The ADEME unveiled at the end of 2021, the results of its studies on the practices of bulk versus pre-packaged sales. 3 parts were presented in order to measure theenvironmental, sanitary and economic impact of bulk sales. The results and perspectives are positive for the development of the sector. We help you to see more clearly!
TheLCA (Life Cycle Assessment) presents 10 fictitious scenarios with both dry and liquid bulk to cover the different types of products and distribution solutions. Overall, the results of bulk sales are positive, as long as retailers and consumers adopt good practices, which seems logical and is already the challenge the sector is working on!
THE ADEME estimates that, on average, bulk sales The ADEME estimates that, on average, bulk sales "should make it possible to reduce the mass of packaging waste by at least two thirds, throughout the distribution chain".
The good practices includeavoiding product losses at all levels, reducing packaging upstream during logistics, opting for the lightest possible packaging, choosing a distribution solution that is less impactful, ergonomic and sustainable, reducing the size of reuse loops, reusing the container sufficiently... etc
Results :
Bulk distribution is even more relevant for heavily packaged productsThis is the case for glass bottles. For bag-in-box packaging and gravity service (chosen by Jean Bouteille), the results are very positive (see graphs above):
Influencing factors :
The choice of distribution furniture has a considerable impact on the overall results, particularly concerning washing (beware of a pumping system that is too complicated, with tanks and piping) and electronics (questioning the potential technological surplus of certain systems).
It is recommended to turn to gravitational solutions by favouring their life span and optimising their mass in relation to the product . It is best to carry out an LCA for each model developed, in order to developed, in order to verify its impact on the whole value chain.
The guide reveals the same types of risks as in other distribution networks, but some are higher for bulk, such as product protection and traceability. Nevertheless, the Bulk Network Good Practice Guide, provided to members of the association who follow the dedicated training course, already exists on the subject to respond to these issues. In particular, it is recommended to ensure that :
-Frequent and recorded maintenance of sales equipment (if possible at each change of batch);
- Labelling that goes beyond the compulsory information such as batch number or use-by date;
-Display of allergens present in the entire shelf ;
- Or theobligation for distributors to follow HACCP training specific to the sale of food and non-food productsin bulk
ADEME worked with the Institut National de la Consommation (INC) to compare prices. The price surveys concerned 3 types of shops: hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialised organic shops (MSB) and specialised bulk shops (MSV). 8 products emblematic of bulk sales were studied: almonds, lentils, sugar, rice, olive oil, vinegar, washing powder and liquid soap.
The survey reveals that consumers who choose to buy in bulk do so out of a concern for savings. This practice allows them to buy the desired quantity and therefore to control their budget .It should also be noted that several factors explain price variations and should be taken into account: the place of production, the quality of the product, the quantity of packaging, and the manpower required to manage the shelf . In addition, it is important to compare what is comparable and bulk products are often more expensive than conventionalones.
4 key points to remember from these price surveys:
● Conventional products are more expensive in bulk.
● Organic products are over-represented in bulk for both historical reasons (bulk having first arrived via organic shops) and environmental reasons (global commitment of organic brands).
● Organic products are cheaper in bulk (differences ranging from -4 to -22%)
● Bulk is cheaper in organic shops than in supermarkets and bulk grocery shops
