Collaborating to scale reuse and refill is key to reducing virgin plastic use. One way we’re doing this is through our TRANSFORM initiative, which supports a range of enterprises testing and scaling different packaging models. Here are some insights into what works and why.

Impact accelerator TRANSFORM is a joint initiative between Unilever, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and EY. It supports innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs providing market-based solutions to key environmental challenges, including plastic pollution.

In line with Unilever’s ambition to end plastic pollution through reduction, circulation and collaboration, TRANSFORM funds and supports a range of SMEs, such as those looking to improve the lives of informal waste workers and those aiming to scale alternative business models.

Here, we share insights from four enterprises – Alner, Bopinc, Novek and Refillable – that are building reuse–refill business models in Africa and Asia.

Refill solutions take time to establish
Enterprises and brand owners must develop partnerships with retailers and, at the same time, work together to change consumer shopping patterns. Volume uptake is often slow at first and refill models won’t work for all products. So it’s important to prioritise items which are most suitable and that can be launched and scaled quickly, and to support consumers through behaviour change.

Refill is a logical solution for brands and consumers to reduce waste and achieve long-term cost savings. For retailers, it offers a unique value proposition. We’ve seen successful examples in Indonesia, proving its viability across the supply chain.

Bintang Ekananda, Co-Founder & CEO, Alner, Indonesia
Consumers often prefer to bring their own reusable packaging
When it comes to home care products, consumers often prefer packaging to be functional and are less concerned about its appearance. For personal care products, however, the packaging is more important and needs to look good. Labels can be used to add brand and product information to these packs.

Various factors determine what kind of solution is required
Understanding the technology, consumer and regulatory requirements in a market will determine if a high- or low-tech solution is right.

High-tech machines are better to ensure product quality, but they come at a cost. This is a challenge when operating with low margins and in low-income markets. They are also more complicated to deploy and can have unexpected drawbacks. For instance, in countries that have regular power cuts, they can stop working and need additional support, such as battery back-up, which can add further cost.

Aside from the obvious environmental advantages, the biggest benefit of refill models in low-income markets is providing consumers with cost savings, as they are paying just for the product and not the packaging.

Zahid Mitha, CEO, Novek, Africa
Low-tech solutions are much easier to set up and scale across multiple locations, meaning they probably have more potential for creating impact at scale. They also have lower operating costs which is beneficial in low-income markets. However, such models are not always possible because of local regulations, so government engagement is key. Both quality and quantity of product are more vulnerable to tampering.

It’s critical to ensure product quality is trusted
Enterprises and brand owners must put in place strategies to build trust, as refill models can be perceived as allowing for product tampering, which is a concern for both brands and consumers. A low-tech solution to this problem is sampling to ensure product quality is correct and consistent. A more sophisticated solution is to provide product traceability through the refill machine reporting each dose back to the manufacturer.

Store owners have a key role
Shopkeepers can be reluctant to adopt new technology, especially when shelf space is at a premium. But once convinced, they can influence the model’s success by selling the idea to their customers. Enterprises can educate store owners on the environmental and cost benefits of refill products, and provide training to store owners to help them boost sales.

Leveraging local champions can accelerate uptake
Tapping into local community champions – such as store owners, local communities and NGO leaders – is a powerful way of encouraging consumers to use refill stores. If a well-respected individual is engaged, they then help bring others along. It’s also important to build trust with people, for instance through educational workshops that explain the concept of refill, and the benefits to them and the environment.

Alner offers a unique combination of low-tech refills and containers where shoppers can refill products from three of our brands.

Bopinc operates refill station distribution models in Kenya and Bangladesh and runs a behaviour-change campaign to help consumers switch from single-use to refills.

Novek develops hardware and software solutions to eliminate single-use plastic from FMCG supply chains and operates a refill station distribution model in Kenya.

Refillable provides a reuse, refill, return service in India delivering home care products without single-use packaging.