Waitrose has launched a packaging-free trial featuring pick and mix frozen fruit, wine on tap and rice and pasta dispensers.
The scheme, aimed at reducing unnecessary packaging, has been called ‘a bold step’ by Ariana Densham, ocean plastics campaigner for Greenpeace UK. The produce found in the unpacked refill stations will be up to 15% cheaper – and, for instance, the frozen fruit "pick and mix" – which includes strawberries, cherries and mango – would be far cheaper per 100g than the packaged equivalent.
‘Lots of supermarkets are starting to sell loose fruit and vegetables, which is good, but more importantly this kind of innovation could spark a refill culture that's so desperately needed to cut plastics in mainstream shops,’ she said of the new scheme.
‘The top 10 UK supermarkets produce 810,000 tonnes of throwaway packaging each year, so we need to see other major retailers taking plastic reduction seriously and following Waitrose's lead.’
During the trial customers will be able to bring their own containers – My Waitrose members can also "borrow" a box from the supermarket – and use the refill zone of the store to fill up on loose vegetables and frozen fruit. Additional dispensers contain washing up liqud, wine, beer, ground coffee, pasta, rice, grains and dried fruit.
The trial will last 11 weeks – from now until August 18 at their store in Botley Road, Oxford.
‘We are determined to build on the work we've already done to reduce packaging,’ said Tor Harris, from Waitrose & Partners. ‘This test will take our efforts to a whole new level as we help the growing number of customers who want to shop in a more sustainable way.
READ MORE: The Best Plastic-Free Products To Fill Your Bathroom
The Best Plastic-Free Products To Fill Your Bathroom
1 of 15L'Occitane, Gentle & Balance Solid Shampoo, £10
2 of 15Ethique, Heali Kiwi Shampoo Bar, £11.93
3 of 15Lush, Solid Deodorant, £5.50
4 of 15Gallinée, Cleansing Bar, £10
5 of 15Hydrophil, Organic Biodegradable Cotton Buds, £1.85
6 of 15Anything But Plastic, Bamboo Toothbrush, £3.99
7 of 15Etsy, Organic Cotton Make-Up Pads, £5.50
8 of 15Simple, Biodegradable Face Wipes, £2
9 of 15Glasshouse, Wooden Cushion Brush, £23
10 of 15The Konjac Sponge Company, Pure Konjac Puff Sponge, £8.99
11 of 15Rahua, Dry Shampoo, £30
12 of 15Who Gives A Crap, 100% Recycled Toilet Paper, £36 for 48 rolls
13 of 15The Shaving Shack, Double-Edged Safety Razor, £26.99
14 of 15The Natural Deodorant Company, Clean Deodorant Balm Vanilla + Manuka Clean Deodorant Balm Lemon + Geranium, £11
15 of 15Bybi, Babe Multipurpose Balm, £28
‘This test has huge potential to shape how people might shop with us in the future so it will be fascinating to see which concepts our customers have an appetite for,' Harris continued.
‘We know we're not perfect and have more to do, but we believe this is an innovative way to achieve something different.’