[Chinese Packaging News] The Common Good store is pioneering a new approach to sustainable living by allowing customers to refill reusable glass bottles purchased in-store or bring their own empty containers to refill with eco-friendly personal care products. This innovative model is part of a growing movement that aims to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote a circular economy.
While sustainable packaging has often been seen as the solution, the real issue lies in how we handle and consume products. For instance, the bottled water industry has long faced criticism for its excessive use of plastic bottles, even though the water inside is perfectly clean and safe. To combat this, many communities and universities have introduced refill stations where people can fill up on water without buying plastic bottles. This simple act not only saves money but also significantly reduces plastic waste.
Disposable packaging is still the norm in most retail environments. From beverages to skincare products, everything comes in single-use containers that are discarded after one use. Although reusing packaging is an ideal goal, it’s not always easy for consumers due to convenience and lack of infrastructure. However, what if we expand the concept of refilling beyond just water? What if we apply it to other liquid products like shampoos, detergents, and cleaning supplies?
Historically, many beverage companies used glass bottles, which were returned, cleaned, and reused. This system worked well because milk delivery people would collect the bottles and return them the next day. Glass is durable, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times before being recycled. This model offers a blueprint for modern sustainability efforts.
Several innovative companies are now making refilling more accessible. Green11, based in California, operates refill stations across the San Francisco area, offering eco-friendly products like shampoos, lotions, and detergents. Their slogan, “Refill, Not Landfill,†highlights their mission to reduce packaging waste by encouraging reuse.
Another example is Common Good, a New York-based company that sells reusable glass bottles filled with environmentally friendly products such as hand soaps and laundry detergents. Customers can bring their own containers, making the process even more sustainable.
Replenish, another company focused on reducing waste, noticed that most household cleaners are mostly water. They partnered with CleanPath to create a concentrated detergent system that uses a small, refillable box. By adding water, users can make three full bottles of cleaner, significantly cutting down on plastic waste.
Bulk shopping is also gaining traction as a way to reduce packaging. Buying in bulk allows consumers to avoid individual packaging altogether. A smartphone app called Bulk helps users locate nearby bulk stores and share updates with friends, making it easier than ever to shop sustainably.
Even when refill stations aren’t available, there are alternatives. Zero Waste Boxes offer a convenient way to recycle packaging by sending it back for proper disposal. These boxes are designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal effort from consumers.
While it may not be possible to eliminate all packaging waste, implementing refill systems and promoting recycling are significant steps in the right direction. These initiatives show that change is possible, and they encourage both consumers and businesses to rethink how we use and dispose of packaging.
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