Loop, a service providing brands with sustainable innovation will be launching in the UK towards the end of the month. The service that is already running in France and the US will place your favourite supplies in containers and packaging that can be used again and again.
“COMING SOON An innovative e-commerce platform that provides your favourite products redesigned to be waste-free!”
– Loop, Twitter
Loop supplies you with products from your favourite brands in sustainable, reusable and durable packaging. Items are delivered to your home in a Loop tote bag and once customers have empty packaging they put them back into the tote ready for collection. According to a Loop spokesman the service will reach consumers anywhere in mainland UK and although Loop require a fully refundable deposit, prices are not expected to rise any higher than non-reusable packaged products.
The idea of having refillable supplies sold in reusable packaging provides more options for sustainability and since the service is currently online with plans for more involvement in Tesco stores later there is the potential of its use through online marketplaces. Currently consumers are asked to schedule collection of their empty packaging when required but will collection times and days be specific or will people be waiting in for the collection man to come? If people are able to leave their totes outside, at collection points or in lockers then I can see the service running more efficiently for consumers who value their time. Unfortunately the service seems to be very limited for third party sellers and merchants, and behind the scenes consumers will still be adding to their carbon footprint by having both deliveries and collections take place. The foundation is great for big brands but more needs to be done for the larger issue surrounding unsustanable packaging and product materials.
