Contenido del curso
01 Value Chain Mapping
Introduction This guide explores the actors and dynamics that make reuse systems function. You will learn who the different players in the value chain are, what role each plays, and why collaboration between them is critical for scaling reuse. We will look at consumers, brands, packaging providers, retailers, logistics operators, and supporting infrastructure such as washing facilities, warehouses, hardware, and software. You will also examine the challenges and KPIs specific to each actor, and how these differ between refill and return models. By the end, you will understand how all these pieces fit together into an integrated value chain that enables reuse to be both environmentally impactful and financially sustainable.
0/1
02 Intro to refil and return
Now that we’ve covered the overarching concepts of reuse it's time to dive deep into the different systems. Based on your responses, Refill was indicated as the most applicable model for your context. To get started, you will learn what makes refill models distinct within reuse systems, starting with their long history and cultural roots. We'll cover two main types of refill (at home and on the go), their characteristics, and how they function in practice. We will explore the advantages and challenges of adopting refill systems, including cost, convenience, consumer behavior, and regulatory factors. You will also examine key elements for success, such as product suitability, packaging choices, and the technologies that enable safe and scalable refill operations. By the end, you will be able to identify which refill approaches are most relevant to your context and outline the first steps toward building or scaling a sustainable refill solution.
0/2
03 Go To Market
This guide explores how to design and implement a go-to-market (GTM) strategy for return systems. We begin by outlining the essential elements of such a strategy, including identifying target markets, defining product offerings, and shaping compelling value propositions. You will explore how consumer behavior, motivations, and readiness influence adoption, and how to segment and profile your audience through market research and buyer personas. The section also covers how to assess product–market fit and viability and introduces different business models for B2B and B2C contexts. Attention is given to partnerships and collaborations with brands, retailers, municipalities, and social businesses as critical enablers for scaling. Finally, we examine the role of incentives, financial, behavioral, and regulatory, in shaping consumer and business uptake. By the end, you will understand how to integrate these elements into a coherent strategy that drives refill adoption, ensures long-term viability, and aligns with broader social and environmental objectives.
0/2
03 Operations
Introduction to operations Get ready to explore the key operational considerations for refill systems. Successful implementation and scalability of refill solutions hinge on efficient operations, from inventory management, washing and logistics to end of life management. We will highlight differences between B2B and B2C operations, explore packaging options and traceability requirements, and cover the importance of quality assurance and hygiene standards. You will understand bottlenecks such as stock-outs or misaligned procurement processes and gain practical solutions to address them. By the end, you will understand how to structure responsibilities, anticipate challenges, and establish efficient, reliable operations that build trust with users and partners.
0/2
05 Finance
This guide explains how to make refill models financially viable. You will learn to map CAPEX and OPEX, plan working capital, and account for compliance costs. We will show you how to build unit economics, set prices for B2C and B2B, and factor losses from spillage and expiry into margins. You will calculate ROI and breakeven, test scenarios with throughput, product mix, and utilization, and use benchmarks from real implementations to sanity-check assumptions. You will also assess scale effects, choose financing options, and apply a practical calculator and templates to forecast cash flow, payback, and investment needs.
0/2
06 Marketing
This guide shows how to market refill systems for real adoption. You will define a clear value proposition across economic, environmental, and convenience benefits, and translate it into targeted communications at the point of sale and across digital channels. We’ll cover packaging design as a marketing asset, promotions and campaigns that onboard first-time users, and price strategies that highlight price-per-weight savings. You will learn practical onboarding scripts, loyalty and incentive tools, and behavior change tactics to overcome hygiene and convenience barriers. Guidance on localization, partnerships with brands, NGOs, and municipalities, and retailer enablement is included. You will also track retention and impact, and use a simple strategy chart to connect audience, channels, offers, and metrics into a coherent plan.
0/2
07 Measuring Impact
Congratulations! You’ve reached the last guide in Open Reuse where you’ll learn how to measure the environmental, social, and economic impact of your refill system! You will learn to build simple impact models, apply LCA at different depths, and calculate environmental break-even using return rates and packaging design parameters. We will explain how to quantify packaging avoided and associated CO2 reductions, track metrics with practical calculators and baselines, and asses social outcomes such as green jobs and poverty-tax savings. We also cover ESG reporting needs and give clear guidance on transparent impact communication that combines credible data with concise storytelling.
0/2
Refill

Chapter Expectations

  1. Investment needed
  2. Maintenance cost
  3. ROI for dispensers
  4. Breakeven analysis

Introduction to Finance

The financial viability of refill systems is crucial for their success and scalability. While refill models offer significant environmental benefits, understanding the economics is essential for making informed business decisions. This chapter provides practical tools and frameworks to assess the financial aspects of implementing refill systems, from initial investment to long-term profitability.

