OUT THE BOX

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

ZERO WASTE RETAILING

AS CONSUMER INTEREST IN THE ENVIRONMENT CONTINUES TO GROW, ONE GREAT SOLUTION IS ZERO WASTE REFILL STATIONS. WE SPEAK TO GREENCITY WHOLEFOOD’S CRAIG MCCORMACK TO GET THE LOWDOWN ON HOW TO ADD ONE TO YOUR STORE.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

Self-service zero waste refill stations.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Customers simply bring their own containers and take as much of what’s on offer as they like. No packaging, no plastic bags, no waste.

WHAT WOULD A BASIC STARTER RANGE LOOK LIKE?

The range will vary depending on location, but common products are porridge oats, muesli, lentils, nuts and dried fruits. Herbs and spices can also be great value compared to small jars.

HOW BIG IS GREENCITY’S FULL LOOSE RANGE?

We have hundreds of items and are adding to this constantly.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SET UP A STATION?

Gravity feeders attached to the wall work really well and they are priced at around £100, depending on the size of the unit. There are lots of options, though, and some retailers simply reuse old sweet jars for herbs, spices and smaller loose goods. You also need weighing scales. It’s about what works for you: all-singing all-dancing or low budget but beautiful.

WHERE DO RETAILERS GET THE EQUIPMENT?

We don’t sell fixtures so have no allegiance with any company. I know quite a few of our customers have used HL-Display and the feedback has been positive, but there are lots of options on Google.

WHAT PACK SIZES ARE AVAILABLE FROM GREENCITY?

Sizes differ depending on products. Oats and muesli are available in 10kg and 25kg. Pasta is often 6kg and 10kg. Herbs and spices tend to be 500g to 1kg. Liquids for washing up, laundry, cleaning and body care vary between 5l and 20l.

HOW LONG DOES STOCK LAST IN THE UNITS?

Most products have an extended shelf life and we can always advise people on this. Most products like oats, muesli etc are the same as the traditional bagged items. The odd exception are items like yeast which has a more limited life once opened.

HOW CAN RETAILERS ENSURE CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE?

The units are cleaned after each batch is sold, which is quick and easy. If you use scoops or tongs these should be cleaned every night after use.

MARGINS?

That really is up to retailers. We sell items at a wholesale price and don’t promote a particular RSP. Retailers could easily look to add 25-35% margin.

WHO’S ALREADY DOING IT?

There are dozens of retailers in Scotland using self-serve zero waste units. It has grown dramatically in the past 12 months and there are some shops dedicated specifically to zero waste retailing.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DELIVER?

We deliver to most areas weekly, although the cities are more often than weekly. You can also collect from Greencity if you place orders the day before.

DO YOU OFFER START-UP SUPPORT FOR RETAILERS?

Absolutely. We are always happy to speak to retailers or visit them if they are interested. I would always recommend a conversation with us before setting up as we can offer advice based on what you sell presently and give suggestions of what would work for a retailer and a specific store.

HOW DO RETAILERS FIND OUT MORE?

Visit www.greencity.coop.