Supermarket giant brings zero-waste shopping to Australia

Australians will be able to buy groceries in durable, rather than disposable, packaging thanks to a new partnership

Woolworths is partnering with a major US recycling company to bring a zero-waste shopping platform to Australia.   

The supermarket giant on Tuesday became the first Australian retailer to commit to TerraCycle’s zero-waste reusable packaging platform – Loop – which will launch in Australia in mid-2021.

The platform delivers everyday products such as shampoo, juice or ice cream in customised, brand-specific and durable packaging to people’s doors. 

When finished with the items, the packaging is collected or can be dropped back in store, to be cleaned, refilled and reused.

Woolworths general manager of quality, health and sustainability, Alex Holt, said customers increasingly were demanding products that did not harm 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,” Holt said.

“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 was announced at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting earlier this year, with partners including Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, and the Body Shop.

TerraCycle has described the circular shopping system as a “manifestation of the future of consumption” – a future where disposable products are replaced by durable, reusable and high-quality alternatives.  

Loop VP of global business development Anthony Rossi said Woolworths was the perfect partner to bring Loop to Australia, because of 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,” Rossi said.

The Loop partnership was launched in Sydney by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.

She congratulated Woolworths for embracing a recycling solution to reduce its waste packaging.

“TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling innovation. This partnership with TerraCycle to roll out Loop nationally sets a great example for other businesses,” 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.”

Australians can register their interest to be involved in the initial Loop trial here.