Asda begins reusable packaging trial

The trial, which starts today and is being funded by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), is aiming at testing the viability of reusable packaging formats for a wide range of goods from paint to laundry products.

Trials will also take place at four other Asda stores.

Wrap director of retail Richard Swannell said reusable packaging was an opportunity to "fundamentally rethink" the retail experience.

"The industry is watching this trial with a great deal of interest because there are clear opportunities for reusable packaging in relation to all manner of products," he said.

Eziserv is providing the dispensing technology for the fabric conditioner, which it said could free up space in stores as well as offer savings on transport and storage.

Fabric conditioner is piped from a 1,000-litre container at the back of the store to a dispenser in the store and into pouches that can be used 10 times. Customers will save 40p a time compared to using plastic bottles.

Julian Walker-Palin, Asda's head of sustainability, said: "This project directly engages with consumers by offering a great product which not only has a lower packaging footprint, but also a lower price tag due to the reduced environmental footprint."

A final report on the logistics and economic opportunities of reusable packaging, as well as the consumer acceptance will be published in the autumn.

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