Ocado Retail is the first major supermarket to pilot a reusable packaging scheme in an effort to reduce the use of single-use packaging.

The trial scheme, designed for online retail, will use a reusable vessel that entails no extra cost to the customer. If every household in the UK opted to reuse just one item per week, it is estimated that it could eliminate over one billion items of single-use packaging per year.

The reusable container is pre-filled with product and delivered to customers alongside the rest of their shop. Customers then return the empty container to their next Ocado driver. The containers are then collected and hygienically washed before being filled again at the supplier. Each vessel replaces up to five single-use plastic items and is designed to be used over 60 times, leading to a significant reduction in single-use plastic over time.

The new reusable range will include frequently purchased items to reduce the use of single-use plastic on everyday items. In phase one of the trial, starting in August, basmati rice and penne pasta will be offered. In phase two later this year, liquid detergent and fabric conditioner will be offered.

As a founding member of The Refill Coalition, Ocado Retail’s aim is to lead on developing an industry standard for online reusable packaging that can be used by any supplier or retailer. This will enable fast adoption by industry to make reusable packaging available to every UK customer. GoUnpackaged will manage the washing and logistics for Ocado Retail for this part of the trial.

---