Society is increasingly convinced that if we want to preserve the planet, we must reduce the volume of waste. To this end, some brands have opted for packaging in refill format, i.e. refillable packaging that can be completely or partially reused.
What are the advantages and challenges of refillable packaging?
Refill packaging is a great opportunity to initiate the shift towards sustainability. However, it is a challenge for both manufacturers and consumers.
For the former, it is a paradigm shift in the way they design, manufacture and distribute their product. They must look for a packaging option that can be reused (original packaging) and another to transport the product to be refilled in the original packaging. Both must be consistent in terms of sustainability (recycled product, recyclable, etc.).
For consumers, on the other hand, it is a firm commitment that affects consumption habits. On the one hand, a reduction in costs, since refillable packaging has a lower cost (or the cost disappears) than single-use packaging.
What kind of products are suitable for refillable packaging?
There are many products suitable for refillable packaging, here are some examples broken down by sector.
Food products
The sanitary requirements and guarantees that the packaging must comply with for the preservation of the product, greatly limit the process and packaging options, and consequently, packaging in refill format.
For this reason, not all products in the food sector can be adapted to this type of packaging. However, products that can be used in refill packaging include nuts, cereals, cocoa powder... among others.
Cosmetics and personal care products
In this sector we find products such as shampoo, creams, make-up... It is an area where it is increasingly common to pack in refill format, since it is a product that does not need a very specific packaging, but adapts to any packaging: flexible, rigid... and we can find from large formats to single-dose formats.
The cosmetic and personal care sector offers great possibilities in terms of packaging design, shape, material, color... Therefore, packaging in refill format has been one more evolution in the process and change of product packaging.
Cleaning and household products
In the homecare sector, traditionally the packaging is large, rigid and once the product is finished, it is thrown away.
This concept has also changed. Some companies are opting for refill packaging, selling the product to refill the rigid container, either with a flexible container or with a water-soluble container.
Considerations for Implementing Refill Packaging
If your company is considering refill packaging, there are some considerations to take into account.
First, a thorough analysis of the product to be packaged and its compatibility with refill packaging should be carried out, considering factors such as viscosity, fragility and durability.
Secondly, ensure that the choice of vertical or rotary packaging machinery is adapted to the specific needs and guarantees efficient, easy and effective filling and sealing to preserve hygiene and product quality.
Moreover, implement a traceability system to ensure refill packaging integrity and consumer satisfaction.
The refill format is a great solution when it comes to packaging our products, since apart from the economic part (it means a reduction in costs for the user and the company), it also means a significant reduction in waste generation.
All this while maintaining all the guarantees of packaging and preservation of the product, since packaging in refill format does not imply a deterioration in the quality of the packaging, on the contrary, this trend is a process of continuous improvement in terms of packaging.
