Pioneering Sustainable Retail: U Launches Reusable Packaging System in Four Regions
Parijs, donderdag, 12 juni 2025.
Cooperative U has today launched a groundbreaking reusable packaging system in four northwestern French regions. The ReUse project involves seven major distribution chains and covers approximately 16 million consumers. Initially, 80 stores will participate, with the ambition to expand to 750 stores by October. Consumers can purchase products in reusable glass packaging, with a deposit of 10 or 20 centimes. Although the initiative currently includes only eight product references, it represents a significant step towards more sustainable retail practices in France.
ReUse Project Launch
Today, Cooperative U launched the innovative ReUse project for reusable packaging in four northwestern French regions: Brittany, Pays-de-la-Loire, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France [1]. The initiative covers 16 million consumers and involves seven major distribution chains, including Auchan, Biocoop, Carrefour, Cooperative U, Leclerc, Intermarché, and Monoprix [2].
Implementation and Scale
Initially, 80 stores will participate in the project, with an ambitious plan to expand to 750 stores by October [2]. Consumers will pay a deposit of 10 or 20 centimes per packaging, which can then be returned and reused [3].
Product Range and Challenges
Currently, the project encompasses only eight product references, four of which are from Cooperative U itself [3]. Jean Hornain, CEO of Citeo, acknowledged that implementation will be gradual, with industrial partners adding more products in the coming months [2].