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 |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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References |
Supporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to flexible packaging include:
General Information
Reusable Packaging Guidelines