Kroger and Loop launch services to reduce plastic packaging

On May 22, 2019 Kroger announced a partnership agreement with Loop, the revolutionary circular e-commerce platform developed by TerraCycle, that will reduce single-use plastics in the environment within the US, advancing Kroger’s zero-waste vision. Kroger earlier announced that it aims to go plastic-free by 2025.

Kroger and Loop will pilot the new reusable packaging system, enabling customers in select markets to purchase more than 100 products from leading consumer brands that have been redesigned with durable containers.

“Our commitment to innovative solutions on our path to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste aligns perfectly with Loop’s mission to create a convenient circular packaging platform for consumers,” said Jessica Adelman, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs. “Customers are increasingly seeking out sustainable products and services that fit their lifestyle. As the exclusive grocery retail partner for Loop in the US, Kroger is taking another big step toward a world with zero waste,” Adelman said.

Products available on the Loop platform are packaged in reusable glass or metal containers and shipped directly to consumers in a specially designed tote. Once used, products are retrieved through free at-home pickup, cleaned, refilled and reused—creating a first-of-its-kind circular packaging system.

During the first phase of the US launch, a select number of consumers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C. will be able to experience Loop. Beginning May 21, consumers in these states interested in being part of the Loop pilot can visit www.thekrogerco.com/loop to learn how to become a participant. In the future, based on consumer response, Kroger and Loop envision creating an in-store Loop experience in a Kroger community.

“Loop was designed from the ground-up to reinvent the way we consume by leveraging the sustainable, circular milkman model of yesterday with the convenience of e-commerce,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of Loop and TerraCycle. “TerraCycle came together with dozens of major consumer product companies from P&G to Nestle to Unilever, the World Economic Forum, logistics and transportation company UPS and leading retailers Kroger and Walgreens to create a simple and convenient way to enjoy a wide range of products, customized in brand-specific durable and reusable packaging,” Szaky said.