and partners emphasize their commitment to this cause.

www.refillcoalition.com       www.gounpackaged.com/solutions