The transition to refill requires upfront investment, but when properly implemented, can deliver substantial cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. For example, case studies across Asia demonstrate that refill systems can achieve 15-20% cost savings per transaction for consumers while providing 15-20% operational savings for retailers[1].

However, achieving profitability remains a key challenge, especially in unregulated markets where not all models are financially viable from the start. It is essential to identify specific opportunities such as B2B setups, closed ecosystems (e.g., offices, schools, campuses), or regulated markets where refill solutions can more quickly gain traction and deliver returns. In this context, revenue generation should be treated as the primary KPI to validate product-market fit and investor confidence. From the beginning, business models must be designed with profitability and scalability in mind, ensuring that environmental impact goes hand in hand with economic sustainability.

Understanding Refill Costs

Identifying all costs involved in the refill to understand pricing and when implementers can expect a return on investment.

Before you dive into financial modeling, it’s helpful to understand the types of costs involved in setting up and running a refill system.

Costs typically fall into two major categories:

  • Setup costs: one-time investments to get your refill model off the ground
  • Operational costs: recurring expenses to keep it running smoothly

These are later detailed in the CAPEX (capital expenditure) and OPEX (operational expenditure) sections, but here’s an overview to orient your planning.

Cost Overview 

Implementing a refill system requires initial investment across several key areas:

  1. Dispenser

The choice of dispenser has a significant impact on upfront and ongoing costs. As outlined in the previous chapter, the selection, whether manual, semi-automated, or IoT-enabled depends on your context, including product type, consumer interaction needs, data requirements and available budget.

From a financial standpoint, businesses should evaluate not just the purchase cost, but also installation, maintenance, and potential upgrade costs. For example, low-tech manual dispensers may require less capital but more labor, while smart dispensers offer automation and data tracking benefits at a higher financial, maintenance and labour skill investment. Understanding these trade-offs is critical to aligning your financial planning with your operational model.

  1. Infrastructure Setup
  • Space modification and preparation
  • Plumbing and electrical connections (if required)
  • Storage for bulk products
  • Signage and customer education materials
  1. Inventory and Working Capital

Another investment you need to consider is the product itself to get started! You’ll need to invest in product inventory and ensure you have enough working capital to maintain day-to-day operations.

Initial expenses:

  • Initial bulk product purchase to stock your dispensers
  • Container inventory (if providing reusable/ refillable containers) – this may include B2B containers for bulk transport/refill delivery to dispensing sites, and B2C reusable containers if your model provides or sells containers directly to end consumers.
  • Safety stock to ensure continuous availability
  • Operational funds to cover ongoing costs such as logistics, staffing, and utilities — as well as a financial buffer to manage potential delays in customer payments or supply chain disruptions
  1. Compliance and Certification

The type of product you will dispense, combined with where you will dispense (country / region) will determine what regulations you need to follow. You will need to research the specific compliance information based on your individual context, including but not limited to:

  • Health and safety certifications
  • Training for staff
  • Quality control systems
  • Packaging and product labeling requirements on reusable/refillable containers

These compliance costs can vary significantly depending on the product category. For example, refill models for food and beverage products may require stricter hygiene standards and certifications (such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points/ HACCP or food handling licenses), while personal care items like shampoo or lotion may involve cosmetic safety testing and labeling compliance. In contrast, dry goods or cleaning products may have fewer restrictions but could still require quality assurance protocols.

Examples of typical compliance-related costs include:

