Tesco has raised its sustainability credentials with the launch of a pilot online venture in partnership with zero waste shopping platform Loop.
Shoppers can order a wide variety of products like juices, sauces, shampoo, soaps, moisturiser, and washing-up liquid in customised, brand-specific and private label, durable refillable packaging.
Loop has the support of a number of major suppliers, with Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola European Partners, Danone, Unilever, Mars Wrigley and Pepsico all providing products.
When they first order, consumers pay a refundable deposit fee on each piece of packaging. They receive their products in a reusable shipping tote bag. After use, consumers place the empty containers back into the tote and then have a variety of return options – go online to schedule a pickup from their home (which can be combined with their next delivery) or drop off the tote and empty packaging at one of the 2,500 DPD collection points across the UK. Loop sorts and cleans the packaging and tote bag so that each container may be safely refilled by the manufacturer.
Tesco has partnered with Loop as a part of its 4R Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle strategy with a view of making products in reusable packaging available in stores next year.
Tesco boss Dave Lewis said the multiple had a “clear ambition” to reduce packaging: “Our ground-breaking partnership with Loop has been designed to test a new way of helping customers use less plastic and explore the exciting potential of reuse. We will learn what works at scale as we develop plans with Loop to introduce reusable packaging into our business.”
