The retailer was the first to trial Loop in-store, introducing a mix of its own-label items and branded goods in refillable packaging.
Shoppers now have access to more than 50 Carrefour products and over 370 items from national and international suppliers in reusable containers.
Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle and Loop, commented: “France has shown that reuse can work – not as a concept or a pilot, but at full commercial scale.”
“As other countries face growing pressure to move beyond single-use packaging, the lesson is clear: if the conditions are right, reuse can become a mainstream way of doing business – not a fringe solution.”
Deposit return system for packaging
The system, developed by TerraCycle under the Loop brand, allows customers to buy products in durable packaging by paying a deposit.
Containers are returned to participating stores without cleaning and are then collected, washed, and reused.
The model is designed to reduce reliance on single-use packaging and has been tested in several countries, including Japan, Canada, the United States and the UK, which trialled the Loop shopping platform with Tesco stores.
Carine Kraus, Executive Director of Engagement and member of Carrefour’s Executive Committee, said: “Thanks to Loop, we’ve proven that it is possible to offer consumers everyday products in reusable packaging – without compromising convenience or the in-store experience.
“This achievement at industrial scale confirms that the right mix of bold regulation, logistical innovation, and collective commitment is the key to transforming our distribution model for the long term.”
Nationwide reuse system
Following Carrefour’s roll-out, retailers Monoprix and Coopérative U have also adopted the scheme, creating what is described as a “nationwide reuse system”.
The interoperable set-up means packaging can be returned to any participating supermarket regardless of where the product was purchased.
Large manufacturers such as Ferrero, Danone, Suntory and Coca-Cola have joined the platform, with packaging available across a wide range of everyday items, from wine and soft drinks to spreads and toiletries.
The platform was unveiled in 2019 at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.
Christian Kaufholz, Head, Community Engagement and Impact, Global Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum, said: “Loop’s progress in France shows what’s possible when retailers, brands, policy makers, and solution providers move together.
Véronique Louwagie, Minister Delegate for Trade, Crafts, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Social and Solidarity Economy of France, added: “With the AGEC law and the commitment of our businesses and regions, we have built one of the most advanced frameworks for reuse in the world.
“This isn’t just a national success; it’s a model that inspires, influences, and demonstrates that the transition to a circular economy is possible on a large scale.”
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