Share your thoughts about Kenco's Eco Refill pack here and be entered into our prize draw..

[OliviaMumsnet]

Some of you will remember that last year we ran a campaign with Kenco to send three lucky Mumsnetters to visit coffee farms in Costa Rica.

Well, Kenco were so delighted with the response that they now want to hear from Mumsnetters' about sustainability and the packaging for their instant coffee range.

Kenco has recently launched a new resealable Eco Refill pack and wants to find out what Mumsnetters think about it!

Everyone who posts their thoughts on this subject will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £250 of vouchers for a store of their choice.

Some background and information....The Eco Refill pack has 97% less packaging weight compared to Kenco jars .

The packs themselves can be sent to Kenco free of charge for TerraCycle® recycling and for every pack returned they will donate 2p to the charity of your choice.
The Eco Refill pack is designed to replace the traditional glass jar that instant coffee comes in and the idea is you buy/ have a jar that you decant the granules into from the Eco Refill Pack.

Please add your own thoughts on this product and on sustainability and packaging for instant coffee below, but here are some questions to get you thinking!
What do you think about this?
What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
What is bad about it?
Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Do you think this is a product you would buy?
If so why? If not, why not?
Over to you......
MN Towers

[EvoDude]

I thought the new refill packs were an excellent idea till I visited my local Asda yesterday (The Jewel, Edinburgh). The price of a 150gm pack was £3.65 compared to a 200gm jar at £2.68. Almost a Pound dearer for 50gm less! When the advert was first released I never imagined we would have to pay such a high surcharge to help the environment by using less glass. Needless to say the 'Eco-pack' stayed on the shelf and will remain there till it is, at least, competitively priced.
Shame on you, Kenco.

[Gilly1001]

brillaint idea, the packaging is ideal,

[Gilly1001]

fantastic idea, the packaging is ideal.

[PrettyCandles]

What do you think about this?
Excellent idea. We do it already by buying the cheapest offer on the Kenco coffee that we like (which is not necessarily the biggest jar) and decanting it into a more comfortable-sized jar. The idea is not, in fact, new: my mum used to buy instant coffee in keepsake jars with glass lids, then refill the jars from more simply packed coffee, or reuse the jars for other products.
What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
Less weight to lug home. Potentially less waste and smaller carbon footpritn to manufacture.
What is bad about it?
I would prefer a biodegradable pack that I could rip up and put straight into my compost heap.
Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
All manufacturers of appropriate products - cocoa/coffee/spices/household cleaning products, anything suitable.
What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Encourage/lobby provision of local plastics recycling, so that it could be included in our doorstep recycling.
Do you think this is a product you would buy?
Yes
If so why? If not, why not?
As above. Tho I don't know how much it costs, so may not use it if it is not cost-effective.

[Mamazon]

I think it is a very good idea. and one i think will catch on. UNlike some other products that can be messy to transfer into the original container coffee is quite easy to pour without causing a mess.

Yes its something i would buy and i do like the fact that you can post the packs back to them for recycling.

i haven't actually compared the pricews but i would hope that once the product is established that the price is significantly lower to equate for the cheaper form of packaging.

[foofi]

I don't personally buy or drink coffee, but if I did, this seems like a good idea. I do agree though that having to post back the packs is rather complicated and a lot of people will end up putting them into landfill. At least you can re-use a glass jar yourself, but you can't re-use the plastic packaging from this. It would also need to be significantly cheaper.

[titfertat]

What do you think about this?
Great idea - much less wasteful

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
Lighter, cheaper, enables you to reuse glass instead of just recycling, which is more environmentally friendly.

What is bad about it?
Although the pouches can apparently be recycled, my bet is that the vast majority of them will end up in the bin, which is potentially worse than buying (and recycling) glass each time.
Looking on the website, it is confusing how you are supposed to return the pouches for recycling - do you have to join the "Kenco Refill Eco Brigade"? Do you have to be an organisation? All looks a bit off-putting.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
If it is proven to be more "green", then yes.

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Ensure the pouches can be recycled easily (i.e. not requiring them to be posted off)

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
Probably

If so why? If not, why not?
I buy Kenco sometimes already, and this would save me a bit of money and (allegedly) be more eco-friendly.

