According to a report published through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on the outlook for reusable packaging, “converting 20% of plastic packaging into reusable models is a $10 billion business opportunity that benefits consumers and represents a very important detail in the fight against plastic waste and pollution. “”While brands and stores have been slow to adopt reusable packaging systems on a large scale, there has been some movement.
According to the report, there are 4 models of reusable/refillable packaging, one of which is fill-on-the-go, where consumers fill reusable containers at a distribution point away from home, such as in a store. One of the corporations, the Czech company MIWA (Minimum Waste), which provides a circular charging formula in stores, has announced its partnership with DM-Drogerie Markt outlets in Germany as part of a charging pilot project. MIWA dm materials with refillable/reusable modules that minimise packaging waste for a variety of bulk food products, such as pasta, rice, muesli, flakes, nuts and almonds, under the personal dm label, dmBio.
According to MIWA, dm-drogerie markt has already had experience with refill stations for detergents and would now like to offer its customers the option for groceries. Beginning in February, Miwa opened refill stations in 15 dm shops in the German states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse, where the pilot operation is taking place.
Kerstin Erbe, General Manager Product Management and Sustainability at dm-culpable, says: “One of our goals at dm-drogerie markt is to avoid packaging. After all, the most productive packaging material is that which is never creates and does not want to be recycled. And the simplest way to reduce the amount of packaging waste is to offer our products without packaging. The arrival of these new dmBio advertising modules is the next logical step that will allow us to enjoy this field. At the same time At the same time, we respond to the wishes of our customers and allow them to enjoy personalized shopping pleasure.
In the 15 stores, the Miwa modules include a further 12 bio-grade food products, which consumers can seamlessly pour and digitally weigh an automatic dispenser into reusable emergency containers. For DM, these will be the first products sold by weight.
At the same time, as part of the launch of this new service, dm is preparing a data marketing campaign targeting consumers in the affected regions. This includes, for example, special postcards, a newsletter and data in the visitor magazine, on or on Instagram.
Mirek Lizec, CEO of Miwa, says: “Germany’s largest pharmacy in terms of turnover, dm-drogerie markt, is our second main visitor in Germany, to whom we supply our packaging minimization solution, following the recent start of cooperation with Rewe. Since dm’s consumers give importance to food and sustainability and for us they are the ideal target. At the same time, the cooperation with dm is the most important pilot project we have carried out so far.
Miwa’s formula is basically based on standardized reusable pills (which circulate between stores, service centers and brands) and the maximum use of smart data. According to MIWA, one capsule saves nearly 2,000 disposable containers over its life cycle. It’s also vital for stores that the formula doesn’t disrupt their existing operational and logistical processes. “On the contrary,” says MIWA, “it gives them an economic and ecological advantage. »
Consumers use the system by filling reusable containers from dm directly on the spot. Or, they can bring their own container, in which case they must first weigh it on the module so that they only pay for the weight of the selected product. The consumers then select the desired product on the integrated display and gently push the container onto the dispenser. The container starts to fill, and the display shows the current weight and price of the product in the container. Finally, the module prints a price tag that the customers stick to the container. They then go to the checkout with it. The reusable backup containers can then be returned at dm shops or reused on the next purchase. PW