Led by WRAP, the initiative aims to standardize reusable packaging services across participating retailers, fostering consistency and efficiency.

A recent poll indicates that two-thirds of the UK public favor the introduction of reuse and refill stations in supermarkets, reflecting a shift in consumer attitudes toward sustainability.

Supported by government and WRAP, this effort emphasizes developing interoperable reusable packaging systems to foster a circular economy, as outlined in their joint Statement of Intent issued on July 15, 2025.

The participating retailers include Aldi, Co-op, Lidl GB, Morrisons, Ocado Retail, and others, with backing from Innovate UK and government bodies, demonstrating broad industry support.

Nine major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose, have united to launch a collaborative initiative aimed at replacing single-use plastics with reusable packaging across their stores and online platforms.

The Statement of Intent highlights the supermarkets' ambition to increase consumer adoption of reusable packaging, building on previous successful trials like those by the Refill Coalition, which demonstrated the viability of refill stations and returnable containers at scale.

Eighteen product categories, including coffee, shower gel, and ready meals, have been prioritized to maximize the environmental and economic impact of this transition.

This collaboration aims to promote innovation and shared best practices among retailers to advance environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste.

By transitioning 30% of their packaging to reusable formats, the supermarkets project significant benefits, including $136 million in annual savings, a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions, and the creation of 13,000 new jobs.

This initiative reflects a broader UK trend toward sustainable retail practices, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

James Bull, Chair of the retailer group, emphasized that collaboration is crucial to achieving substantial improvements in packaging sustainability and shifting away from single-use plastics.

Despite progress, the UK Plastics Pact's 2024 report shows that while 70% of plastic packaging is recyclable or reusable, the target for 100% by 2025 has not yet been met.

Next steps include a September webinar involving brands, manufacturers, and suppliers to engage with the Reuse Packaging Partnership, indicating ongoing efforts.