OUT THE BOX

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…LOOP E-COMMERCE PROGRAMME

LOOP LAUNCHES ZERO- WASTE E-COMMERCE PILOT WITH TESCO

ZERO-WASTE SHOPPING PLATFORM LOOP HAS LAUNCHED A PILOT E-COMMERCE PROGRAMME WITHTESCO WHICH SEES SHOPPERS PAY A DEPOSIT FEE ON CUSTOMISED PACKAGING WHICH IS REFUNDEDUPON RETURN OF THE PACKAGING.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

A zero-waste e-commerce solution that allows shoppers to order a wide range of products and ensure that the packaging is fully recycled after use.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It has been launched as a pilot with Tesco by Loop, a zerowaste shopping platform, and lets shoppers conveniently order everything from juices, sauces and shampoo to washing detergent and moisturiser (branded and own label) in customised, durable, refillable packaging. Customers pay a deposit fee on each piece of packaging which is then fully refunded upon return of the packaging.

WHAT DO SHOPPERS DO?

Shoppers order via www.loopstore.co.uk and receive their products in a reusable tote bag. After use, consumers place the empty containers back into their tote and have a variety of return options: go online to schedule a pickup (which can be combined with their next delivery) or drop off the tote at one of 2,500 DPD collection points across the UK.

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

Loop sorts and professionally cleans the packaging and tote bag so each container may be safely refilled by the manufacturer. Cleaned and refilled containers are simultaneously replenished as needed to the consumer, creating a convenient and safe zero waste shopping system.

WHICH BRANDS ARE INVOLVED?

A lot, including Heinz Ketchup, Coca-Cola, Danone, Nivea, M&Ms and Tropicana.

HOW DO CONSUMERS GET INVOLVED?

They simply sign up on the Loop website and can start shopping immediately.

WHY TESCO?

The supermarket giant is Loop’s first retail partner and has got on board as part of its 4R strategy – Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – to understand how a shopping service using reusable packaging can work in the UK. Both companies will work together with a view of making products in reusable packaging available at Tesco stores as early as 2021.