Woolworths and its shoppers will soon have the eco advantage of having containers and bottles returned to store for cleaning and refilling under a new partnership announced yesterday.
The project, called Loop, will see the supermarket giant work in partnership with TerraCycle in its quest to eliminate plastic packaging in grocery deliveries.
Beginning in mid-2021, Australian grocery shoppers will be able to receive products from their favourite brands in reusable containers, delivered right to their doors.
They will be enabled by the initiative to sustainably consume a variety of commonly used products such as washing detergent, shampoo, juice or ice cream in customised, brand-specific, durable packaging that is delivered in a specially designed reusable shipping tote.
When finished with the product, the packaging is collected or can be dropped back in store, cleaned, refilled and reused – creating a revolutionary circular shopping system.
Solution for ‘difficult to recycle’ packaging and products
Loop is especially geared to tackle plastic waste in Australia by finding solutions for ‘difficult to recycle’ packaging and products.
“Woolworths is the perfect partner to bring Loop to Australia due to its operational scale and commitment to environmental sustainability,” Loop VP Global Business Development Manager Anthony Rossi said.
“Together we will help eliminate the idea of waste and bring a better product experience to consumers.”
Customers want eco friendly, wholesome products
Woolworths General Manager of Quality, Health and Sustainability Alex Holt said, “Our customers are increasingly telling us they want products that are good for them, and good for the planet.
“Helping bring Loop to Australia is a further step in our long term ambition to reduce our impact on the environment and support a circular economy.”
Loop has partnered with major brands and retailers including Unilever, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble and Nestlé.