Under Loop scheme, durable containers will be delivered instead of single-use packaging.
Yet more companies taking major steps to tackle the plastic packaging waste problem.
A group of the worlds largest consumer goods organisations have started to trial an initiative to use refillable and returnable containers for some of their premier brands.
The goal is to replace plastic packaging in an effort to drastically cut waste.
The initiative is know as the loop scheme. Here customers can choose goods like shampoo, washing detergent and toothpaste etc online. When delivery is made they are presented in durable refillable containers that can be collected by the courier and returned for cleaning and refill.
Big multi national names are involved in this scheme including Pepsi, Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble.
It is seen as a hassle free and convenient way to consume their products.
The actual Loop process whereby goods are delivered, collected & returned is run by the recycling company Terra Cycle.
The advantage here is that it really suits the customers lifestyle as they do not need to visit the store and remember to bring with them the used packaging container.
Much plastic packaging cannot be recycled or at least is not profitable to recycle.
By addressing the ‘single use’ aspect the group hopes to make a large dent into current plastic packaging uses.
The first trial cities will be New York and Paris later this year.
Following this a 12 month trial will hopefully see the scheme gather momentum and adopted in other major cities.
Latest in the Loop Scheme
In recent years, the concept of reusable packaging for eCommerce has gained momentum as an eco-friendly solution to tackle the plastic crisis. Loop, an initiative celebrating its fourth year, is at the forefront of this movement. In this article, we'll explore the latest developments in the world of reusable packaging and how it's becoming a game-changer in the retail landscape.
Loop, now in its fourth year, is evolving and expanding its presence. This month marks a significant milestone and shifts its focus toward greater retail participation. Schmid, a representative from Loop, explained this transition, stating that retailers are taking more responsibility for distributing reusable products.
The Urgent Need for Reusable Alternatives
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has released its report on Global Commitment 2022. One of the topics included is the emphasis on the urgency of reducing single-use packaging. The foundation favors reusable options over single-use when it comes to packaging. The report highlights the fact that recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis. By 2025, the organisations that committed to this endeavour strive to advocate 100% recyclable, reusable, and/or compostable packaging.
Challenges and Limited Progress
While some major brands, like Coca-Cola, set quantitative reuse targets in 2021, the progress in the reuse sector still needs to be improved. The truth is reusable packaging is reduced. In 2019, the share of reusable options in packaging was 1.5% and was reduced to 1.3% in 2020. By 2021, the share is 1.2%. In the recent report, every brand should come up with a reuse action plan. Furthermore, these same retailers should establish the action to ensure effective implementation.
Loop's Impact on Global Reuse
Loop claims to make a significant global impact in the reuse efforts. According to Schmid, their achievement lies in creating a global system operating across various markets and introducing a previously nonexistent reversed supply management chain over the past four years.
Measuring Success
The Loop system gauges its performance and success. One metric is the number of retail stores that distribute and collect reusable containers. The second metric is the number of consumers who drop off their reusable packaging at participating stores. Around 60% of consumers return their containers multiple times. This indicates that the system is effective.
Growing Trend in Reuse Regulations
A growing trend is observed in regulations promoting reusable containers across Europe. The European Commission (EC) has suggested rules to prohibit specific single-use containers and packaging. It makes it mandatory for all packaging to be designed for maximum reuse. This includes the possibility of serving take-out coffee products in reusable cups or containers.
The primary aim of these proposed regulations is to decrease waste in packaging by 15% in 2040. These regulations ensure that the packaging waste does not increase by 2030. This proposal is under review by the European Parliament.
National Initiatives
Countries are also taking steps to implement reuse legislation. France, for instance, enacted a law at the beginning of the year. It prohibits fast-food chains from serving food with disposable packaging & tableware for dine-in customers.
U.S. Catching Up
While the United States often lags in such legislation, there are signs of progress. In December, Congress lawmakers introduced an act to protect communities. The act aims to target and increase the refill & reuse program by 30%. The target date is 2032.
Conclusion
The concept of reusable packaging for e-commerce is gaining momentum as the world grapples with the plastic crisis. Loop, after four years of operation, is moving into a new phase with a focus on increased retail involvement, offering a real-world solution to the problem of single-use packaging.
The urgent need for reusable alternatives is underlined in the progress and commitment report of 2022 by the EMF (Ellen MacArthur Fdn). While challenges and limited progress persist, Loop's global impact and the growing trend in reuse regulations show promise.
National initiatives and the U.S. catching up further signify a positive shift towards reducing plastic waste. Reusable packaging for e-commerce is not just a trend; it's a necessity for a sustainable future.
