\u00a0<\/span>is a good platform to look at in this space.<\/span><\/p>\nThere are also other containers such as Heinz Tomato ketchup that seem to have used the same packaging as their existing single-use alternatives. I expect this is much like Naked in that it\u2019s an easy first step into this space allowing the brand to quantify the value proposition. The current ketchup bottle has been light-weighted through many iterations to reduce costs whereas glass receptacles intended for reuse need to be redesigned to support the rigours of the return and sorting processes. In this case, the hexagonal design is poorly suited to a reusable glass execution. Returnable glass Coke bottles are a better example that can be returned through their dedicated channels.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arne.studio\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Heinz_Naked.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Redesigned plastic packs with permanent screen printed labels<\/span><\/h4>\nAnother interesting offering is the Ecover bottle. Ecover, owned by SC Johnson along with Method, are a brand focused on reducing waste. Here their HDPE bottle has both embossed and debossed features which increase cleaning complexity. The bottle features direct printing decoration. It could be pad printed but I think due to the thickness of the ink it’s more likely to be screen printed. Screen printing offers the opportunity to eliminate the traditional label and move to a long term label that remains on the bottle through multiple reuse cycles. There are several decisions to be made when choosing such a printing technique including specialised ink selection, butane or corona surface pre-treating to break the skin tension, and after printing there is a UV finishing process to consider. Each of these variables needs to be optimised to ensure the long term success of the pack.<\/span><\/p>\nCleaning bottles vs cleaning caps<\/span><\/h4>\nUnlike their bottle, the Ecover cap is disposable. It features a living hinge that will not withstand long term use. The decision to not reuse may come down to the availability of industrial cleaning facilities. Cleaning caps requires a completely different approach to cleaning bottles. Caps need to be agitated similar to your washing machine to ensure any product which is in the small recess of the injection moulded component can be removed. Bottles on the other hand need to be held upside down and exposed to jets of water like your dishwasher.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arne.studio\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ecover04.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Refill is not always the best solution<\/h4>\n
Finally, the presence of stainless steel tubs to house tablets and tea bags is a bit of a surprise. Teabags traditionally come in a thin cardboard box which is ideally suited to recycling. You can also buy sugar in similar SS containers. Currently, most consumers purchase sugar in a paper bag and dispense it into their jar at home. It’s necessary to look at the alternative when considering a deposit and return scheme; migrating from lightweight paper-based containers to heavy steel containers which need to be brought back to the store, transported to a cleaning site, sterilised and then sent to the filling line does not seem to stack up.<\/p>\n
Reusable dishwashing tablet containers make a little more sense as they would eliminate the use of a thick flexible pouch or thermoformed tub. For both teabags and laundry pods, surely the best solution is to have a dispenser similar to that used for dry foods eliminating the need to return any packaging. This approach would allow brands to invest in a better keep at home child-safe container which would, in turn, elevate the brand.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arne.studio\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/LargeTubs_Tea-n-Tabs.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Keep it simple – the return process<\/h4>\n
The consumer-facing return portion of the loop system is well thought out and simple. The return station contains no obvious power connections relying on your phone to track the returns. Removing complicated interfaces from in-store systems, be it at return or collection, offers the lowest cost and reduces items that need to be serviced as a result of a malfunction.<\/p>\n
To return your pack, just pull the lever on the outside of the machine to expel a pre-printed QR code sticker. These stickers are digitally printed to achieve a roll of unique ID\u2019s. Once the sticker is applied to your bottle it\u2019s scanned with the app on your phone and placed into the hopper. You are then credited with the returned deposit, I think once the pack has been received from the collection point.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arne.studio\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/loop-return.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
As you can see there\u2019s quite some movement in this space. I expect the offerings to change, the brands involved to grow, and based on the amount of activity I witnessed in all three stores, the uptake to increase. For a career-long packaging engineer, it\u2019s an exciting time to be working in the industry.<\/p>\n
Ben Colman<\/p>\n
Arne.Studio is a creative engineering consultancy focusing on FMCG specifically the design and development of refillable packaging and associated transformation processes. We work with brands, retailers and service providers across the supply chain. Why not check out our website or get in touch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In this post I provide a review of three different in-store refill operations found in the UK, specifically looking at POS dispensing and return to store along with the packaging which supports these ecosystems. Packaging costs are rising steeply due to increases in raw materials costs, supply chain complexities and transportation, not to mention the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1206,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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