Option 2 – Reuse and Refill – Sustainable Packaging

The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of reducing the environmental impacts of flexible packaging thru the adoption of reuse and refill formats.

Available Courses of Action

Action 1 – Consider Reusable Packaging Solutions

Action 1 – Consider Reusable Packaging Solutions

Reusable packaging provides an innovative approach to reducing the environmental impact of single use packaging. Although logistics and other operational considerations are frequently identified as a key challenge to adopting reusable packaging, the historical acceptance of reusable packaging is driving a resurgence in exploring this sustainable packaging alternative.

The following use case(s) provide examples of where reusable packaging has been demonstrated.

Use Cases

Use Case	Innovation	Application	Release to Market
Goatote	Returnable Shopping Bag	Various	2021
Refill Coalition	Standardized, open-source refill system collaboration	Ambient dry goods (cereals, rice, pasta, nuts, seeds, dried fruit etc.)	2023

Supporting Resources

Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to flexible packaging include:

General Information

The Reuse Portal 2022
United Nations Environment Programme, World Wildlife Fund and the World Economic Forum
This is an open collaborative platform providing users access to practical guidance, tools and networks to take action and drive momentum for reuse solutions. The platform is still underdevelopment and will be released in phases during 2023/24.
Barriers and Opportunities for Driving Reuse in Canada 2022
ReUse Refill CanadaIdentifies the barriers to reusable and refillable systems in Canada for consumer packaging, and what policymakers can do to reduce these barriers.
How to Help Consumers Adopt Reusable Packaging 2021
IGD – UKBased on consumer research using over 2000 UK consumers, this report outlines key opportunities to help adopt reusable/refillable packaging solutions, while offering helpful insight into prioritizing reuse model types, and shifting consumer behavior to help drive change to making reusable packaging more mainstream.
Study on Reuse and Refill of Plastic Packaging: National Ecosystem Scan 2023
CPPThis Canadian study highlights the opportunities to implement reuse and refill systems as a way to reduce the amount of single-use plastics and move towards a more circular economy for plastic packaging.

Reusable Packaging Guidelines

Reuse – Rethinking Packaging 2019
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) – New Plastics Economy Initiative
This Guide helps in understanding Reuse models by identifying key benefits, and mapping 69 examples. It includes the evaluation of over 100 initiatives, and interviews with over 50 experts. Descriptions of how different reuse models work, and typical implementation challenges are provided.

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Project	Goatote
Brand(s)		Walmart, Loblaw, Pet Smart, Target, CVS, Co-op	Packaged Product(s)	Various
Market(s)		North America Pilots: Canada (Ontario); US (New Jersey, California)	Release to Market(s)	2021
Manufacturer		Goatote	Material(s)	Non-woven PP shopping bag
Summary	See Canadian Regulation on import, manufacture and sale of single-use plastic checkout bags. Solution replaces single-use plastic bag, a commonly found litter Provider reports bags are larger than typical single-use option, 3rd party tested for capacity/durability, made with 40% recycled content, designed for repair, verified China source. Solution delivered via in-store kiosk or at checkout Bags collected, washed, sterilized and returned to store; provider assessing washing techniques to filter micro-plastics. Provider reports kiosk-based pilots with over 90% return rates Cost to consumer (per use or subscription); cost to retailer – aim is cost neutrality. For consideration: UNEP LCA reports non-woven reusable bag is preferred to a single-use plastic bag after 10-20 uses – this may vary for Goatote bag.
References	Detailed insights on US pilot: https://www.closedlooppartners.com/beyond-the-bag/pilots/ LCA: United Nations Environment Programme (2020). Single-use plastic bags and their alternatives – Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessments. https://www.walmartcanada.ca/newsroom/2022/08/12/walmart-canada-pilots-circular-economy-reusable-bag-program-in-guelph-ontario https://www.closedlooppartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Beyond-the-Plastic-Bag-Sparking-a-Seachange-for-Reuse.pdf

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Project	Refill Coalition
Brand(s)		M&S, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado (online)	Packaged Product(s)	Ambient dry goods (cereals, rice, pasta, nuts, seeds, dried fruit etc.)
Market(s)		UK	Release to Market(s)	2023
Manufacturer		Refill Coalition	Material(s)	Standardized Vessel (Dispenser) + consumer-owned container
Summary	Solution eliminates need for flexible and rigid single-use primary packaging required for these products. Provider reports vessels are compliant with all UK/ EU regulations on food hygiene. Provider aims to reduce single-use packaging food waste linked to damaged packaging in transit, packaging print errors and oversupply for promotions. Provider modelling shows solution will allow retailers to profitably run refill sections. Provider notes solution is based on open-source standardization (like a beer keg or pallet), and rapidly scalable once proven. Solution designed to minimize in-store labour. Aim is to have the same vessel carry multiple product types, as this drives volume and reduces complexity of return logistics. Solution aims to futureproof the supply chain with respect to emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. Solution helps customers reduce single-use packaging in a simple, hygienic way. Customers can purchase just the quantity they need, which may reduce food waste at home. Customers receive a printed label at point of sale, showing all the legally required information. Retailers can further customize as desired.
References	https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/sustainability-and-environment/refill-coalition-trials-not-rolling-out-this-year/670641.article https://packagingeurope.com/news/uk-supermarkets-join-forces-for-worlds-biggest-multi-retailer-refill-trial/7945.article