Personal care in reusable aluminium bottle (2021)

The system of This is Circular is reminiscent of the milkman who used to sell the bottles of milk at the door and take the empty bottles back with him. In this case, the customer buys a Circular product online, in a refillable aluminium bottle with a screw cap. With the first order, a pump or spray cap is included. The pumps and sprays remain with the customer. Refills have a screw cap that is easy to clean. The bicycle courier delivers the order at the agreed time and takes back the empty bottles. They are cleaned, disinfected and refilled. This way, the circle is closed.

The Circular collection consists of personal care and cleaning products, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and hand disinfectant. The metal bottles have a capacity of 500 ml or 100 ml. This is Circular has its own line, but also sells other brands in their own reusable packaging.

The refill bottles can be reused at least ten times, provided they are transported and washed carefully. After just three refills, the CO2 impact is lower than when using single-use plastic packaging. Each bottle is visually inspected before it goes to the customer. Bottles with small dents remain in circulation, but if there is too much damage, it is removed from the system and offered for recycling.

Customers pay a €3 deposit for the large bottles and €1.50 for the travel size. This deposit is refunded in full after the empty bottle has been returned. The empty bottles can also be handed in at the This is Circular office or - at their own expense - be returned by post.

This is Circular wants to expand to other Dutch cities, but those who live outside Amsterdam can already order products and have them delivered to their home, via a courier company. For this, delivery costs are charged. As soon as there are enough customers in a certain postal code area, This is Circular will also start delivering there by bike courier.