Global South Leads Transition To Refill Systems, Moving Away From Sachet Economy

In a significant move towards combating plastic pollution, cities across the Global South, notably in the Philippines and Indonesia, are pioneering the adoption of reuse and refill systems. These initiatives serve as practical alternatives to the prevalent sachet economy, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. A notable project led by Greenpeace Philippines, dubbed Kuha sa Tingi, has been at the forefront of this effort, introducing small-portion refill systems for personal and home care products in local neighborhood stores.

The Kuha sa Tingi initiative has not only contributed to the avoidance of over 50,000 sachets but has also proven to be economically beneficial. Consumers opting for refills have seen an average saving of 201%, while retailers have enjoyed a profit increase of approximately 15%. This demonstrates the economic viability and mutual benefits of refill systems for both consumers and local businesses. Similarly, in Indonesia, nonprofit organizations like YPBB are encouraging consumers to embrace reuse and refill practices by purchasing products from bulk stores.

Despite these positive strides, the initiatives face significant challenges due to the lack of policy support for refill and reuse systems and the ongoing production of single-use plastics (SUPs). The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies, including bans on single-use plastic products, a phasedown in production, redesigned distribution systems, and waste-free reuse models to effectively tackle the plastic crisis.

Greenpeace advocates for the development of a robust Global Plastics Treaty that could set standards and regulations to expedite the transition towards reuse and refill systems. Such a treaty would encompass provisions on reuse and circularity, creating a global framework that harmonizes various approaches and targets across sectors. This would facilitate the adoption of sustainable solutions and bolster support for research and development.

The resolution of the plastic crisis necessitates government intervention and substantial investment in reuse and refill systems. Strong policies aimed at reducing and eliminating SUPs are critical. Moreover, corporations must reassess their business practices and diminish their reliance on SUPs. Transitioning away from single-use plastics is imperative for achieving environmental justice, enhancing health outcomes, advancing climate action, and safeguarding the well-being of communities worldwide.

Narciso Marcelo, a store owner in the Philippines involved in the Kuha sa Tingi project, shared his insights on the issue. He highlighted how participating in the project has deepened his understanding of plastic waste's societal impact. Marcelo believes that opting for refills over sachets can significantly contribute to reducing plastic waste.

For further details on this initiative and its impacts, refer to Greenpeace Philippines' full report titled "Kuha sa Tingi: Bringing back sustainability into Filipino tingi culture" available at act.gp/reuserefill.