[O00O]

As one of the people who wrote to Kenco a few years ago, asking them to consider more sustainable packaging options, and specifically this type of pack, I would like to say a big Thank you to them for making it happen.
I am delighted that they have now decided to seriously promote the product, raising awareness, and encouraging a more favourable pricing and offers strategy on the refill packs.
It had disappointed me, that until recently, all of my local outlets which stocked the (200g) refills were charging more for them than the 200g jars.

I can't say that the new 150g pack size particularly appeals to me; but it is not really an inconvenience; I preferred the 200g size. I can't say I'm personally too fond of the big green 'eco' blazon either; but I can see the need for it, or reasoning behind it.

I hope that this is the beginning of a revolution, where we see an industry wide move towards more sustainable solutions in packaging. It is about time!

I have seen some criticism of the eco-refill pack; but feel that the points made are rather biased, and not wholly correct.

The piece suggests that the new pack is less sustainable than glass jars; because it uses plastic, and that there are no facilities to recycle this type of pack in the UK.
The eco-pack uses less plastic than a jar lid, so comparatively reducing the amount of oil used in it's production. There are significant carbon savings over lifecyle analysis; and the facilities to recycle this packaging can and should be developed here.

[Amapoleon]

What do you think about this? Really good idea

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
Better for environment.

What is bad about it?
Can't think of a negative.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do? Yes

What else could they do to improve the sustainability? Look at packaging in general.

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
If so why? If not, why not?

Yes I would buy it, if the price was right.

[MegBusset]

What do you think about this?
I think it is a bit of a gimmick tbh.

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
What is bad about it?
I don't think it is more environmentally friendly than glass jars -- not widely recycled by councils and will just burn more fuel being posted back for recycling. (As if many people will bother!)

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
No, but maybe a cardboard box that could be widely recycled would be a better idea.

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
See above -- cardboard packaging or maybe a reusable tin you could get refilled at the supermarket (a la Body Shop)?

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
If so why? If not, why not?
No, I think it is gimmicky and in any case I am on a very tight budget so tend to buy own-brand coffee.

[gigglewitch]

What do you think about this?
good idea, we've been buying it

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
I'd rather re-use jars, 'normal' coffee jars are a huge waste imo even though we recycle or re-use them

What is bad about it?
not significantly cheaper than the jars, unless it's on offer two for £x.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
yes definitely

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
look at the packaging - whether foil or plastic, which will recycle most effectively etc

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
have been buying it since it first launched, we always drink kenco coffee.

If so why? If not, why not?
want to re-use jars, also would like to save money and where it was first introduced into local supermarkets it was on a promotional offer - both the environmental aspects and the cost appeal to me.

[EccentricaGallumbits]

What do you think about this?
Good idea

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
lighter transporting - less packaging - good for environment - lighter shopping bags.

What is bad about it?
I can imagine spilling the coffee all over the worktp while trying to decant it into a jar.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
Yes.

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Lobby local councils to collect plastic packaging at the doorstep for recycling. Ours doesn't.

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
No

If so why? If not, why not?
It's really still very very expensive compared to own brand coffee which I have to buy because I'm a bit poor.

[TheEarthIsFlat]

Like some of the others, I've looked at this a few times in the shops and am a bit peeved at the difference in price - pennies do count. Didn't realise the packaging could be posted back so haven't done this & probably wouldn't remember to do it anyway, so nice idea in theory but not practical for time-short families. Imagine if lots of companies tried the same idea, how much extra work would it create for consumers? We already spend a lot of time sorting out recycling into different containers at home.

We buy powdered milk & this comes in cardboard boxes with a paper insert which can go straight in the recycling bins - could you do the same??

What about points, i.e. through the big supermarkets or to build up on-line? We all seem to find time to go on the computer!

On the plus side, I have bought it because of the environmental factor, I will buy it again so long as it's financially sensible to do so & I think it's a really really great idea & would love it if other companies did the same thing.

[imaginewittynamehere]

What do you think about this? Gimmick, my real coffee already comes in such packaging.
What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee? I don't I bug vacuum packed ground coffee - would like this packaging to be recyclable though - biodegradable would be fab.
What is bad about it? Nothing really
Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do? Maybe
What else could they do to improve the sustainability? 100% fairtrade, locally recyclable or biodegradeable packaging
Do you think this is a product you would buy? No
If so why? If not, why not?
don't really by instant

[FimbleHobbs]

What do you think about this? Brilliant idea

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
Much less wasteful and lighter too so cheaper to transport.

