Amcor continues reusable packaging partnership with Ocado retail for 2kg, 3kg refillable containers

GLOBAL – Amcor has announced it will continue producing refillable containers for Ocado Retail’s standard range under the Refill Coalition project, with 2kg and 3kg containers designed for dry food and liquid refills that can be reused up to 100 times, handed back to drivers on the next delivery, and washed in hot water without trap points.

The project began in 2024 and the scheme is now part of Ocado Retail’s standard range.

The smaller container features a large opening suitable for filling with dry foods such as pasta and rice, while the narrower opening of the 3kg container is designed for liquid refilling such as washing liquid. 

The containers use robust, hygienic materials that can withstand hot washes for multiple reuses.

Engineering for Multiple Trips

The container had to meet different demands across the reuse and refill process, including being free from “trap points” crevices or internal ledges where food residue or rinse water could collect to enable effective washing once returned to Ocado Retail ahead of refilling.

The design also aims to maximise space, ensure easy handling and rinsing. 

Each container can be refilled between 50 and 100 times before being taken out of circulation, according to Catherine Conway, reuse lead at GoUnpackaged, who noted that ongoing data from Ocado Retail is critical to establish the recommended usage definitively.

The Business Case for Reuse

A GoUnpackaged report found that moving to 30 percent reusable packaging in the UK retail sector would achieve a 95 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions and £136 million (approximately US$183.7 million) savings annually due to reduced Extended Producer Responsibility fees for packaging. 

EPR fees in the UK are calculated based on packaging weight and material type; each time a refillable container cycles instead of a single-use pack, the fee for that unit is avoided.

Scaling Beyond Ocado

Florent Souty, general manager of blow molding specialties at Amcor and a member of the Refill Coalition’s advisory panel, explained that the company is proud to be involved in a project that looks to redefine the nature of packaging for the future by providing the infrastructure for large-scale reuse and planting the seeds for changes to consumer behaviour. 

The aim is for the container to become the standard allowing other businesses to deliver efficiencies and scale.

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