  • Laboratory testing fees for product safety such as microbial analysis or preservative efficacy testing for refillable shampoo, soap, or food products. In the EU, this is required under cosmetic and food safety regulations (e.g., EC 1223/2009 and EC 852/2004). In Latin America, similar tests are needed to comply with national standards like ANVISA (Brazil) or COFEPRIS (Mexico). In Asia, countries like Vietnam and the Philippines require microbiological and chemical testing approved by their respective food and drug authorities.
  • Certification application or renewal fees including costs to obtain or renew GMP, HACCP, or FDA-equivalent licenses. In the EU, GMP is mandatory for cosmetics and HACCP for food operators. In Latin America, sanitary registration often requires both documentation and site inspections. In Asia, certification fees may include Halal compliance, country-specific product registration, or environmental licenses for reusable packaging systems.
  • Staff training programs required by local health departments such as hygiene and handling training. In the EU, this is a legal obligation under food hygiene laws; in Latin America, public health agencies require similar protocols, especially for products sold in bulk or reused packaging. In Asia, training is often part of local licensing conditions, especially in countries with fast-growing reuse regulations like Thailand or Indonesia.
  • Packaging and labeling updates to comply with refill-related regulations including ingredient disclosures, safety instructions, traceability codes, and refill warnings. In the EU, labeling must meet regulations such as EU No 1169/2011 for food and 1223/2009 for cosmetics. Latin American countries often require label translation and INCI formatting. In Asia, packaging laws may require information in multiple languages, clear refill instructions, recycling symbols (e.g., Japan, Singapore), and pace on the container for displaying this information legibly and durably.

Understanding these cost drivers early on is essential to avoid delays, ensure safe operations, and build customer trust. These costs should be factored into your overall financial planning and unit economics.

Challenge: Unlike disposable packaging, reusable containers often have limited space for required labeling. Businesses may need to invest in smart labeling (QR codes or NFC tags), durable printing methods, or modular labeling systems (e.g., attachable info cards or sleeves). These methods involve upfront investment and recurring maintenance costs.

Tip: Explore collaborative certification approaches, such as shared bulk dispensers in certified facilities or co-branded refill stations, to reduce costs.

CAPEX and OPEX

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)

CAPEX represents the one-time investments needed to establish your refill system.

While some costs, such as dispensers and infrastructure, are presented in the earlier Cost Overview section, all investment categories are fully detailed in this CAPEX table.

Below is an example of estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs for different types of refill setups. These are indicative ranges based on real-world implementations (based on Algramo experience).

Actual prices will vary depending on product type, supplier, geography, and scale. You will need to research these variables to determine the final cost. Check out our hardware directory to access validated providers as a starting point.

Reference:

Typical CAPEX Categories and Cost Ranges

Cost Item

Low-end dispenser

(Manual or low-tech setups)

Mid-range

(Partially automated systems with moderate tech)

High-end

(Fully integrated systems with IoT tracking, digital interfaces, and brand-grade quality)

Dispenser cost

$100–$300 (manual pump or gravity-fed)

$1,000 -$1.500(semi-automated)

$2,00–$3,000+ (IoT-enabled, app-connected)

Infrastructure Setup

cost

$100 (basic modifications)

$250 (signage, wiring, plumbing)

$500+ (custom fixtures, utilities)

Operational Expenditure (OPEX)

OPEX includes ongoing costs to run the refill system:

You should consider the following operational costs as part of your analysis.

  • Product procurement (bulk purchasing typically 20-30% lower than packaged alternatives)
    • You should expect a dramatic cost reduction if you increase the volume of the bulk container – the bigger the cheaper.
  • Labor costs for restocking and maintenance
  • Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
  • Maintenance and repairs (2-5% of equipment cost annually)
    • Two main types of maintenance:
      – Preventive maintenance (scheduled cleaning or calibration after a set number of uses or time)
       – Corrective maintenance (on-the-spot repair if something fails)
  • Stocking essential spare parts (e.g., nozzles, valves, sensors) to reduce equipment downtime.
  • Marketing and customer education
  • Quality control and testing

Cost-saving tip: The larger the bulk container, the lower the unit cost. For example, 1,000L tanks are significantly more economical per liter than 20L jerrycans.

To support practical planning, we recommend using a (downloadable) OPEX template.

No.

Category

Description

Unit Cost (USD)

Frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.)

Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)

1

Product procurement

Bulk purchasing of product (e.g., 20L, 200L, 1000L containers)

 

 

 

2

Restocking and logistics

Transport, storage, and handling of bulk goods

 

 

 

3

Labor costs

Wages for staff performing restock, cleaning, and support

 

 

 

4

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet costs

 

 

 

5

Preventive maintenance

Routine cleaning, calibration, and servicing

 

 

 

6

Corrective maintenance (on-spot repairs)

Emergency fixes and unscheduled repairs

 

 

 

7

Spare parts

Stocking gaskets, valves, tubing, sensors, etc.

