Innovation

Re_Grocery is a Los Angeles-based grocery store that focuses on sustainability in a world where the grocery industry has made it almost impossible to avoid plastic packaging and waste. Re_Grocery makes it possible to shop without any plastic waste at all. Their products are clean, high quality, and non-GMO. Shoppers can bring their own containers from home, or purchase reusable containers in-store and pick up their groceries by filling their containers with as little or as much produce as they want. Their groceries are weighed at checkout so customers only pay for their chosen quantity. Re_Grocery has locations in Mar Vista, Studio City, and Highland Park with national shipping and plans for a fourth store location. 

Their stores help our world move towards sustainable cities and communities by reducing the incredible amount of waste produced by traditional grocery stores. Their products do not have packaging, eliminating any possible excess waste, and customers do not have to buy excess because each customer only takes the amount of each product that they need. Their focus on reusable containers and only talking about what you need is why they are a certified B Corporation which means they meet high standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To achieve this status, a business must complete an assessment of its impact on all stakeholders, be verified by B Corp, disclose any controversial operations, commit to public disclosure of its performance, post its impact to the B Corp website, and consider their impact as the company grows and develops. 

Inspiration

Re_Grocery was started by a couple originally in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were inspired to create a way to shop for groceries without using single-use plastics. Jackie mentioned that using paper bags alone (which comes at a 10-cent charge) saves 20,000 pieces of plastic. That's not even counting all of the jars that we've had refilled.” They encourage creative solutions to reduce single-use plastic with their bring your container policy. Jackie states, “So I think the the biggest differentiator is that you can bring your own container so you can get as much or as little as you want.” Shoppers can buy packaging from the store or bring their own reusable containers for everything from laundry detergent to almonds. The owners saw bulk sections falling short of cleanliness and variety and jumped on the opportunity to expand that thinking to an entire store model. Jackie says, “But in terms of like cleanliness, I'd say that one big differentiator that makes me feel better about shopping here as a consumer”. Their driving source of inspiration is creating a more sustainable way of life by working closely with the community around them through donating to non-profits and working with small farmers. 

Overall impact

Initially, during COVID-19, ReGrocery filled a need by having their bulk sections open but having employees sanitize and fill up the jars of the customers. ReGrocery reduces plastic waste in the community by providing environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastic, such as paper bags and the "bring-your-own-container" method. Since its inception, ReGrocery has saved over 20,000 pieces of plastic, immediately impacting local waste management and pollution levels. The ReGrocery model also benefits customers who want to lessen their environmental impact in their daily lives. Furthermore, with programs like EBT acceptance, and working with non-profits like FoodCycle that donate groceries to people in need, ReGrocery promotes an inclusive shopping experience, allowing a larger community to shop sustainably while also encouraging consumer loyalty through rewards and repeat business.

 Long-term, ReGrocery's impact includes developing a culture shift toward sustainability and environmental consciousness inside the supermarket business. By emphasizing non-GMO, organic produce from local farmers, ReGrocery promotes sustainable agriculture and helps local businesses. Their closed-loop technology and commitment to sustainable packaging are creating a precedent for other businesses, raising awareness about the harmful impacts of microplastics and encouraging a zero-waste lifestyle. ReGrocery's expansion into new places and nationwide delivery might have a substantial impact on trash reduction and environmental conservation on a bigger scale, ultimately leading to a reduction in landfill waste and microplastic contamination over time.

Business benefit

The innovation of Regrocery’s zero-waste model has allowed customers to bring their own containers/packaging, and has brought a focus on reducing single-use plastics, which has benefitted the business overall. By allowing customers to refill their containers it separates ReGrocery from traditional grocery stores and other wholesale shops. It has allowed them to create a loyal customer base, specifically among customers who are ethically conscious about the environment and who want to minimize their plastic footprint. As a result, Regrocery has been able to grow a strong network of customers who support its overall mission of sustainability. Additionally, it has also helped reduce packaging costs which could lead to an increase in profit margin. 

ReGrocery has also recently expanded, opening new locations, such as in Highland Park, and now offers nationwide shipping. With a broader reach, their focus on sustainability and zero waste has reached and appeals to high-end consumers who are passionate on these practices. Their growth has also been supported through recent partnerships with local sustainable brands which have offered more to their current customers and attracted more. With the potential in a reward program offering 5% back to customers and an employee benefit plan, it can significantly increase employee retention and satisfaction. Creating a workplace where the team is passionate and engaged also reflects the type of company they are striving to be, flourishing internally and externally. 

 Through their sustainable practices and innovative service they have gained a competitive edge and expanded their market reach by attracting new clientele along the way. They have been able to raise revenue and also positively contribute to the environment by saving over 20,000 pieces of plastic from landfills. The result of their innovation has proved to be able to thrive in all aspects of their business.

Social and environmental benefit

The innovation that Re_grocery provides benefits society and the environment in several ways. The company's innovation is getting rid of single-use plastics in the grocery store and this helps the people who shop there by ridding them of the possibility of consuming microplastics that are everywhere in normal grocery stores such as a Ralphs or Vons. This is a benefit to society because microplastics contribute to numerous health defects such as lung inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Microplastics and plastics in general from grocery stores don't just affect humans, they can also affect the environment around us, especially animals and the ocean since we are in Los Angeles. Millions of tons of plastics get dumped into the ocean every year and as a result, marine animals and marine habitats are destroyed. A huge contributor to that waste is the packaging that houses a majority of products at your local grocery store. By shopping at Re_Grocery the consumer knows that they are improving their health as well as the environment around them.   

Another part of the company's innovation is its cleanliness strategy for its self-serve products. Each container in their store when empty is deep cleaned which is not a universal practice for grocery stores that offer self-serve options. This directly correlates with customer's health because they know when they go in to purchase their peanut butter or even hand soap, that everything is clean and won't negatively affect their health. The innovations that this store has accomplished are truly great and should be replicated by more businesses.  

Interview

Jackie Freed, Mar Vista Manager