Our next Finalist Interview ahead of the Sustainability Awards is with Fyllar, which we spoke to about its ‘mess-free’ smart refill solution, nominated in the commercialized Active & Intelligent category.
You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2023. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarise your entry, in less than 50 words?
Fyllar has pioneered a mess-free smart refill solution that reduces waste and paves the way for sustainable packaging. The solution seamlessly integrates clean, smart, universal and profitable features, revolutionizing the way products are repackaged and reused.
Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.
The modern-day consumer is no longer content with just the product; they want to ensure their purchase doesn’t harm the planet. Our innovation isn’t just about a machine or a refill system; it’s about altering the very way we perceive and use packaging. With the growing concern about plastic waste polluting our oceans, landfills, and even our food chains, Fyllar introduced a solution that minimizes waste, maximizes efficiency and reduces costs.
The Fyllar solution resonates with the judges because it aligns with the emphasis on holistic, sustainable advancements in packaging. By embedding circular economy principles into the design, Fyllar has effectively reduced the environmental footprint, championing the cause of reuse and negating the incessant demand for new packaging materials.
Our closed fill system ensures a clean and mess-free refill experience, eliminating the common issues associated with traditional refill methods. Integrated with the smart fill RFID tag, our machines provide a level of intelligence, recognizing different products and ensuring precise, appropriate fills every time. This RFID capability also unlocks endless possibilities; from data-driven reward systems that further incentivize refills, to significant operational advantages that streamline processes and optimize inventory management.
From a financial perspective, retailers see an uplift in efficiency and customer loyalty, brands benefit from a reduction in packaging costs, and consumers enjoy both the sustainability and the savings passed down to them. Collectively, these features not only redefine the refill experience but also champion a sustainable and economically sound approach to packaging and reuse.
How has your innovation/initiative been received?
Since the launch of our innovative refill system, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Retail partners appreciate the cost efficiency and waste reduction, while consumers are excited about participating in a more sustainable shopping experience while saving costs at every refill. The feedback from our trial phases has been instrumental in refining our design and ensuring it aligns with market needs. It’s encouraging to witness an increasing number of stores adopting our machine.
You’re shortlisted for the Active & Intelligent category. What do you see as the key demands and challenges in relation to smart packaging?
In the realm of smart packaging, the primary demand is straightforward: packaging that enhances user experience without compromising on sustainability. However, the challenge lies in the execution. The industry faces hurdles in standardizing these innovations at a large scale, ensuring they remain eco-friendly and integrating them into existing systems.
For Fyllar, the challenges are twofold. First, there’s the task of promoting the adoption of refill solutions on a global scale, ensuring they become a norm rather than an exception. Secondly, as we embrace technology, we need to ensure that the digital components of our solution are as sustainable as the physical ones.
What do you think are the main opportunities in this area or what future innovations do you predict in this area?
We’re at the cusp of a packaging revolution. As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable aspect of consumer goods, we foresee a future where smart packaging solutions are as ubiquitous as smartphones today. With the rapid advancements in technology, we predict a rise in the use of the IoT [Internet of Things] in packaging, enabling real-time data collection and analytics to further refine the user experience.
Additionally, we anticipate the growth of modular and adaptable packaging systems that can be customized to fit the diverse needs of products and consumers alike. Such innovations will allow brands to swiftly adapt to market changes without the need for significant overhauls.
In conclusion, Fyllar is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting journey towards a sustainable future. We’re not just introducing a product; we’re advocating for a paradigm shift in the way we consume and reuse. With the continuous support of our partners, consumers, and esteemed platforms like the Sustainability Awards, we’re confident in forging a path to a greener tomorrow.
The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2023 will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, which takes place in Amsterdam on 14-15 November. The Summit mobilizes leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation.
To learn more or register, visit https://www.packagingsummit.earth/amsterdam2023/.
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