 

 

 

8

Quality control and testing

Lab tests, hygiene audits, internal quality checks

 

 

 

9

Marketing and customer education

Signage, campaigns, training materials, promotions

 

 

 

Accounting for Product Losses: Spillage, Expiry & Unsold Inventory

Real-world refill operations frequently encounter product losses that impact margins. These include:

  • Spillage or leakage during handling, transfer, or dispensing
  • Expiry of products, especially in categories with limited shelf lives
    – For food and beverage items, expiry is a well-documented risk.
     – For personal care products (like natural shampoo or lotion), preservative-free formulas may degrade over time.
     – While most conventional cleaning products (e.g., bleach or commercial detergents) have long shelf lives, bio-based or eco-friendly cleaners often contain natural ingredients (e.g., enzymes, vinegar, citrus extracts) that can degrade or lose effectiveness over time, especially if exposed to air or heat.
    • Tip:
      Use first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory tracking and clearly label refill containers with batch numbers and restock dates. This reduces expiry risk and supports traceability in case of quality issues.

To ensure realistic financial projections, factor these in as a loss allowance, typically 1–5% of your monthly inventory value depending on your product type. This should be validated with your manufacturer or supplier, who can provide more accurate estimates based on product characteristics (e.g., viscosity, degradation, container compatibility).

Risk mitigation tips:

  • Choose products with long shelf life or stable properties.
  • Practice FIFO (first in, first out) inventory rotation.
  • Design spillage-resistant dispensers and tight storage systems.
  • Utilize time-based promotions to clear out older stock.

Including these risks upfront in your budget gives a more accurate picture of profitability and reduces surprises down the line.

Tip/Popup: The Kuha sa Tingi project in the Philippines demonstrated that micro-retailers could achieve 15% higher profits through refill systems due to reduced packaging costs and higher margins[2].

Calculating ROI

ROI Formula for Refill Systems

Below is a simple equation to calculate the RoI of your investment in a refill system. Experiment with different scenarios and assumptions to determine if your model will be effective.

For example: How many refills per day are you estimating? What are your margins? How much do the dispensers cost?

Tip: If you’re struggling to see a positive number at the end, consider a return model instead (link to return section).

ROI = (Net Profit from Refill Operations / Total Investment) × 100

Where:

  • Net Profit = Revenue from refill sales – Operating costs (OPEX)
  • Total Investment = CAPEX + Initial working capital

Key Factors Affecting ROI

  • Sales Volume: Higher throughput reduces per-unit costs
  • Product Mix: Higher-margin products improve ROI
  • Customer Adoption Rate: Impacts revenue generation
  • Operational Efficiency: Affects ongoing costs
  • Margin
  • Number of refills

Example ROI Calculation

Real-World Insights:

Algramo (Chile)

Algramo deployed smart dispensing systems for cleaning products and dry goods in various retail formats. Based on their pilot deployments in neighborhood shops, retailers using Algramo’s smart dispensers have reported a payback period of 10-14 months, depending on foot traffic, product mix, and customer engagement.

Links:

Cost savings of ~30-40%:
 According to Harvard’s case study, Algramo cuts pricing for end consumers by about 30-40% by eliminating middle‑men, packaging, and logistics costs.

https://d3.harvard.edu/platform-rctom/submission/algramo-the-value-add-vending-machine/

Fast Company and UNEP also confirm that low‑income consumers pay up to 30-50% more in small formats – Algramo eliminates that “poverty tax” to deliver savings of 30-40%

Reuse rates around 80%:
Closed Loop Partners reports that Algramo achieves an 86% return rate in its reuse model

https://www.closedlooppartners.com/case-studies/incentivizing-reuse-systems/

15 refills per bottle / ~2 kg plastic saved:
World Economic Forum describes a Unilever pilot where some customers refilled a detergent container 15 times, avoiding around 2 kg of plastic waste per unit

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/04/algramo-reusable-smart-packaging/

iRefill (India)

Based on iRefill’s experience with their B2B model in India, retailers can achieve payback within 12-18 months for edible oil dispensers and 12 months for cleaning liquid dispensers[3].

Hypothetical ROI Example: Small Retailer with 2 cleaning liquid dispensers

Cost Component

Amount (USD)

CAPEX (dispenser + setup)

2,500

Initial working capital

500

Total Investment

3,000

Monthly Refill Revenue and Costs

800

Less: Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

300

Monthly OPEX (labor, utilities, maintenance)

500

Monthly Net Profit (800 – 300 – 500)

0

In this case, the retailer breaks even monthly. Profitability and ROI improve with lower COGS or increased sales volume.

