An open-source platform for refill and reuse dispenser systems

Mission

We want to accelerate the shift away from single-use plastic by enabling open, low-cost refill dispensing systems, through open-source designs, shared standards, and collaboration. Our focus is on personal care products (shampoos, conditioners, soaps, etc) that are sold to developing markets in sachets.

Vision

To create an open-source platform for a dispenser system to foster collaboration, innovation and reach our objectives.

Why?

There are 122 billion sachets produced each year. This is set to double by 2034! These sachets are MLP (mulit-layered-Plastics) and not feasible for recycling.

A big hurdle is the cost of designing a dispenser system that meets the regulatory criteria, customer trust and brand quality. By leveraging our proven dispenser designs as a starting point we hope to increase innovation and reduce the costs of making these dispensers.

Objectives

Eliminate sachets by making refill systems affordable, scalable, and easy to adopt

Open-source dispenser hardware to reduce costs and accelerate innovation

Support informal and low-income markets with accessible, durable solutions

Create shared standards for interoperability, accuracy, quality assurance, and anti-fraud

Build a global contributor ecosystem spanning engineers, manufacturers, brands, NGOs, and researchers

Enable systemic change by informing regulation, metrology, and ISO standards related to refill and reuse

About Us

It is a combined effort of Smartfill, a leading global supplier of smart dispensers and cloud based logistics and inventory management for bulk products. DY|DX Digital, a leading innovation consultancy, TRANSFORM (Unilever, FCDO, EY) and leveraging results from the URefill project with BOPINC and Unilever Bangladesh.

Our work with BOPINC, TRANSFORM, and Unilever in Bangladesh has already proven that affordable, IoT-enabled dispensers can reduce single-use plastic and bring informal retailers into digitised FMCG supply chains.
The project is led by Nevo Hadas, Francois Cloete and Pieter Greef and will expand its leadership team as it expands.

Your Freedoms & Responsibilities

The hardware designs, firmware and documentation are licensed such that you have the freedom to use it as you wish, including commercially, as long as you contribute your enhancements and bug fixes to the project to help the community.