In a bid to reduce packaging waste, dmBio has launched a pilot project offering customers the opportunity to fill their own containers with a selection of more than ten popular dmBio products. The initiative, currently available in 15 selected dm markets in German states such as Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony, aims to test an unpackaged system.
Kerstin Erbe, dm’s managing director responsible for product management and sustainability, highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing packaging waste: “One of our goals at dm is to avoid packaging. Because any packaging material our customers don’t take home doesn’t have to be returned to the cycle. The easiest way to save on packaging is to offer our products unpackaged. The introduction of the dmBio filling station is therefore a logical next step with which we can gain experience in the ‘unpackaged’ area.”
The expansion of the filling stations in the dm stores is currently underway and will run until March 15th. Customers can find a variety of loose dmBio products available at the usual low dm permanent price, which they can fill themselves according to the desired quantity. They have the option to bring their own containers or use the deposit containers available at the dmBio filling station.
Erbe emphasized that the initiative aims to fulfil customer wishes and enable them to have an individual and conscious shopping experience. The pilot project will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and acceptance of such initiatives, potentially paving the way for wider adoption in the future.