ROI (Year 1) = (NetProfit × 12) ÷Total Investment (Net Profit × 12) ÷ Total Investment (NetProfit×12) ÷ Total Investment × 100
 → ROI = (0 × 12 ÷ 3,000) × 100 = 0%

Payback Period = Not achieved in Year 1

Note: OPEX in this example includes recurring costs like labor, utilities, and marketing

Calculating Your Breakeven Point

The breakeven point indicates when your refill system will start generating profit:

Breakeven Point (units) = Fixed Costs / (Price per unit – Variable cost per unit)

Factors Influencing Breakeven

  • Fixed Costs: Equipment depreciation, rent allocation, base labor
  • Variable Costs: Product cost, utilities per refill, transaction costs
  • Pricing Strategy: Balance between competitiveness and profitability
  • Market Demand: Local acceptance of refill models
  • Usage rates

Margins

Benchmark and Performance Expectations

To better understand what your model could look like, here are some industry benchmarks based on real-world implementations to consider.

Refill Frequency by Product Type

Product type

Average refill rate / user

Key Influencing Factors

Cleaning products

1 time/month

Every 30-40 days

Household size, product variety

Staple food…

2–4 times/month

Family size, storage options

Personal Care (shampoo, soap)

1–2 times/month

Skin/hair type, refill sizes

Cooking Oils

1–2 times/month

Meal frequency, oil type

Note: The figures in the table are not targets, but useful reference points to test your assumptions.

Tip: When planning your refill model, consider estimating # of refills per day per dispenser and customer conversion rates. Based on Algramo’s experience, a «good» refill rate is over 70%. In a retail space, this could take between 6 and 8 months to reach.

Customer Metrics to Monitor

Metric

Target / Benchmark

Customer Retention Rate

>60% within 3 months

Average Transaction Size

USD $1.50–$4.00 per visit

Refill Frequency

Weekly to bi-weekly per product

Dispenser Utilization Rate

>30% of refill capacity/month

Note on Variability:

Refill rates can vary based on household size, location (urban vs. rural), climate, and cultural habits. These numbers serve as a starting point. It’d be best to pilot and gather local data before scaling.

Forecasting and scale – TAM/SAM/SOM, adoption, etc… test with a pilot.

Scale

Economies of Scale in Refill

As your refill operation grows, per-unit costs typically decrease due to:

  • Bulk purchasing power: Larger orders command better prices
  • Operational efficiency: Optimized processes and routes
  • Shared infrastructure: Distribution of fixed costs
  • Technology leverage: Better utilization of smart systems

 Scale Thresholds and Financial Impact

Use these phases of growth to forecast how your cost structure and financial goals might evolve:

  • Startup Phase (0-100 customers/month): Focus on proving concept
  • Growth Phase (100-500 customers/month): Optimize operations
  • Scale Phase (500+ customers/month): Expand locations and products

Example: At 500+ users/month, a refill station may fully recover its CAPEX in 8 months instead of 12 due to higher turnover and reduced per-unit costs.

Pricing strategies for consumers

Pricing Strategies: Added a paragraph under the B2B B2C vs. B2B Models

Refill pricing needs to deliver value to users while ensuring financial sustainability. Your pricing strategy should reflect whether you’re selling directly to consumers (B2C) or via retail or distribution partners (B2B).

B2C: Pricing for End Consumers

Successful B2C refill models typically offer savings of 15–35% compared to traditional packaged goods. This makes reuse more appealing while promoting loyalty.

Successful B2C refill models aim to offer noticeable cost savings compared to traditional packaged goods. This perceived value can help attract price-sensitive consumers and build brand loyalty over time.

Pricing Components:

●      Base product cost (bulk rate)

●      Operating margin: 10–20% to cover OPEX Typically designed to cover operating costs, which may vary depending on location, labor, and service level.

●      Incentive discount: 5–15% to encourage adoption

●      Volume discounts: for larger refill quantities (e.g., bring a 1L container, pay less per ml)

Dynamic Pricing Strategies

  1. Introductory Pricing: Lower margins initially to build a customer base
  2. Volume-based Pricing: Encourage larger refills with better rates
  3. Loyalty Pricing: Reward frequent customers
  4. Peak/Off-peak Pricing: Manage demand and capacity

B2B information and margins?

