Reusable revolution? Tesco UK propels TerraCycle’s Loop program with big brand rollouts

13 Sep 2021 --- Tesco is launching a reusable packaging initiative in partnership with TerraCycle’s global Loop program, debuting in ten of its UK stores. Featuring a range of 88 reusable F&B, household and beauty products, the supermarket is touting the move as a step toward making the concept of reusable packaging mainstream.

PackagingInsights attended a panel discussion held by the CEOs of Tesco and TerraCycle, along with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who discussed how the initiative can play a part in tackling the global “climate emergency.” 

Heinz Ketchup, Coca-Cola, Tetley Tea and Brewdog beer were showcased at the event, with more participating products expected in the near future. Meanwhile, 35 of Tesco’s own-brand products are also entering the reuse program. 

Once products are used, consumers bring them back to the store, after which EcoLab cleans them. Consumers pay a small deposit for each item, which is given back after return.

Cutting carbon 
Tom Szaky, CEO of Terracycle, explained to PackagingInsights the impact the project could have on global carbon emissions. 

A selection of Tesco’s now reusable products.“Reuse is not a silver bullet; it’s important we use scientific decision-making to understand where it’s appropriate. With packaging, for example with Meridian peanut butter, the disposable and reusable would have the same impact as with first use, but on second use, the reusable starts producing carbon savings.”

In other examples, like Persil’s laundry detergent, Szaky notes the reusable packaging’s carbon footprint will be worse on first use, however, “somewhere after a few uses – we think around three or four – it starts to improve.” 

Remembering recyclability
Giles Bolton, Tesco’s responsible sourcing director, added that recyclability remains an essential feature of reusable packaging. 

“It’s not just about the number of uses you get out of it; the important thing is that whatever a package is made out of can be recycled back into itself at the end of its life, whether it’s been five, 20 or 100 uses.” 

“You’re not getting the whole question of things going into the refuse stream at any point; because it’s got value, customers are more likely to bring it back.” 

Ending packaging “elitism”
Kate Norgrove, WWF’s director of advocacy and campaigns, asserts the launch could have an important impact on bringing the idea and accessibility of packaging reuse to the wider public. 

“Reuse cannot just be an elite offer; it needs to be something that is normal and easy for everyone to do,” she says, adding that everyday consumers are “crying out” for answers on how to do their part in driving environmental sustainability, and in need of help through schemes like Loop.The project is aiming to make sustainable consumer activism possible for the general public.

“It’s important we understand the true value of the things we consume, including not just what we see in front of us but also the resources that have come to make that thing. Plastics and packaging are one tiny part of a much bigger whole.” 

Norgrove further asserts initiatives like this must be aided by government interventions such as setting up a national recycling scheme and making producers pay for the cost of their produce. 

Reusable revolution 
The Loop project was launched in 2019 amid a drive to slash material usage and related carbon emissions. In July 2020, the zero waste e-commerce platform initiated Phase Two of its pilot process with Tesco.

This year, a growing number of policy measures and industry initiatives have joined these efforts, including a European Parliament vote to pass the Circular Economy Action Plan, which emphasizes the necessity of innovation and reuse above reliance on recycling. 

Innova Market Insights pegged “Reusable Revolution” as a top trend for 2021, noting that a majority of global consumers (52%) believe reusable packaging is the most sustainable model, followed by recyclable (50%) and recycled (39%), biodegradable (31%) and compostable (24%) (2021).

By Louis Gore-Langton