Idea Feedback: Zero Waste/ Eco Store

[manyclouds]

I’m new to the forum and I’m keen to gauge fellow members opinions on a ‘zero waste’ concept. I haven’t really drilled down the exact model or if it makes economic sense yet - it’s very much half baked.

Problem

• Single use plastics are destroying our planet and oceans.
• A vast majority of food is wasted. Pre packed goods result in people buying more than they need.
• SU plastic is far too prevalent in supermarkets and daily consumables (shampoos, toothpastes etc.)
• Incumbent supermarkets are slow to make changes the supply chain will only fully adapt once regulation/tax changes come in from central government.
• Consumers want to reduce/eliminate their plastic footprint but there isn't currently an easy way to do so.
  Current solutions:
  - Independent ‘Zero Waste’ supermarkets’ - violate scale. At the moment these are run either as a micro industry from someone's home or in a single location retail space. From my research most of these stores are very primitive in their scope and presentation.
  - Refill stations - require consumers to bring their own containers to and from the refill point. This is hardly convenient/realistic in the long term - it’s already enough of a struggle to remember reusable coffee cups, lunch boxes, straws etc.

Opportunity

• The plastic problem isn’t going anywhere, this isn’t a ‘fidget spinner’ fad, interest and the need to take action increases exponentially as time goes on.

• Devise a solution which makes it easy for consumers to incorporate your product/service into their daily lives (no pre-shop ‘tupperware planning’) while making them feel good that they are doing the right thing for the planet.

Solution

A ‘Zero Waste Club’

• Members pay a joining fee where they receive a welcome pack (carbon neutral delivery) which includes a comprehensive set of storage containers for their home.
• They then have access to your online store where they can buy loose foods and supplies. A minimum order value will need to apply.
• They receive the shipment of their goods in cardboard, paper and other 100% recyclable packing materials. In time these could be delivered via electric vans.
• The customer decants their product into the containers you previously delivered at home.
• If desired customers can set up recurring deliveries

Summary

Pros

• The model is scalable and allows you to address the national market.
• Growing niche & public interest with no large specialist incumbent (no validation: could be a con too!)
• Opportunity to create own branded goods
• Possibility to create a business which genuinely makes a positive impact
• Could be a stepping stone to branch out (retail chain) & simultaneously testing the market for new packaging methods.

Cons

• Unsure on profit potential
• A degree of consumer education is required
• This isn’t a be all to end all solution to the plastic problem. However it does make you ‘part of the solution’. Eventually I imagine new packaging materials will be invented to replace SU plastic. However, this business could provide a great stepping stone to test & roll out packaging solutions.
• Supermarkets will eventually catch up but this will take several years. In time If you can address and perhaps patent new packing methods.

 

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