B2B: Pricing for Retailers or Partners
B2B refill models often benefit from more stable revenue streams due to longer-term contracts and higher-volume orders. Rather than selling dispensers or equipment, refill implementers focus on providing refill-as-a-service solutions. In this case, value is delivered not only through competitive pricing of consumables but also through bundled service offerings such as inventory management, dispenser maintenance, staff training, and data reporting.

These added services strengthen partnerships and make it easier to justify pricing, while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. While specific margins vary based on the business model and scope of services, B2B contracts allow implementers to build recurring revenue and improve unit economics through scale and long-term engagement.

To remove?

What about margins for hardware companies/ refill companies selling B2B, ie dispensers to a retailer? Over 50%. That is not included here.

Financial instruments and financial incentives for implementers

Ie: early adopters of the platform. discount on hardware, consultancy, premium access

Ensuring a financially sustainable refill model is one of the biggest challenges you will face, along with consumer adoption. Let’s take a look at a few incentives that can help you increase sales and get early adopters to start using your refill solutions These incentives are designed to reduce barriers to entry and accelerate the implementation of sustainable refill solutions.

Early Adopter Incentive Package

These are potential offerings that reuse platforms or ecosystem partners (not hardware companies themselves) can facilitate to support early adopters. Final packages would depend on available partnerships and funding sources.

(Move to GTM)

  1. Hardware Access and Financial Options / Discount Program
  • Tier 1 (First 50 implementers): [%] discount on verified hardware from platform partners
  • Tier 2 (Next 100 implementers): [%] discount on hardware solutions
  • Tier 3 (Next 250 implementers): [%] discount on equipment such as refill dispensers, smart containers (in some models), and possibly supporting devices like weighing scales, IoT integrations, or POS terminals.
  • Exclusive access to beta hardware solutions from innovation partners

Instead of traditional discounts, early implementers may benefit more from:

  • Leasing or rental options for refill hardware through platform partners
  • Rent-to-own models with manageable monthly payments
  • Deferred payment plans tied to implementation milestones
  • Access to refurbished or shared-use equipment to lower capital costs
  1. Consultancy Services
  • Free Initial Assessment (USD 500 value) for first 100 platform users
  • Subsidized Implementation Support:
  • [#] hours free consultation for refill system design
  • [%] discount on extended consultancy services
  • Access to expert network for troubleshooting
  • Ongoing Support Credits: Monthly consultation hours based on implementation size
  1. Premium Platform Access
  • Priority listing on the reuse platform’s map or directory
  • Free or early access to beta versions of digital tools (e.g., inventory systems, tracking dashboards)
  • Promotion through platform communications and storytelling

Benefits

Starter Package

Premium Package

Enterprise Package

Platform Directory Listing

Listed (standard)

Priority listing (highlighted)

 

Featured placement with logo & case

 

Digital Tools Access

Access to basic tools

Access to advanced tools

Beta access to new modules + analytics

Platform Promotion

Included in general updates

Dedicated social post / newsletter

Success story + multi-channel campaign

Advisory Support (group)

Knowledge base access

Webinars & Q&A with experts

1-on-1 business advisory sessions

Implementation Toolkit

Basic starter kit (downloads)

Premium toolkit (customizable)

Enterprise-level toolset + templates

Data & Impact Dashboard

Not included

Standard impact metrics dashboard

Customized dashboard & reporting tools

Networking Opportunities

General community access

Curated peer-learning group

Exclusive access to pilot partners and funders

Annual Fee (indicative – to be adapted per market)

Free or symbolic fee

Moderate (sliding scale by size)

Premium pricing, or via corporate sponsor

Insights into Algramo Financial Model

– what could we share? 

Case studies

 Financial models from successful implementations

5 case studies outlined in detail, mainly restaurants/fast food – financial models/savings 5+Reuse+Business+Profiles.pdf

UK Modeling example[4]

The modelling data shows that Refill In-Store delivers:

  • a significantly lower (26%) E2E cost per case (£2.27 vs £3.07)
  • a significant (94%) reduction in pEPR costs
  • a significant (93%) reduction in packaging-related emissions
  • a significant (94%) reduction in packaging materials/ waste.

Tech-Enabled Refill: Davaam Life, Pakistan[5]

Davaam’s automated refill dispensers demonstrate financial viability through:

  • 15-20% cost savings for consumers
  • Annual subscription model for retailers
  • Reduced packaging and distribution costs passed to consumers

Community-Led Refill: Back2Basics, Philippines[6]

This zero waste bulk store achieves profitability through:

  • 25-35% consumer savings on products
  • 70% locally sourced products reducing costs
  • Community engagement driving loyalty

Activities or exercises

What is needed to move on to next chapter?

