Tesco trials reusable packaging among everyday essentials

Tesco has partnered with reusable packaging platform Loop to launch a trial across 10 stores in the UK
.

From today, customers will be able to purchase products in reusable packaging that can be returned to the store after use to be washed, refilled and reused
.
The 88 products include brands such as Persil, Carex and Tetley Tea, as well as 35 private label products
.

Customers wishing to opt for reusable packaging simply go to the in-store Loop fixture and put their desired product into a trolley as part of their shopping
.
The Loop range comes pre-packed in a suitable container and there is a refundable deposit of £0.
2 per item at checkout
.
The deposit will be refunded through an app when customers return the package to the in-store collection point
.

Tesco Group chief executive Ken Murphy said: "We are determined to tackle the problem of plastic waste and one of the ways we can help is by improving the reuse options for our customers
.
"

Tom Szaky, founder and chief executive of Loop and TerraCycle, said: "Consumer response to Loop in these first Tesco stores will prove critical to perfecting the Loop product, and ultimately we hope to expand the range of products available in more stores and in expanded and reused
.
”

The supermarket chain has recently rolled out soft plastic recycling facilities in all of its major UK stores
.

The launch of the Loop in Tesco stores follows a one-year online pilot in July 2020 that allowed customers to order and return products in reusable packaging
.

Tesco's head of purchasing, Giles Bolton, told the webinar that the plan needed to appeal to all customers, and for that, the Loop packaging would be priced at the same price point as a "single-use" item
.
He added that the scheme needed to be scaled to become a financial source and hoped to see other supermarkets join in and share the learnings
.