Kroger and Walgreens Pilot Zero Waste Packaging

Loop, a circular shopping system, launched its pilot program in the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as announced The Kroger Co. and Walgreens as the founding retailers in the United States.

First announced at the World Economic Forum in January, Loop enables consumers to responsibly consume a variety of commonly used products from leading consumer brands in customized, brand-specific durable packaging that is delivered in a specially-designed reusable shipping tote. When finished with the product, the packaging is collected, cleaned, refilled and reused.

"Kroger's commitment to embrace innovation on our path to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste aligns perfectly with Loop's mission to create a convenient circular packaging solution for consumers," said Jessica Adelman, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs. "We believe in giving our customers sustainable packaging choices they can feel good about. As the exclusive grocery retail partner for Loop in the United States, Kroger is taking another big step toward a world with zero waste."

Consumers in the pilot region who want to sign up for Loop are encouraged to visit the company’s website and apply to become a participant. In the future, the partners aim to enable more consumers to purchase Loop products online and in stores in select Kroger and Walgreens markets.

"Walgreens is excited about this opportunity to help consumers purchase sustainably packaged products and contribute to a healthier planet," said Lauren Brindley, Walgreens group vice president of beauty and personal care. "Innovative collaborations with partners like Loop are critical to solving the complex issue of reducing single-use plastics. Our customers look to us to innovate so that together we can reduce waste and increase re-use."

How Loop works

Consumers can visit to www.loopstore.com, www.thekrogerco.com/loop or www.walgreens.com/loop to place an order. They will receive their durable products in Loop's exclusively designed shipping tote. After use, consumers place the empty containers into their Loop totes and go online to schedule a pickup from their home. Loop will clean the packaging with cutting-edge technology so that each product may be safely reused and will promptly replenish products as needed to the consumer.