‘Loop’ platform could revolutionise ECEC environmental footprint

Imagine being Australia’s first zero waste early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider. That possibility is one step closer today thanks to proposed moves by Woolworths and TerraCycle to bring a zero waste shopping platform to Australia by 2021. 

The ‘Loop’ platform will allow for grocery products to be delivered to a home or business in reusable containers which are then collected or returned to the store to be cleaned, filled and reused. 

In so doing, customers will be able to sustainably consume a variety of commonly used products such as washing detergent, shampoo, juice or ice cream in customised, brand-specific, durable packaging that is delivered in a specially designed reusable shipping tote.

Woolworths Loop Media Call. Double Bay. 29th October 2019. Photograph Dallas Kilponen

Loop is one of the first projects to kick off a long-term partnership agreement between Woolworths and TerraCycle in a commitment that aims to tackle plastic waste in Australia by finding solutions for ‘difficult to recycle’ packaging and products.

Woolworths General Manager of Quality, Health and Sustainability Alex Holt said customers are increasingly seeking products that are “good for them, and good for the planet”. 

“We’re 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,” he added. 

Loop is the first-ever 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.

How Loop works:

 

• Once a customer shops in-store or places an order online, they will receive their durable products in Loop’s exclusively designed shipping tote. 

 

• After use, consumers place the empty containers into their Loop totes and go online to schedule a pick-up from their home or drop it off at a nearby Woolworths store. 

 

• With cutting-edge technology, Loop will clean the packaging so that each product may be safely reused and promptly replenished as needed at the consumer’s request.

 

• Loop will be trialled in Australia before a full launch in 2021.

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 to become a truly global movement.

Loop spokesperson and VP of Global Business Development Anthony Rossi said Woolworths made the perfect partner to bring Loop to Australia due to its operational scale and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Loop partnership was announced yesterday in Sydney by Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, who congratulated Woolworths for showing the initiative to embrace a recycling solution that will significantly reduce its waste packaging. 

“This partnership with TerraCycle to roll out Loop nationally sets a great example for other businesses,” she said, noting the vital importance of both governments and the private sector in playing their part in reducing waste and embracing recycling solutions.

Woolworths are currently seeking expressions of interest to be involved in the initial Loop trial. To register your interest, please visit the website, here.