Co-op is to expand its trial of in-store refill stations

Central England Co-op is to expand its trial of in-store refill stations to include body care and home cleaning products.

Currently, customers are able to use the facility at its Lichfield store to buy food such as oats, porridge, rice and dried fruit as part of the Co-op’s long-term efforts to cut down on plastic packaging and waste.

Working in partnership with Suma Wholefoods, the retailer will widen the offering from September to enable customers to use their own bottles to stock up on Suma brands such as shampoo, conditioner, washing up liquid and laundry liquid.

Hannah Gallimore, corporate responsibility manager at Central England Co-op, said: “As a responsible business, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and doing so in new and innovative ways.

“We were delighted to launch our first-ever zero waste refill station at our flagship store and been so pleased with the positive feedback from colleagues, customers and members.

“We hope that adding these additional products will provide even more choice for shoppers and lead to the continued success of this exciting trial concept.”