Consider sharing a modified version of this as a template (from iRefill) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iXgranqsdXyYtjxiKfiMed7c0rd5pvWW/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110485532490710987023&rtpof=true&sd=true

Financial Planning Tools

Refill Financial Calculator

Use this framework to assess your refill venture:

  1. Initial Investment Worksheet

Estimate your startup capital needs, including:

  • Equipment costs: Dispensers, containers, POS tech
  • Installation expenses: Setup labor, electrical/plumbing adjustments
  • Working capital needs: Inventory for launch, initial marketing, buffer funds
  • Total CAPEX requirement: Sum of all above items

Tip: Ask dispenser providers for itemized quotations based on your expected volume and location setup.

  1. Operating Cost Projector

Forecast your fixed and variable monthly operating expenses:

  • Product costs (COGS): Cost of refill goods per liter/kg
  • Labor: Staff wages, shifts needed to operate and manage the station
  • Utilities and maintenance: Electricity, water, minor repairs
  • Marketing and supplies: Promotions, packaging (if needed), signage
  • Total monthly OPEX: Sum of recurring monthly costs

Note: If your manufacturer offers consignment or refills based on sales, this can reduce upfront inventory costs.

  1. Revenue Forecaster

Estimate your monthly sales with realistic assumptions:

  • Customer acquisition rate: Number of new users per month
  • Refill frequency: How often a typical customer returns
  • Average transaction value: Based on product mix and pricing
  • Monthly revenue projection: (# of users × average refill frequency × average transaction size)

Example: 50 users × 2 refills/month × $2 = $200/month

  1. ROI Dashboard

Assess your profitability and timeline to recover your investment:

  • Payback period: How many months to recoup total CAPEX
  • Monthly cash flow: Revenue minus OPEX
  • Annual ROI (%): (Net annual profit ÷ total investment) × 100
  • Scenario planning: Run best- and worst-case forecasts

Consider modeling different user growth curves and costs under high/low demand to test resilience.

Call-out Box: Financing Checklist

□ Research available grants and subsidies in your area

□ Calculate your minimum viable investment

□ Identify potential brand partnerships

□ Develop a 3-year financial projection + impact

□ Create a contingency fund (10-15% of investment)

□ Plan for scaling milestones

 

 

OTHER RESOURCES FOR CONSIDERATION

Cost modeling example:

Reuse viability framework

WEF_IR_Future_of_Reusable_Consumption_2021.pdf

Global Resources: Funding & Solution Landscapes

To further support your financial planning, consider exploring these up-to-date global resources:

  • Funding for Reuse Models (Reuselandscape.org)
    A curated overview of grants, investment sources, and accelerator programs supporting reuse and refill systems globally.
    https://www.reuselandscape.org/funding-for-reuse
  • Living Landscape of Reuse Solutions
    An open database tracking reuse innovations, business models, and operational characteristics around the world—including refill dispensers, return schemes, and packaging-as-a-service.
     Living Landscape Spreadsheet

These tools are especially useful for identifying potential funders, partners, and technologies you might want to pilot or replicate locally.

[1] UNPACKING REUSE IN ASIA: A BRIEF REPORT FEATURING SELECT CASE STUDIES ON REUSE SYSTEMS FOR PACKAGING

[2] UNPACKING REUSE IN ASIA: A BRIEF REPORT FEATURING SELECT CASE STUDIES ON REUSE SYSTEMS FOR PACKAGING

[3] UNPACKING REUSE IN ASIA: A BRIEF REPORT FEATURING SELECT CASE STUDIES ON REUSE SYSTEMS FOR PACKAGING

[4] 30percent-reuse-future-for-UK-report-GoUnpackaged.pdf

[5] UNPACKING REUSE IN ASIA: A BRIEF REPORT FEATURING SELECT CASE STUDIES ON REUSE SYSTEMS FOR PACKAGING

[6] UNPACKING REUSE IN ASIA: A BRIEF REPORT FEATURING SELECT CASE STUDIES ON REUSE SYSTEMS FOR PACKAGING

Archivos de ejercicios
Chapter 6_ Finance (refill).pdf
Tamaño: 575,72 KB
Scroll al inicio