Home care products in reusable containers – An initiative, Refillable Store, by 5 friends to reduce plastic usage

Mad4Startup By Harshita Singh | 2 min read

A Mumbai-based startup, Refillable Store, introduced a refill delivery service for personal and home care products. The initiative will help in reducing the waste in landfills and increase the use of reusable containers.

After COVID, the usage of home care products via home delivery service has increased exponentially. The home delivery service led to an increase in single waste plastic generated by each household. Plastic waste usually makes its way to landfills.

Beginning of the Refillable Store

A group of 5 friends – Lokesh Sambhwani, Purav Desai, Rahul Batra, Nishith Jardosh, and Anupriya Nayyar came up with a service named Recube Circular Solutions. The startup built technology that could track reusable products and reusable containers. The Refillable Store has been launched under the parent company named Recube Circular Solutions. The aim is two provide home care products in reusable containers.

Reusable containers
Image Source – Facebook

Home Based Products

Earth5R, a Mumbai-based environment social enterprise, conducted a survey. The results showed that there was a 47% rise in single-use plastics in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. Initially, the startup used to sell home care products in reusable containers. Once the containers got empty, they used to collect them. After collecting, the containers were sent for cleaning and sanitization. The containers were then refilled again. The customers need to provide plastic containers and or containers of glass. If nothing is available at home, the customers can purchase steel containers from the startup. The steel container then can be used again the next time as well. The reusable containers for the home care products are of good quality.

Reusable containers
Image Source – Facebook

Home Delivery Services

During the pandemic, the startup changed its strategy a bit. Instead of collecting the empty containers, the group of friends started refilling them with home care products. They launched the initiative on 05 June 2020, on World Environment Day.

The group of friends bought a Bajaj delivery truck for providing home delivery services and refilling the reusable containers. The customers need to contact the store and ask them for products. Their truck comes to the locality to deliver the products. The quantity and the product that is required need to be specified beforehand. The entire process is simple and eco-friendly. Especially during corona, people avoid going out. The home delivery service has made the life of people easier.

Reusable containers
Image Source – Facebook

Options Available to Customers

The customers choose the number of home care products they require beforehand. Their startup delivers home care products like detergent, hand wash, and cleaners. The team partnered with different brands like Rossari, Herbal Strategi, and Ecosys to supply the raw materials. The customer can bring any reusable container of their choice. If the customers do not have a container, they can purchase a reusable steel container from the team.

Reusable containers
Image Source – Instagram

Customer Feedback

One customer mentioned, ” The products are good and reasonable. The home delivery service makes everything convenient for me. Zero waste is generated, and it is good for the environment.”

Another customer mentioned, ” The products are easily delivered at home. I don’t have to go out to buy essential products every time. The initiative is good for the environment. The products delivered are of excellent quality. I plan to buy products from them only.”

Reusable containers
Image Source – Facebook

Plans

The team has saved thousands of plastic bottles from entering the landfills. The team wishes to expand its work and reach out to more people. Their home delivery service is making the lives of people easier in the COIVD times.

This initiative is beneficial for the environment as well. The startup wants to partner with bigger companies. The plan is to expand their delivery services to a larger population.

Reusable containers
Image Source – Facebook

If you liked this story, please read the story of Purav Desai, who is an innovator and the co-founder of Cupable.

To know more about Refillable Store, please check – Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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