Loblaws launches grocery delivery service with reusable containers in Toronto
It’s official. Loop, the global reuse platform has finally launched in Canada with Loblaw Companies Ltd. rolling out its reusable containers for customers looking to shop sustainably.
Having announced its plan to roll out back in Toronto last year, the milkman model plans to launch nationwide, but for now it’s just in Ontario.
“The fact is that there’s too much plastic waste in our environment. We are part of the problem and must be part of the solution,” said Galen Weston, Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited, according to a release.
“We are actively reducing plastic waste in hundreds of ways in our business today through better processes, new materials, and packaging design. Loop is one of the most innovative opportunities as we work with them to make it easier for consumers to be part of the solution.”
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The way Loop works is fairly simple: the products you order come in a reusable container; however, they aren’t for keeps, which means your ice cream, sauces, snacks, pet food, toothpaste, and several other products will be delivered in reusable packaging that users can leave on the doorstep to be picked up for free after they’ve used them.
When ordering through loopstore.ca and maboutiqueloop.ca, shoppers pay a deposit on each package, which is then refunded when the packaging is returned. Packages are shipped through FedEx after participants place the empty containers back into the Loop Tote and then return the tote by either scheduling a free pick-up online or dropping it off at one of the more than 500 participating FedEx retail locations in Ontario, according to the release.
And of course, Loop ensures each reusable container is professionally cleaned and up to health and safety standards so products are in the best condition, therefore creating a zero-waste shopping system.
“Loop is designed to be as convenient as the single-use shopping experience while creating a sustainable, circular model for consumption,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of Loop and TerraCycle.
“Collaboration is necessary to tackle the waste crisis head on. As Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw’s operational scale and years of expertise will make Loop accessible to more shoppers and make meaningful progress toward our shared goal of reducing waste.”
For those in Ontario who would love to do their part in sustainable living can visit the loopstore online to shop for products that can be delivered in reusable packaging such as Häagen-Dazs, Heinz Ketchup, and Hershey Canada, and even with select President’s Choice products.
Canada now joins the growing list of other countries that offer the service including the United States, the UK and France.