Self service detergent in large retail

05 June 2013

In July 2005, the Piemonte region launched the Self Service Detergents Project. The objective of this initiative was to reduce packaging waste production coming from the purchase and use of detergents through the diffusion of the sale of on-tap detergents in retail chains in Piemonte making use of reusable bottles. The project addressed the bulk sale of detergents such as dish-washing liquids, fabric conditioners, laundry liquids, and all- purpose cleaners.

Between 2005 and 2008, a working group involving the region, retail representatives and producers issued guidelines for the implementation of the project (logistics of the provision of bulk detergents from the production to the shop, identification of the main characteristics and technologies appropriate for dispensers, characteristics of the bottles that can be re-used, labeling, kinds of detergents in distribution and sale prices, communication activities at the point of sale, communication activities towards the citizens). Technical assistance was provided to the shops before the installation of the automatic dispenser (personnel training) and during an experimental phase (between 6 and 12 months), by experts able to support customers and/or the shop staff in solving problems and/or difficulties due the utilization of the dispensing machines. The Region also provided technical support to producers for the development of the dispensing machine and gave a contribution of 5.000 euros per dispenser to the producers who loan them for free to the sales points involved in the project. From 2009 on, more systems of detergent on tap have been installed by retailers and producers, without regional support.

34 automatic detergent dispensers were installed in 10 trade chains in Piemonte region by producers/providers of detergents in accordance with the working group guidelines. Each dispenser cost 10,000 euros (this cost being supported by detergent producers/providers). Communication was implemented in the shops (leaflets, informative panels in the shops) and in the territory (informative bicycle, promotional movie, panels on buses, etc.). The empty bottle cost 0.5 euro (1 litre) to the customer and detergent between 1 euro and 1.30 euro per litre.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
E-mail: settore.rifiuti@regione.piemonte.it or http://extranet.regione.piemonte.it/ambiente/rifiuti/

General data

Country	Italy
RA/LA	Piemonte region
Population	4,456,000 inhabitants (2010)
Waste generated (kg/inh/y)	513 kg/inh/y (including approximately 57 kg of plastic packaging)

Waste prevention activity data

Waste flow	Packaging waste : plastic bottles
Strategy	Refillable / returnable packaging
Scale	Roll out
Year(s) of tde project development	2005
Participation target	/
Waste reduction target	/
Participation rate	All 8 provinces of the region are covered through the main shopping centres
Waste quantities reduced	780,000 bottles reused between November 2006 and July 2010 (3.5 years), equivalent to avoiding 47 tonnes of HDPE packaging and 26 tonnes of paperboard, representing 74% of detergent purchases through the dispensing machines.
Budget	Direct costs for the Region: 610,000 euros (from 2005 to 2008): 350,000 euros for assignments (research phase, project guidelines and planning, technical assistance, monitoring); 190,000 euros for the supply of the economic support for producers/providers of detergents for the dispensers establishment; 70,000 euros for communication activities. The cost of the internal personnel is not counted.