Ocado pilots reusable packaging scheme for online shoppers

Ocado Retail has partnered with the UK Refill Coalition to introduce a significant new initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics through a reusable packaging scheme designed specifically for online shopping.

As the first major supermarket to implement such a trial, Ocado Retail is testing a new reusable vessel for delivering food cupboard staples and laundry products at scale, without any additional cost to customers. If widely adopted, this initiative could prevent over 1.4 billion items of single-use packaging from entering the waste stream annually in the UK.

The trial is being conducted in two phases. The first phase, beginning in August, will feature products like Ocado Reuse Basmati Rice 2kg and Ocado Reuse Penne Pasta 1kg. The second phase, scheduled for later this year, will expand the trial to include Ocado Reuse Non-Bio Liquid Detergent 3L and Ocado Reuse Skies Fabric Conditioner 3L.

The reusable containers are pre-filled and delivered with customers’ regular Ocado orders. Once emptied, customers can return the containers with their next delivery. The containers are then collected, hygienically washed, and refilled by the supplier. Each container is designed for repeated use, potentially replacing up to five single-use plastic items and being reused over 60 times.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by The Refill Coalition to develop standardised solutions that can be implemented across the industry. GoUnpackaged, a leading UK refill expert that initiated the coalition in 2020, will oversee the washing and logistics for this trial.

The Refill Coalition said: We are delighted to see Ocado Retail bring a direct to consumer reusable packaging solution to market. As a Coalition we share the mutual objective of reducing single-use plastic packaging and believe that the solutions we have developed present a landmark opportunity for us to make a step change in the commercialisation of reusable packaging which we know can play a significant role in the reduction of single-use plastic packaging.

Simon Hinks, Product Director at Ocado Retail, said: We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to pilot an online reusable packaging scheme. Most people understand the concept and know it works in a physical store but this trial brings the solution straight to customers’ doors. Our customers are already used to giving their bags back to our drivers for recycling - so this is a really sensible next step for us to help our customers reduce single-use plastic on products they buy frequently.