Waitrose joins the Unpackaged Movement

The circular economy in action! This could well become one of the key points of non-price differentiation between grocery retailers in the UK. Waitrose is trialling refilling stations for dried fruits, pasta, wines and beers using a bottle deposit system in a bid to cut their use of plastic.

Prices are typically 15% cheaper than the packaged alternatives providing an added incentive.

28 products including grains, cereals, coffee beans, dried fruit & seeds have been taken out of packaging and will be available through dispensers. Refillable bottles can be used to purchase a small range of beers and wines.

More here from the Unpackaged Blog

Hopefully this will scale across the country. If such a trial doesn't work on the Botley Road Waitrose in Oxford then it is unlikely to work anywhere!