TerraCycle’s Loop platform hits milestone reach across 48 states

TerraCycle’s reuse platform Loop is now available online in every ZIP code in the 48 contiguous states, a major milestone after the program first launched in 2019.

Kroger and Loblaw are partners of the platform, among other retailers, and a TerraCylce representative recently told Store Brands that it would be developing a reusable container for select private brands to buy at those physical stores in 2021.

The Loop program began in the Northeastern United States and Paris, France, and entered the United Kingdom in July, working with more than 80 brands and 400 products globally. More than 100,000 people have signed up for the service.

Loop enables shoppers to buy brands in a durable, reusable package. It’s a circular system, designed to end single-use packaging. For example, a shopper can buy a silver tin for Haagen-Dazs ice cream that was developed with Loop from a retailer like Kroger or Walgreens, which gets shipped by Loop (or picked up at the store) and then shopper returns the container when done through Loop’s shipping system to get it refilled. The company likens it to the days of the milkman.

Many independently owned businesses use the program too, and the products come in many sizes and in many categories where products can be used and sent back for a refill.

"Consumers across the country have urged us to bring Loop to them so we've scaled as quickly as possible to make that happen," said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of Loop and TerraCycle. "With consumers shopping more and more online this year, the need for our sustainable, waste-free solution has become even more important."

As of today, U.S. consumers can order more than 100 products from more than 30 brands in categories ranging from beauty to grocery to household goods with that assortment expected to double by year's end.

TerraCycle also runs a large recycling platform to help recycle items that can’t be recycled the traditional way. Kroger and its Simple Truth brand became the first store brand to strike a partnership with TerraCycle for a dedicated recycling service.

The Simple Truth Recycling Program centers on its flexible packaging that’s not accepted in the curbside bin, including produce bags, bread bags and plastic overwrap found on items like tissue boxes and bottled water.