Unilever Thailand has officially launched its first fabric softener refill station at Tops Market Central Westgate.
The move is the result of a new collaboration with Tops Market under Central Retail to strengthen both firms' commitment to tackling plastic waste and sustainably creating a better tomorrow.
Tops customers can bring their own 1-litre plastic bottle or a larger size container to refill with Comfort Daily Fresh Ultra fabric softener. Unilever Thailand vows that the quality of the product from its refill station is the same as the original product on the shelf.
Annemarieke de Haan, head of country at Unilever Thailand, said that according to a Mega Trends survey in Thailand, 73% of Thai consumers are concerned about climate change, and 72% want to create a positive environmental impact through their daily life. This shows that Thai consumers have an interest in environmental protection and restoration.
"To ensure a sustainable future, we have the opportunity -- and the responsibility -- to make sure that we keep plastic within a circular economy and out of the environment," Ms Haan said.
Ms Haan expressed that Thai consumers are concerned about climate change, and 72% wants to create positive environmental impact through their daily living, according to a recent survey.
"Unilever is determined to find innovative ways to decrease our plastic waste, increase our use of recycled materials, reduce plastic waste, and ensure no waste goes to landfills in our factories."
She declared that the firm's goal is to halve the amount of virgin plastic the company uses in its packaging and use packaging that can be reused, recycled or composted 100%.
Chakkit Chatupanyachotikul, head of marketing of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, said that Tops has always recognised the importance of showing responsibility towards people, communities and the environment through various projects.
"In this recent partnership with Unilever Thailand, we want to help society by introducing the first refill station in a Thai supermarket to reduce single-use plastic and promote reuse. Our customers can also save money as refilling is cheaper, and they can also reduce plastic waste, which will benefit the environment and people. We expect that refill products will be more and more popular in the future as modern consumers care about the environment," Mr Chakkit said.
Mr Chakkit added that Tops is ready to support sustainable plastic waste management. The key is not only will this reduce the use of plastic waste, but it is important that everyone must play a part and collaborate by rethinking their packaging design for eco-design so packaging can be reused, following the circular economy concept, he said.
