Supermarket giant Woolworths will become the first retailer in Australia to trial zero-waste, reusable packaging under a new deal with TerraCycle.

The trial, to launch in mid-2021, will allow customers to receive products in reusable containers via TerraCycle’s online platform, Loop.

When finished with the product, the packaging is collected or can be dropped back in store, cleaned, refilled and reused. It’s understood the products in the trial will include washing detergent, shampoo, juice and ice-cream.

Loop is the first global platform to partner with major brands and retailers including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, PepsiCo, and Nestlé to offer consumers a way to go from disposability to durability with their purchases.

Announced at the World Economic Forum in January this year and launched in May 2019 in New York and Paris, Loop will expand to markets in the UK, Canada, Germany, Japan and now Australia.

Woolworths general manager of quality, health and sustainability, Alex Holt said; “Our customers are increasingly telling us they want products that are good for them, and good for the planet.

“We are pleased to be working with innovative partners like TerraCycle to lead the way in offering new and cutting-edge solutions to cut down on plastic waste.

“Helping bring Loop to Australia is a further step in our long term ambition to reduce our impact on the environment and support a circular economy.”

Loop VP, global business development Anthony Rossi said; “Woolworths is the perfect partner to bring Loop to Australia, due to its operational scale and commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Together we will help eliminate the idea of waste and bring a better product experience to consumers.”

Launching the Loop partnership in Sydney, the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said; “It is vitally important that both governments and the private sector play their part in reducing waste and embracing recycling solutions. I look forward to other businesses adopting similar initiatives.”

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