Ocado is launching a trial this month to offer everyday products such as rice, pasta, and laundry detergent in refillable containers as part of its effort to reduce single-use plastic. The initiative, branded as Ocado Reuse, aims to advance the company’s sustainability goals by delivering products in reusable vessels and collecting the empty containers during subsequent deliveries. These containers will be inspected, cleaned, and refilled for future deliveries.
The trial will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, starting this month, will include 2kg bags of basmati rice and 1kg packets of penne pasta. The second phase, scheduled for later this year, will feature 3-liter containers of fabric conditioner and non-bio liquid detergent. Customers will not incur additional charges for the reusable packaging and can choose delivery and collection options for these refilled products.
Simon Hinks, Ocado Retail’s Product Director, stated, “While many are familiar with refillable packaging in physical stores, this trial brings it directly to customers’ homes. Our customers are accustomed to returning bags for recycling, so this is a logical step towards reducing single-use plastics for frequently purchased items.”
Ocado has partnered with The Refill Coalition to develop and implement its refilling processes. The containers, designed and supplied by Berry Global, are intended to replace up to five single-use plastic containers or packets and can be reused approximately 60 times.
A recent survey of over 2,000 UK adults revealed that one-third already use refillable options for at least one product. Additionally, 75% of respondents expressed willingness to support more refillable options if prices remain stable and quality is maintained.
In related news, Ocado has also partnered with Alcampo to launch Spain’s first Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC), an advanced automated warehouse utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance order efficiency. Gregor Ulitzka, President Europe at Ocado Solutions, highlighted the positive impact of this partnership on service quality, while Antonio Valverde, Director of eCommerce at Alcampo, emphasized the CFC’s role in advancing omnichannel grocery shopping in Spain.
