Reposit scheme expands packaging reuse to beauty and e-commerce sectors

Reuse platform Reposit has announced plans to expand its coverage to the beauty and personal care sectors. The scheme will also offer solutions for e-commerce packaging, aiming to address the problem of waste generated from online shopping.

Co-founder of Beauty Kitchen and Reposit, Jo Chidley, highlighted the need for the beauty sector to address plastic pollution: "We believe the beauty sector must take decisive action to address plastic pollution, and we urge more brands to step up and join this movement. By adopting reusable packaging solutions, we can collectively transform the industry, meet growing consumer demand for sustainability, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy."

The 'buy anywhere, return anywhere' scheme, which was created in partnership with City to Sea, M&S and Ecover, enables consumers to purchase and return products in pre-filled returnable packaging across multiple brands, categories, and retailers.

Discussing the future of Reposit's system, Stuart Chidley, Co-founder of Reposit, said: "The vision for return and reuse is to unlock further industries and channels through multiple partnerships, and we thank those brands and retailers who have worked alongside us to make this game-changing system a reality."

Beginning in September and October 2024, ARRAN Sense of Scotland and Mama Bamboo will join the scheme, offering products in returnable packaging. With the addition of these brands, the project will include over 60 products across various categories.

CEO at ARRAN Sense of Scotland, Kevin Meechan, said: "This initiative empowers our customers to make sustainable choices without sacrificing quality or luxury. By reusing packaging and offering pre-filled returnable options, we're actively reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, where wellbeing-focused bath and body care go hand-in-hand with sustainability."

Laura Crawford, Founder and CEO of Mama Bamboo, added: "It was essential for us to find the right partners to develop our Baby Care range with. We want to push the boundaries of what is 'acceptable' in the Beauty industry, and drive towards what is 'right'. Our products will tick all the boxes for vegan, organic and cruelty-free, as well as being high quality and high performing, but the additional choice to use reusable packaging is key for us."

According to research from City to Sea, 95 per cent of the public are concerned about plastic pollution, up from 86 per cent in 2018. The study suggested that almost half of consumers said that the biggest barrier to buying products in reusable packaging is the lack of availability where they shop.

Earlier this year, M&S expanded the reuse platform to an additional 19 stores. Figures from the retailer show that more than 10,000 people have now engaged with the reuse system during their grocery shop.

How does the scheme work?

The Reposit returnable packaging system operates on a 'return for reward' basis. Customers are incentivised to return empty packaging by receiving money-off rewards for future purchases.

After using a product, customers scan the QR code on the packaging to locate the nearest return point, which includes partner stores and Freepost options. Returned items are then cleaned and reintroduced into circulation, reducing plastic waste.

Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, a founding partner of this scheme, said: "One year on from launch and reusable packaging schemes are gaining momentum across the country. Working with this consortium of retailers and industry specialists has helped to create a system that works for people and the planet.

"Reusable packaging has a key part to play in transitioning to a more circular economy, giving businesses and consumers the opportunity to make sustainable packaging a part of their everyday lives. However, as ever, we'd welcome support and intervention from government to expediate the positive effects of these programmes; it's time the government stepped up for reuse and finally put an end to single-use plastic packaging."

Reposit vs deposit schemes

The Reposit system differs from traditional deposit schemes in several ways. While deposit schemes typically require an upfront fee that is refunded upon return, Reposit offers rewards for future purchases after packaging is returned.

The 'buy anywhere, return anywhere' system enhances accessibility and encourages higher participation rates by removing financial and logistical barriers. Customers using Reposit can locate return points through labelling on the product.

The scheme focuses on reusing packaging rather than recycling single-use items. This approach aligns with circular economy principles and aims to reduce plastic waste across various sectors.