WRAP Retail Trials Could Signal a 'Reusables Revolution'
A series of industry trials exploring the benefits of reusable packaging could signal a step-change in the retail environment as we know it says WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
Working in collaboration with industry partners such as Asda, Crown Paints, B&Q, STFI-Packforsk Edge, McBrides, CEVA Logistics and Parcelforce, WRAP will explore how reusable and refillable systems have the potential to help the retail supply chain significantly reduce packaging and product damage, save on costs and increase consumer loyalty. This activity will include a major international review of existing studies comparing the environmental impacts of single use and reusable packaging – the findings from which could help companies to make more informed choices.
A particularly exciting development will see innovative self-dispensing technology on trial in a number of Asda supermarket stores across the UK later this year, enabling consumers to purchase concentrated fabric conditioner in reusable pouches that can be refilled up to 10 times at state-of-the-art automated machines. The product will be transported in bulk and held ‘back of store’ then piped to the aisle. Customers can bring the pouch back for refilling at no extra cost to purchasing a standard bottle, but at a reduced pack weight which benefits the environment. Potential reduction in carbon impacts and waste offered by the new system will also be assessed.
Similar trials will take place in the Home Improvement sector. Crown Paints is trialling a reuse scheme at Crown Decorator Centres encouraging tradesmen to return empty polypropylene paint containers in-store for onward cleaning and refill. With around 300 million litres of decorative paint sold in the UK every year, the potential for cost and material savings is vast.
Meanwhile B&Q is testing reusable packaging formats suitable for the home delivery of ‘longs’ – such as skirting board or interior trims for kitchen and bedroom products. An early reusable packaging prototype for ‘longs’ products completed more than 20 trips during testing, preventing the need for single-trip corrugated packaging for these journeys. This builds on B&Q’s award-winning project to adopt reusable transit Carrierpacs for kitchen worktops, some of which have now reached 80 uses, much higher than expected and delivering even greater cost savings and transit packaging reductions.
WRAP’s Retail Programme Manager for Home Improvement, Mike Robey, says: “Reusable packaging and its associated technical innovations offer us an opportunity to fundamentally re-think the retail experience. For example, it allows us to capitalise on a growing consumer consciousness regarding re-use, which we have seen evidenced most recently in relation to carrier bags.
“Our focus in these trials is to identify the commercial viability of reusable packaging in a range of different retail and supply chain settings and to measure the impact on the amount of packaging required and product waste produced. Results will be shared with industry throughout 2009 and 2010 and support a number of objectives in the Government’s new packaging strategy. This work could, when combined with growing consumer trends, spark a ‘reusables revolution’ in consumer packaging - building on the growing recognition of the contribution reusable packaging can play in the supply chain.”
Further details on this research are available in the supporting information. Businesses can also sign up to the WRAP retail e-newsletter at retail@wrap.org.uk to keep up to date with the latest news and research.
More information on WRAP’s work in this area can be found at http://www.wrap.org.uk/retail or by calling the Helpline on 0800 100 2040.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk
