A groundbreaking initiative in France, led by Botanic in collaboration with Bocoloco, introduces a 'zero-waste' shopping concept. This innovative solution replaces single-use plastics with reusable and returnable jars for purchasing food products in bulk.

According to OECD data, a staggering 460 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2019, resulting in 353 million tonnes of waste, with only 10% being recycled. Similarly, ADEME estimates that the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic waste finds its way into the world’s oceans every minute.

Recognizing the alarming levels of plastic waste, Botanic and Bocoloco take proactive steps. They advocate for the elimination of primary packaging, favoring bulk purchases and reusing containers as effective measures to reduce single-use plastics without generating food waste or compromising health and safety.

Botanic has carefully selected around thirty organic products from French brands, spanning various food categories such as breakfast items, confectionery, starchy foods, and legumes. These products are packaged in reusable jars at Bocoloco’s warehouse in Paris, significantly reducing waste by an average of 25 grams per product while preserving food safety, hygiene, and quality.

Subsequently, the jars are distributed to Botanic stores, where consumers can purchase the products with an additional €1 deposit per item. Once emptied, the jars can be returned to collection bins in-store, earning consumers a €1 voucher valid across Botanic stores. Bocoloco then collects, washes, and reuses the packaging in a 'short-circuit management' process.

On-pack QR codes offer traceability, providing consumers access to valuable information such as the product’s origin, ingredients, and recipes. This user-friendly system aims to simplify responsible and waste-free consumption, making it more accessible to modern consumers.

Botanic and Bocoloco emphasize the role of individual consumers in the zero-waste transition, aiming to strike a balance between urgency in reducing plastic packaging and encouraging consumers without inducing guilt. This initiative signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future.