Lidl launches ‘smart’ refill station trial
Lidl is trialling a ‘smart’ laundry detergent refill station at one of its Midlands stores.
Working in partnership with Chilean sustainability start-up Algramo, the supermarket said the six month pilot in Kingswinford could save 2,970 single-use plastic containers from one store alone.
Shoppers at the store are now being offered the opportunity to purchase a 100% recyclable refill bottle filled with a choice of four Lidl own brand laundry detergents for the same price as a standard single-use bottle. After the refill bottle is purchased, any refills then come with a 20p saving which means that customers will never pay more for a more sustainable choice.
The refill bottles feature a UK-first smart chip, which allows the machine at the refill station to register and recognise them. Once the refill process is complete, shoppers can collect the ticket printed with the chosen product’s barcode and pay at the till with their shop.
The refill machine will support four laundry detergents from Lidl’s Formil range.
Mark Newbold, CSR manager at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl, we believe you shouldn’t have to pay more for doing the right thing. It’s why we’re especially proud to be trialling this pioneering refill technology that not only helps customers reduce their plastic usage, but also their weekly shopping bill.”
