RECOUP Attend Launch of Go Unpackaged Reuse Infrastructure Modelling Research

This week, RECOUP attended the launch of the Go Unpackaged infrastructure modelling research into how the UK could achieve a 30% reuse target for grocery retail packaging. The modelling identified a potential saving of £136 million per year in pEPR costs and a 95% reduction in CO₂ emissions. The research has been supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including RECOUP members Amcor, Ecosurety, Ocado, SUEZ, Tesco, Innovate UK, and WRAP, alongside Defra, Biffa, CHEP, Reath, and WWF.

The research outlines 7 scenarios:

Single-use scenarios:

• 1. Single-use – Current single-use scenario
• 2. Single- use DRS – Single-use with Deposit Return Scheme

Reuse scenarios:

• 3. Citizen Return – Reusables with citizen return to store
• 4. Online – Reusables with delivery collection by existing online retail delivery vehicles.
• 5. 3PL Kerbside – Reusables with a collection by a Third-Party Logistics provider (3PL) as a new/additional service.
• 6. LA Kerbside – Reusables with collection by Local Authority (LA) as part of existing kerbside collection.

Refill In-Store scenario:

• 7. Refill in-store – Refill in-store with pre-filled display vessels managed by a combination of retailer and 3PL, and customers’ own containers.

The modelling shows that:

• Reuse would save £136m per year in pEPR costs.
• 95% reduction in CO2 emissions.
• Three of the scaled scenarios (4,5 & 6) cost less to manage than single-use. Elements of refill in-store (scenario 7) would also be advantageous.
• Existing online deliveries (scenario 4) should be used to deliver as much reuse as possible.
• Aside from online, the most convenient solution for citizens is kerbside collection (scenarios 5 & 6)
•  Citizen return (scenario 3) is more expensive than single-use.
• Each of the viable reuse scenarios could work at different transition points towards 30%.
•  Refill in-store is a viable strategy for managing some of the reusables volume.

To report provides clear recommendations to government and industry.

For industry the recommendations are:

• 1. Carry out further work on a product-by-product basis.
• 2. Work with government to co-design the transition plan to 30% reuse by 2035 by co-ordinating retailer operations, supply chain logistics, waste management and Local Authorities.

The call to action for Government includes:

• 1. Ensure the right framework for industry to collaborate with the appropriate legal support.
• 2. Bring all activities together under a log-term Reuse Strategy.
• 3. Review how current legislation can be updated to ensure pEPR drives the transition to reuse.
• 4. Undertake an impact assessment of the most viable industry-led reusable scenarios.

You can read the full report, executive summary and technical annex here: UK Reuse Infrastructure Modelling | GoUnpackaged Reuse Consultancy

You can find out more about RECOUP’s work on reuse here RECOUP | Reuse of Packaging & Products

Please contact Katherine.fleet@recoup.org or Irina.ankudinova@recoup.org if you would like to discuss how RECOUP could support your organisation on its reuse journey.