Ocado is testing the use of refillable packaging on new everyday products such as pasta, rice, and washing liquid, with the reusable container available at no extra cost for customers. The first phase, which starts this month, includes 2kg packs of basmati rice and 1kg of penne pasta under its new Ocado Reuse brand. The second phase, which releases later this year, will add 3L containers of Ocado Reuse non-bio liquid detergent and Clear Skies fabric conditioner.

The refillable containers are pre-filled with products and delivered to customers with the rest of their shop. They will then be collected by Ocado’s delivery drivers when they deliver customers’ next orders for suppliers to wash and refill the container for the next customer. Each vessel can replace up to five single-use plastic containers and has been designed to be used more than 60 times.