Ritchies Supa IGA has collaborated with zero-waste company Unpackaged Eco to debut automated refill stations. 

In an effort to reduce plastic waste and save customers’ money on packaging, the refill station features non-toxic, biodegradable Australian made products from cleansing and personal care products to dishwashing liquid. 

Customers can bring their own containers or buy reusable glass or aluminium bottles at the refill counter. In addition, the supermarket will offer a lower price for shoppers who bring their own boxes or bottles. 

“It takes five seconds to make a plastic bottle, five minutes to consume its contents and 500 years to degrade in landfill,” said Irene Chen, founder of Unpackaged Eco,

“We started Unpackaged Eco to cut out single-use plastic packaging altogether and make refilling a simple way to do our bit for the planet.”

As demand for sustainable products grows, refill stations are an environmentally-friendly and economical option. If this trial is successful, many supermarkets across the country can see their customers using their own containers, according to Ritchies.