Supermarkets trial: UK ready for reuse systems

The trial was run by the Refill Coalition, formed by Aldi UK, Ocado Retail and CHEP and convened by GoUnpackaged.

The refill stations were tested in Aldi stores over a 16-month period in Solihull and Leamington Spa, using modular refill ‘vessels’ integrated into existing supply chains.

The online consumer returnables were offered through Ocado.com for eight months to date, where customers can receive and return pre-filled reusable containers as part of their regular delivery.

Supported by Innovate UK’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge, the project proved to excite and engage consumers, demonstrated with maximum sales shares on a given week of 57% for in-store and 43% for online.

Key findings from the trial include:

• Strong consumer demand
• In-store refill sales peaked at 57%, averaging 30% of sales share.
• Online reuse products reached up to 43% weekly sales share, averaging 16%.
• 97% of Aldi users rated the refill experience hygienic; 89% found it easy to use.
• 100% of Ocado users said packaging was clean; 96% would buy again.
• Aldi staff found restocking refill stations simple and quick.
• Ocado’s model fitted seamlessly into its existing logistics, with vessel return rate reaching an impressive 86% without deposit incentives.

‘Critical steps’

The Refill Coalition said: “We are extremely proud of our collective work to design and launch these new refill & reuse systems, which form a key part of the solution to tackling the single-use plastics crisis. The trial demonstrates the solutions’ operational efficiency, clear environmental benefit and scalability which are critical steps towards industry transformation.

“Additionally, the sales share and in-depth research provide evidence of the significant consumer appetite for refill and reuse as part of their regular shop. We look forward to seeing other retailers and brands taking up these proven solutions, enabling an acceleration towards a reuse future.”