What is bad about it?
I'd like it to be Fairtrade

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
Yes

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Not sure as I don't know enough about coffee production

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
If it was Fairtrade, yes I would.
If so why? If not, why not?

[squilly]

What do you think about this? It's a very sensible idea

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?

I always resented having to recycle the glass jars. It seems such a waste of resource. A tetrabag is a much better idea.

What is bad about it?

The approach they've taken in pricing is a little galling. They offer less product and charge very little less for the coffee, even though their packaging costs must be substantially lower. I'd imagine the initial set up costs would have been quite big, but the savings to them will be enormous in the long term. Shipping costs, etc will all reduce with the reduced weights involved. They'd get my vote more if they didn't try to con us with the great promotional offer they've launched with which actually equates to very little real savings for the consumer.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do? Yes. A little competition might actually make Kenco drop the price on this product!

What else could they do to improve the sustainability? I think they're doing o.k. with this. I can't think of anything else off the top.

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
If so why? If not, why not?

I generally buy Kenco. I like the taste and find it a nice coffee. I will, however, buy cheaper brands if finances are tight and will always buy other brands with good offers on, eg Carte Noire or even Nescafe (at a push). The packaging is a good angle, but is it enough when you're looking at paying half price for an alternative brand?? I don't think so.

[choosyfloosy]

What do you think about this?
I think it's a marketing exercise as non-fairtrade coffee makers have to differentiate themselves somehow from each other.

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
I tend to assume buying any form of plastic packaging is more damaging than buying glass. This may well not be true. I assume it costs the company less to transport plastic pouches than glass jars.

What is bad about it?
Increase in plastic packaging - I don't know the efficiency ratios in recycling plastic and glass.
The 'EcoRefill' name and green slash. I currently associate green with decaffeinated so am distracted by that (although that colour connection seems to be changing). Also although I do buy Ecover products, who named themselves a long time ago, I feel personally insulted now by companies sticking a big 'Eco' on something and thinking I will actually buy it for that reason alone.

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
Good God no.

What else could they do to improve sustainability?
Sell unpackaged coffee that can be dispensed into your own container via a dosage system a bit like an optic in a pub (large version obviously).
To be honest, instant coffee is probably so intrinsically unsustainable that it won't survive as a product once oil prices begin to rise again.

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
No.

If so why? If not, why not?
I do drink instant coffee and avoid Nestle but only buy Fairtrade. I would have to be informed by a trusted third party organisation that this product was a better deal for the environment/coffee producers than Fairtrade coffee, to buy it.

[LovelyDear]

i saw this and asked my usual fairtrade coffee maker if they'd try it. they said they were looking into it, which is good. won't buy kenko, if fairtrade available. and although less packaging is good, the eco ones are less reyclable. i tried signing up to the terracycle website but it was very complicated.

[kennythekangaroo]

What do you think about this? great idea
What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee? lighter, easy to carry/store and hopefully cheaper.
What is bad about it? nothing
Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do? yes
What else could they do to improve the sustainability? make it properly recyclable
Do you think this is a product you would buy? bought it already
If so why? If not, why not? -

[CheeryCherry]

I do think the idea of a refill pack is excellent and I guess the reason the refill pack is smaller is to guarantee that the contents fit into the jar easily each time.
I think though that really there should be a greater saving for the customer, as there must be substantial savings on weight/transporting costs.
May try the idea but would be happier if it were my usual fairtrade coffee.
BTW we need to reduce the plastic packaging more than the glass particularly - at least glass is easily recycled.

[JiminyCricket]

I usually buy Kenco and have already bought some of these. An excellent idea and have started using my coffee caddy, although re-using the glass jar would be fine too.

[hormonesnomore]

I defiintely think all coffees should be sold in refill packs rather than glass jars for all the reasons stated here.

I won't be buying it as I don't like Kenco coffee.

[Lizzylou]

What do you think about this?
It is a good idea

What do you think is good about this versus buying glass jars every time you buy coffee?
Far less heavy to carry, I recycle anyway but lots of people don't

What is bad about it?
The contents (sorry!)

Do you think this is something all coffee manufacturers should do?
Yes

What else could they do to improve the sustainability?
Fair trade suppliers

Do you think this is a product you would buy?
No
If so why? If not, why not?
I don't like Kenco coffee!