The Loop is Bringing Back the Milkman

At our “How Sustainability Works” event, Nic Esposito shared a plea for entrepeneurs to fix recycling.

Shortly after, we have someone stepping up to the call.

Meet Loop.

As WHYY reported, New Jersey-based Terracycle is working with Proctor & Gamble, Nestle, PepsiCo & other companies to create reusable containers that you can bring back to the store or mail in. Coming to PA, NJ and New York in May, you’ll be able to purchase products in reusable containers.

(According to a press release, it will also launch in Paris and New York this Spring.)

You’ll be able to shop in the package-free aisles, pay a small deposit fee (that you get back when you return the bottle) won’t have to worry about cleaning the containers, and will bring back the packaging to stores for reuse.

Our Take on Loop

It’s great someone’s trying to solve the plastic problem.

One piece that we’re curious about: companies that are involved in the pilot are larger brands, which often have undesirable ingredients in their products. Consumers that normally are the target market shop for alternate brands like Tom’s, local and other varieties. It will be interesting to see which lines start with this pilot and how it evolves.