Zero-packaging grocery store opens in the UK

A family-run shop in Devon is committed to not producing waste packaging, encouraging customers to bring their own containers.

We’re seeing growing numbers of projects that aim towards a zero waste future, whether that’s turning used coffee grounds into reusable cups (to be filled once again with coffee) or a lamp that’s built from its own packaging, and now a grocery store in the UK is turning consumers’ attention to food packaging.

The Zero Waste Shop in Totnes, South Devon, offers a range of organic-certified produce, dried goods, oils and vinegars (even a nut grinder for customers to grind up their own almonds), with the difference being that customers are encouraged to bring any and all of their own reusable containers for packaging. Astounded by the sheer amount of waste produced from packaging, the owners encourage their customers to repurpose their old ice-cream tubs or oil bottles rather than recycle. The in-store system works simply: customers weigh their pots, print off a label to place on the pot, fill it up with their desired product, take that back to the scale, type in their pot’s weight, print off another label that features the weight and price to take to the checkout. Their website also acts as an educational resource, teaching users how to adopt plastic-free lifestyles and about organic farming practices. There are still some biodegradable paper bags available if you turn up without your own container…

At the time of writing we hear about another zero-waste supermarket called BulkMarket opening in London and crowdfunding on SpaceHive. The eco-conscious store follows in the footsteps of Germany’s brand Original Unverpackt. With some grocery stores already making an effort to curb food waste, how can larger stores help raise awareness of the environmental impact of food packaging?