Repository is a pioneer in tackling the growth problem of disposable plastic pollution through innovative reusable packaging and scalable business reuse solutions.
Jo & Stuart Chidley co-founded the award-winning Beauty Kitchen UK Ltd in 2014 to create natural and sustainable products that are accessible worldwide. From the beginning, the company has focused on creating reusable products and packaging with the cradle-to-cradle principle in mind. Simply put, all processes are all reused or recycled, and most importantly, not to waste or landfill.
It quickly became clear that many companies struggle with the question of how to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste in their operations. Jo and Stuart’s knowledge and reputation in the circular economy, coupled with their expertise in developing innovative reusable packaging solutions, have been established as pioneers in the reuse sector.
In 2019, they launched a reusable packaging program for Beauty Kitchens and received funding from Zero Waste Scotland under a program called “Return – Reful – Repeat.”
In 2020, the repository was born to provide a “pre-pre-reserved” model for home and personal care with Unilever. You purchase the product in a package and return the package when it is empty. We launched 23 locations with products and return points at Co-op & Asda.
challenge
Global consumption of plastics is accelerating. More than half of the plastics produced so far have been produced since 2000, and by 2050 it plans to double the current global annual production.
It is estimated that only UK households will throw away 90 billion plastic packaging per year, or 1.7 billion plastic packaging per week.
Only an estimated 9% of the plastics produced so far have been recycled and 12% have been incinerated. The rest are still in use, disposed of in landfills, or released into an environment that includes the ocean.
The presence of microplastics (MPS) in the environment poses a serious threat to both human health and ecosystems. MPs are small plastic particles derived from a variety of sources, including textile fibers, cosmetics, and plastic debris. They can enter aquatic and terrestrial habitats through wastewater drainage and accumulate in the food chain. Microplastics have been found in a variety of human organs and tissues, raising concerns about their long-term health effects.
Consumer concerns are driving change as consumers switch to brands that show an ethical commitment to reducing waste by moving to reusable packaging.
The industry is still in its early stages as finding a scalable or commercially viable reusable packaging solution in a one-legged world is not easy. More governments are passing laws that will financially punish companies that continue to use disposable packaging.
A successful reuse project requires a significant level of collaboration between organizations that often compete in individual markets. Reposity’s extensive C-Suite relationship with leading companies around the world, combined with a track record of designing and delivering large-scale, innovative reuse projects, breaking down barriers and allowing organizations to navigate the complexities of designing scalable, sustainable reuse programs.
Our products and services
Repository teams can provide bespoke, end-to-end support for reuse initiatives, including:
Feasibility to clients, design, build, and operational management services technology package design and procurement consultant and turnkey services reverse point solution solutions and quality assurance tracking solutions data analysis and web-app solutions marketing and reward program reuse and only use packaging for unique carbon assessment
Reposit has installed a state-of-the-art commercial cleaning facility at its Lanarkshire headquarters to develop and test standardized operating procedures for cleaning solutions and a wide range of packaging and materials.
Client Project Success
Borrow a cup
Glasgow returnable cup scheme. Available in over 50 locations including Costa Coffee, Cafe Nero, Burger King, local cafes, and corporate offices. Avery Dennison Corp has been a key partner in the success of the Borrow Cup scheme by designing and providing a variety of reusable cups, along with asset tracking support with repository to design, build and manage all operational aspects of the project.
M&S supplement
M&S “Refill” allows customers to choose from 10 pre-filled, in-house branded home care products, including sprays, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, and liquid cleaning. The initial purchase includes the cost of £2 for a returnable bottle and can be returned to the store after use. Upon returning, customers will receive a £2 voucher that can be redeemed for a second purchase in the M&S restocking range.
Reposit worked closely with M&S to build a scalable, standardized returnable packaging solution for business and customer service. This scale-up is the result of strong customer engagement and we hope to see more action across the retail industry. The scheme is currently running at 25 M&S stores.
middle east
The repository is currently discussing potential large-scale foodservice reuse projects with various governments and large companies operating in the Middle East.
Canadian Reuse City Project, Ottawa
The Reposit designs, builds and operates the largest urban reuse project in Canada with support from government agencies (ECCC, Ottawa City), NGOs, consumer goods forum and more.
Participants include Walmart, Loblaw Companies Ltd, Unilever, Procter & Gamble and L’Oreal, with around 100 products involved in 63 Ottawa stores. Learning from this groundbreaking initiative is shared with a wide range of organizations seeking to promote reuse in their own markets.
The repository team regularly provides reuse insights and technical expertise to governments and businesses around the world with the aim of accelerating the incorporation of reusable packages.
We look forward to helping you with your reuse project.
This article will also be featured in the 23rd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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