An innovation in one of the retail chains: the shampoo will have to be poured into the containers brought in

According to the report, in cooperation with local manufacturers, Rimi will start selling high-quality body care and cleaning products that are not prepackaged, as well as only in greener packaging. Its islands are located in the Rimi stores in Vilnius, in the town of Šiaurės, and in the Panorama shopping and entertainment center. In the future, it is planned to expand the “zero waste” project and sell these goods in other stores in the Rimi chain.

On specially equipped islands, shoppers will find products such as shampoos, soaps, toothpastes and toothbrushes, deodorants, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, hygiene products, etc. The first partner in this project is the largest Latvian household chemicals and cosmetics manufacturer Spodrība and the cosmetics manufacturer Stenders. “. Rimi shoppers will be able to purchase their products by filling the reusable containers that they have brought or offered for purchase in the aisles.

“We don’t need radical solutions or measures to live more sustainably. Simple, everyday shopping can become an investment in making our planet cleaner.” Rimi, the first retail chain, now offers clean and hygienic products without packaging, allowing more clients to cultivate a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and foster new habits of the population, “says Liudvikas Aleliūnas, Rimi Baltic’s Social Responsibility Strategies and Development Guide.

According to him, currently “zero waste” islands are installed only in chain stores in Vilnius. If buyers appreciate the pilot project and demand grows, Rimi plans to expand the range of products sold unpackaged on the already established islands and establish similar stops at other Rimi stores.

“Buyers can buy our soap production, heavy bath salt without packaging. We have also started the production of solid shampoos and conditioners; they are perfect for sale without packaging. We are looking for solutions that allow this approach to be applied regardless of the width of the product range, ”says Kristīne Grapmane, CEO of Stenders.

According to her, the Rimi chain stores will also be able to buy bottled liquid products, choosing the most convenient and appropriate size packaging.

The “zero waste” approach not only aims to reduce waste, but also to preserve the value of products, materials or resources for as long as possible. This approach is based on five simple principles: give up, reduce, reuse, recycle, compost. It includes both the responsible production of goods and the provision of services, as well as planned purchases and the widest possible reuse of things. Under these rules, the amount of household waste generated is reduced, natural resources are protected and the environment is not polluted.