Permanent packaging with re-fill offers.

What never really caught on “yesterday” could become an important pillar in the avoidance of packaging material “tomorrow”: the concept of refillable bags. This trend thrives on an e-food market that enables subscription models for reordering products.

Image source: Blue Farm

When my oat drink powder arrives with the next online delivery, I won’t have to set foot out the door. The ease with which you can plan your purchases makes for relaxation. And if you do miss your order, your personal shopping assistant will remind you “the day after tomorrow”. Even if this can initially only predict future purchases on the basis of order histories, the packaging in conjunction with intelligent kitchen cabinets will, thanks to camera support, reliably indicate when the fill level in the permanent packaging of your favourite product is at the point where you need to reorder – including upcoming vacations thanks to calendar synchronization, of course.

Even if people still order their milk on foot online, models like the Bluefarm oat milk that they can mix themselves save resources and could bring about a renaissance for the good old refill pouch.

Our conclusion: It is already well received, especially in the fitness and lifestyle market. The concept is also spreading to dishwashing and laundry detergents. However, it remains to be seen how far it will spread.

Best practice: Blue Farm