Without radical action, the amount of plastic in the oceans is expected to triple by 2040. However, with a major transformational change, this amount can be reduced by 80 per cent. One of the most effective ways to reduce the use of plastic is to switch to refillable, reusable and refillable packaging.
In this article, we examine refill and reuse solutions and examine some of the conscious brands with refill products in Turkey.
Contents
- What is Refillable Packaging?
- Why Refill?
- What is the Contribution of Refillable Packaging to the Planet?
- Brands with Refillable Products
What is Refillable Packaging?
Refillable packaging, or refill products, is a system that allows users to continue using a product without creating new waste. This means that instead of buying a new packaged product to replace the depleted contents, the existing one is refilled and used. This approach is both practical and sustainable and minimises the negative impact on the environment by reducing the waste and energy required to produce new packaging.
Why Refill?
Plastic pollution has become a very visible indicator of the damage we as humanity have caused to the planet we live on and to other living creatures on this planet. Most of us have surely encountered the sad images of plastic pollution in the oceans, seas, rivers and our natural environment.
Our small changes as individuals really do work. But we can’t do it alone, we need collective action. To indeed “turn off the tap” on plastic pollution, companies need to stop producing so much plastic and keep fossil fuels underground.
Major brands, businesses and retailers must invest in reuse and refill systems instead of using single-use packaging to reduce plastic pollution.
- For the Oceans
Worldwide, 8 – 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually. Every year, 100,000 marine mammals, turtles, and 1 million seabirds die from plastic pollution. (1)
Studies have shown that 90% of birds in the ocean have plastic in their stomachs. By choosing refill products, we can be part of the solution, not the problem.
- For the Planet
Most plastics are petroleum products and their production requires energy. The plastics industry is therefore one of the sectors where urgent action is needed to tackle the climate crisis. Refilling offers the opportunity to move away from dependence on the fossil fuel economy. Giant companies that feed the world with fossil fuels for energy also supply plastic raw materials. To put a “stop” to the global climate crisis, we have to curb this plastic madness.
- For Our Health
Plastic pollution is also a human health problem. Because microplastics are now circulating in our blood.
Plastic products contain chemical additives and these substances inevitably lead to serious health problems.
What is the Contribution of Refillable Packaging to the Planet?
According to a report for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, buying refills instead of new ones can reduce CO2 emissions by 70%, energy use by 65% and water use by 45%. (2)
Refillable packaging forms part of the circular economy model, which encourages using, sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling materials and products for as long as possible.
The “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” campaign is an example of this model, as it encourages the reuse of materials and suggests recycling them when they can no longer be used.
Refill products are based on the idea of encouraging consumers to think about the use of natural resources. In this way, people are made more aware of the impact of their consumption habits on the environment.
This shift in consumer priorities is helping brands to think about how they can extend the life of their products and packaging, as well as their environmental impact.
Brands with Refillable Products
- The Purest Solutions
The Purest Solutions Ecological Refill Packaging is a packaging alternative that enables products to be presented in an environmentally friendly way using refillable packaging.
This type of packaging can be recycled without harming the environment, minimising the use of plastic waste. The Purest Solutions offers its customers the convenience of refilling their products, allowing them to consume 77% less plastic.
These ecological replacement packs are designed to be able to fill the original pack twice and aim to reduce the amount of waste by taking measures against environmental impacts.
- Atelier Rebul
Adopting an environmentalist approach since its inception, Rebul has become part of an eco-friendly product movement by promoting the principles of ‘Refill/Reuse/Reduce’.
Cologne and ‘Signature Collection’ perfume bottles have designs that can be refilled in stores. In addition, liquid soaps offered in “Refill” packaging are produced using 78% less plastic than standard 250 ml packaging.
These new packs allow you to refill your favourite liquid soap, reuse existing bottles and reduce packaging waste.
- ebebek
ebebek encourages the recycling of plastic, glass and metal packaged products. With the Packaging Recycling Piggy Bank, everyone who shops at the Istanbul Bostancı store can contribute to nature and benefit from discounts.
In addition, with the Baby Me Detergent Filling Station, consumers can fill their empty bottles with detergent, fabric softener, pacifier bottle cleaner, and stain remover products from Baby Me, ebebek’s own brand.
- OMO
Migros and OMO collaborated and launched the Refilling Unit. This unit aims to reduce plastic production and reduce the amount of plastic waste.
This unit, located in the Ataşehir MMM Migros store, allows consumers to fill empty OMO Liquid Detergent bottles and buy products at more affordable prices. The pilot application aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste per year and this project aims to be extended to other stores.
