Ontario-based grocery chain Farm Boy, owned by Empire Company Ltd., is taking a step towards reducing single-use packaging waste. Beginning August 19, the grocery retailer will introduce reusable containers at its salad and hot bars in its Guelph store located at 370 Stone Rd W, Guelph, ON N1G 4V9, offering customers an eco-friendly alternative for the retailer’s ready-to-eat meals.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration with Friendlier, a startup founded in 2019 by University of Waterloo chemical engineering graduates Kayli Dale and Jacqueline Hutchings. Friendlier specializes in developing high-quality, reusable food containers and has created a user-friendly system to encourage their adoption.
The system operates on a deposit-return model. Customers will pay a 50-cent deposit for each container, which can be reclaimed upon return. To streamline the process, Friendlier has developed an app that allows users to scan a QR code on the product or website to initiate the refund, which is then processed via e-transfer.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the retail sector’s efforts to address environmental concerns. By offering reusable containers for prepared foods, Farm Boy is not only reducing waste but also providing customers with a convenient way to participate in sustainable practices.
For Farm Boy customers interested in participating in this eco-friendly initiative, more information about the partnership and how to use the reusable container system can be found on the Friendlier app, website, and social media accounts.
