Explore all the latest packaging trends, all at PACK EXPO International
Discover new packaging and processing solutions from 2,500+ exhibitors, all under one roof at PACK EXPO International, Nov. 3 – 6 in Chicago.

Unilever Expands Refill Trials in the U.K.

After a successful trial with Asda last year, Unilever is launching the largest refill trial of its kind in the U.K., offering popular personal and household care products in return-on-the-go and refill-on-the-go formats.

The reusable bottles for the refill-on-the-go and return-on-the-go systems are made from stainless steel or aluminum for durability.
The reusable bottles for the refill-on-the-go and return-on-the-go systems are made from stainless steel or aluminum for durability.

After its experimentation with three refill/reuse models at Asda’s Sustainability Store in Leeds last year exceeded expectations, Unilever is moving full throttle ahead with its “test and learn” trials of refillable and reusable packaging formats in the U.K. Continuing its partnership with Beauty Kitchen, a D2C company that successfully developed the Return•Refill•Repeat model for its own brands, Unilever will be expanding its trials to seven Asda and Co-op stores by year-end 2021. This, it says, will be the first refill trial of its kind at this scale in the U.K.

“We are very much in test and learn mode now, so our current focus is on these trials in the U.K.,” says Unilever. “They will enable us to test different refill models, different store formats and in-store locations, as well as testing the different shopper experiences that could enable long-term use of refillable products. We’re going to be gaining as much new insight and learning from these trials as we can, and this will help inform our next steps and what might be possible in the future.”


Read article   Read how Unilever is working with Algramo in Chile on another refill-on-the-go model.


Unilever’s initial tests with Asda, which began in late October 2020, include seven of the company’s household brands. Persil laundry detergent, Simple liquid handwash, Alberto Balsam shampoo and conditioner, and Radox shower gel are being delivered through touch-free refill machines from Beauty Kitchen; Cif household cleaners are available for in-home refills through a 10X concentrated Ecorefill; and its Pukka and Tips brands of loose tea and tea bags are offered in bulk for packaging in self-serve containers.

Shares Asda, demonstrating positive intent and consumer behavior change in-store, the initial trial resulted in weekly purchases of Persil from the Refill Zone—where the reuse/refill products were grouped—reaching a third higher than the equivalent single-use pack.

Insights gleaned from the trial, as well as from Unilever-commissioned research, include the following:

New e-book on Multipacking and Case Packing
Read how to extend the life of your case packing equipment and best practices for efficient shrink bundling operation. Plus, learn the differences between wraparound & regular slotted containers.
Read More
New e-book on Multipacking and Case Packing
Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers
PACK EXPO International is where you can discuss real-world problems with experts and land on innovative ideas. Discover every new packaging and processing trend, see machinery in action and learn sustainable solutions from experts.
Read More
Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers