Sky invests in zero-waste shopping service

Sky TV has invested £1.5m into a zero-waste shopping service that delivers products to customers in reusable packaging. 

The plastic-free online shop Loop, was developed by the U.S recycling business TerraCycle. It provides consumers with a new way to shop that is designed to move away from the world’s reliance on single-use plastic by ‘closing the loop on waste and creating a circular economy.’

Through the Loop website, consumers can place an order and then receive their product in a durable, reusable material.

After consumers have used up the product, they can then go online and schedule a pick-up from their home.

Loop will then clean the packaging so that the empty container can be reused and replenished for the next customer.

For example, customers can have Häagen-Dazs ice-cream delivered in a reusable steel container, or a bottle of Pantene shampoo made of durable aluminium.

Loop is set to launch in the UK with food retailer Tesco in 2020.

Some of the world’s largest companies such as P&G, Nestlé and The Body Shop are already signed up, with their products already available through the Loop website in the U.S and France.

Loop is Sky Ocean Ventures 17th investment.

Sky Ocean Ventures was launched in 2018 as part of Sky’s commitment to creating a better and plastic-free future.

Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive of Sky said: ‘Loop fundamentally changes the way we approach packaging and waste.’

‘The transition to a circular economy will take time, but big ideas like this can and will help to change the world.’

‘This complete system redesign requires being able to win the trust and buy-in of major brands and retailers with parent company TerraCycle’s experience in the recycling industry, Loop is uniquely placed to make it work.’

Tom Szaky, chief executive officer of TerraCycle and Loop said: ‘When we set out to raise investment for Loop, we had no expectation of finding a fund associated with a major media company that shares our dedication to eliminating plastic waste.’

‘Sky’s industry knowledge and daily access to vast customer network will bring attention to Loop and the opportunities to shift to durable products and packaging.’

Earlier this year, Environment Journal visited Ecotopia, a zero-waste store in Leeds.

Photo Credit – Pixabay