Ocado Retail has initiated what it claims to be the first major supermarket trial of an online reusable packaging scheme aimed at diminishing the reliance on single-use packaging for customers’ weekly groceries.
The scheme, which is set to launch in two phases, introduces a reusable vessel designed for the delivery of food and laundry products to the consumer for no additional costs.
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Reportedly, if every household in the UK were to reuse just one item per week, it could prevent more than 1.4 billion pieces of single-use packaging from being discarded annually.
The reusable range will incorporate commonly purchased items, offering the same quality and value while cutting down on single-use plastic usage.
The first phase of the trial, beginning this month, will see the introduction of Ocado Reuse Basmati Rice 2kg and Ocado Reuse Penne Pasta 1kg.
The second phase, scheduled for later in the year, will expand the selection to include Ocado Reuse Non-Bio-Liquid Detergent 3l and Ocado Reuse Skies Fabric Conditioner 3l.
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By GlobalDataThese reusable containers will be prefilled and delivered with the rest of customers’ Ocado orders.
The empty containers are then returned to the Ocado driver, cleaned, and refilled at the supplier.
Each container, designed to replace up to five single-use plastic items, can be used more than 60 times, significantly reducing plastic waste over time.
Ocado Retail product director Simon Hinks said: “We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to pilot an online reusable packaging scheme. Most people understand the concept and know it works in a physical store but this trial brings the solution 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.”
GoUnpackaged will support the trial by handling the washing and logistics for Ocado Retail.
The initiative follows research conducted by Ocado Retail and Savanta, which surveyed more than 2,000 consumers and found a growing public demand for less single-use plastic in grocery shopping.
Specifically, the survey revealed that 70% expressed concern over the waste produced by single-use packaging, and 33% would choose retailers offering refillable options for pantry items.
Furthermore, 73% of consumers believe more supermarkets should provide refillable options.
In July last year, Polytag announced the commencement of a new milk bottle recycling initiative for customers of Ocado Retail.
