Delivering refill and reuse solutions in low-income markets.
Smartfill is leading the way in refill and reuse for low-income communities – in partnership with leading brands and innovators.
Abie’s is the last South African-owned spaza, run by a family for generations. But competing with big buying groups, rising prices and limited buying power have made it harder for local shop owners to survive. With Smartfill, Abie’s has found a new way forward. Keeping money in the community, creating local jobs, and helping township businesses thrive — all while cutting down on plastic waste.
Zero packaging in a plastic free world is not a constraint, it is an opportunity to provide more affordable food.
At Smartfill, we’re redefining retail in Bangladesh’s low-income markets by introducing a revolutionary shampoo refill dispenser, developed in partnership with Unilever, Transform, Bopinc, and DY/DX. This affordable, packageless solution not only combats plastic waste by eliminating sachets, but also caters to consumers’ need for affordability while reducing environmental impact.
Smartfill is changing the way Kenyan consumers access essential products with our innovative packageless dispensers, developed in collaboration with Unilever, Transform, Bopinc and DY/DX. By offering a flexible and affordable solution for dispensing products like washing powder, we reduce plastic waste, increase consumer choice, and contribute to a more sustainable retail ecosystem.
Smartfill in Tembisa Spaza Shops outselling packaged goods on shelf.
Fortified food producer Millhouse has teamed up with digital transformation consultancy DYDX and start-up Smartfill to introduce an innovative, self-dispensing nutrition solution at the Julukandoda Primary School in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Smartfill IoT dispenser reduces the need for single use plastic packaging delivering a variety of food and cleaning products, streamlining the logistics process, and providing increased margins for retail store owners. All while reducing the impact of single use plastics on the environment.
We’ve pioneered a better way to dispense everyday food. Our goal is simple: make food more affordable, reduce food waste, and avoid single-use plastic.
Tech has evolved – so why are we still using single-use plastic? We’re on a mission to change that by making food more affordable and better for the environment.
Our easy to use, smart dispensers are proven to increase sales volumes in stores, reduce retailer build/refill operating costs and increase margins.
Cloud-based transaction and stock data makes stock management, logistics, and consumer insights simpler and smarter for brands.
In a world drowning in plastic, our commitment to package-less retail isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity.
Read, watch or listen to the latest news and insights from the world of truly sustainable packaging.
At Smartfill, we are transforming the future of retail by eliminating the reliance on unnecessary packaging and making sustainability more accessible – even for consumers who prioritize affordability. By embedding circular practices into everyday purchases, we enable consumers to do good for the planet, while also helping their pocket.
Our vision is clear: a world free from single-use plastics, where affordability and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. One of the most significant challenges in Bangladesh has been the widespread use of small plastic sachets to deliver affordable hygiene products like shampoo and body wash. While this approach has made hygiene products more accessible, it has also contributed to a surge in plastic waste.
Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, Smartfill partnered with Unilever, Transform, Bopinc, and DY/DX to create a groundbreaking shampoo refill dispenser. Priced at under $50, these dispensers allow consumers to purchase the exact amount of shampoo they need, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to sachets. This approach not only drastically reduces plastic waste, but also makes hygiene products more affordable for consumers. By lowering production and packaging costs, we are creating a model that benefits both the environment and communities.
The pilot program was launched in Dhaka’s low-income, informal stores, where consumer adoption was closely monitored. Early results are promising, with consumers switching from single-use sachets to refillable options. Some consumers have even begun purchasing larger volumes of shampoo, benefiting from both the cost savings and the convenience of refillable containers.
This initiative aligns perfectly with Smartfill’s commitment to sustainability and affordability. By providing a refillable solution, we are reducing the amount of plastic waste in the market, addressing Unilever’s environmental goals, and empowering consumers with more affordable purchasing options. This project is a pivotal milestone in Smartfill’s mission to eliminate single-use plastics globally. As we continue to scale this innovation, we invite retailers and manufacturers to join us in leading the shift towards a more sustainable and responsible future. Together, we can create lasting change—one refill at a time.
At Smartfill, we are reimagining retail in developing markets by challenging the status quo of packaging. Our goal is to not only offer more sustainable solutions, but to ensure that affordability and convenience are never sacrificed in the pursuit of a greener future. In Kenya, the prevalent use of small sachets for washing powders has contributed to plastic waste while limiting sales volumes. To address this, Smartfill partnered with Unilever and BOPinc to introduce packageless dispensers that allow consumers to purchase the exact quantity of washing powder they need, without the environmental burden of sachets.
The Smartfill solids dispensers were placed in small supermarkets in low-income areas of Nairobi. These dispensers are designed to be affordable, user-friendly, and accessible to consumers who need flexibility in purchasing quantities. Through our bulk dispensing technology, consumers can purchase exactly what they need, down to just a few grams, often at a lower cost, while retailers enjoy reduced packaging expenses. This win-win scenario not only addresses affordability but also plays a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and protecting our planet.
The pilot program has been a tremendous success, recording thousands of transactions of washing powder per store each month. Not only have we seen strong consumer adoption, but sales volumes continue to grow, demonstrating the potential for further expansion in the region. The ability to purchase just the right amount of product—without the extra cost and waste associated with sachets—has resonated with consumers, showing that sustainable solutions can thrive in developing markets.
This project aligns with Smartfill’s broader mission to eliminate single-use plastics and foster sustainable retail practices globally. The success of this initiative is a testament to Smartfill’s role as a catalyst for change in the retail sector. As we continue to innovate, we invite partners and retailers to embrace the future of sustainable retail. Let’s work together to build a world where packaging waste is a thing of the past, and consumers are empowered to make choices that benefit both their wallets and the planet.
