Miniml Blog
Miniml: The Perfect Partner for Professional Cleaning Services
In the world of professional cleaning services, maintaining pristine environments is paramount. However, the conventional approach often comes with a hidden cost – the use of harsh chemicals that not only pose health hazards to employees and occupants but also contribute to environmental degradation. In this blog, discover how to achieve excellent results with minimal impact on your health and the planet. Sustainable Trends in Professional Cleaning: In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards sustainable practices in the professional cleaning industry. Businesses and organisations are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly solutions that minimise their carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship. This trend is driven by growing awareness of the impact of traditional cleaning methods on both human health and the planet. From reducing water consumption to using renewable energy sources, professional cleaning services are adopting a range of sustainable practices. Central to this shift is the choice of cleaning products – opting for those that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and derived from natural ingredients. Health Hazards of Conventional Cleaning Products: Conventional cleaning products often contain a cocktail of chemicals that can pose significant health risks to cleaning staff, building occupants, and the environment. Ingredients such as ammonia, bleach, and phthalates are known to contribute to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and even long-term health problems with prolonged exposure. Moreover, the indoor air quality of premises cleaned with conventional products can be compromised, leading to "sick building syndrome" and exacerbating allergies and asthma among occupants. The use of these chemicals also contributes to water and air pollution, further perpetuating environmental degradation. Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Alternatives: Miniml offers a refreshing alternative to conventional cleaning products with their range of eco-friendly and non-toxic formulations. Their products are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, making them safe for both cleaning staff and building occupants. Instead, Miniml harnesses the power of natural ingredients such as plant-based surfactants, essential oils, and biodegradable detergents. These ingredients are not only effective at removing dirt and grime but also gentle on surfaces and the environment. Miniml's commitment to sustainability extends beyond their product formulations. Their refillable packagin is made to be reused endlessly, further reducing their environmental impact. By choosing Miniml, professional cleaning services can align with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices while ensuring the health and well-being of everyone involved. Why Miniml is the Perfect Partner: Safety First: Miniml's products are designed with safety in mind, prioritising the health and well-being of cleaning staff and building occupants. All Miniml products are thoroughly tested and certified by third party Health & Safety authorities to ensure they work for the designed purpose. Environmental Responsibility: By using Miniml's eco-friendly formulations, professional cleaning services can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Efficacy: Despite being free from harsh chemicals, Miniml's products deliver exceptional cleaning results, ensuring that premises remain clean and hygienic. Customer Satisfaction: With increasing awareness of sustainability among consumers, partnering with a sustainable brand like Miniml can enhance the reputation and appeal of professional cleaning services. As an independent UK brand, acknowledged by communities and authorities nationwide, Miniml stands as a beacon of sustainability in the cleaning industry, offering safe, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions. By embracing Miniml's products, your professional cleaning services can lead the way towards a cleaner, greener future for all. Explore our cleaning range here!
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How Much Plastic?! 🤯 Reflecting On a Year Of Sustainability at Miniml
As we wrap up 2023, it's a momentous occasion to look back at Miniml's incredible journey throughout this year. It's been a period of substantial growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication to sustainability that has defined our path. Read ahead to discover incredible news on how much single-use plastic we've saved from ending up in landfill this year! Starting 2023 With a Launch - Good Human Skincare. We started the year with a significant milestone—introducing Good Human Skincare in January 2023. This line of refillable skincare products isn’t just about personal care; it’s a testament to our commitment to sustainability. Formulated with skin-friendly, planet-friendly ingredients, and wrapped in zero-waste packaging, our Good Human has earned tremendous customer feedback, comparing our products to high-end alternatives. Extending Miniml Range Beyond Humans... In March, we expanded our commitment to eco-consciousness to our four-legged friends with the launch of our pH balanced, Eco Dog Shampoo. Our aim was to extend the sustainable ethos to every aspect of our customer's life. Formulated with 100% natural Lavender and Chamomile, you can not only maintain a clean and silky fur, but also turn every bath into a relaxing spa session for your pooch. Building Meaningful Partnerships. Have you visited our new partners at Barnado’s or Air Ambulance yet? One of our significant accomplishments this year was a collaboration with the Acopia Group, enabling our products to be available in Air Ambulance and Barnados charity shops. This partnership wasn't just about expanding markets; it was about aligning with causes that resonate deeply with our values—supporting sustainability and community initiatives. Growing Sustainable Community Internationally. Venturing into new territories, we proudly introduced Miniml in the Netherlands this year. This extension of our product range was a significant step in our mission to make sustainable choices accessible to a global audience. With the eco community growing across Europe, we are proud to be part of a sustainable movement in the household industry. For those shopping in Europe, visit minimlrefills.nl to start your refill journey with Miniml! Nationally Recognised. Recognition and appreciation followed our endeavours! Emma, our Co-Founder, received the prestigious Business Growth of the Year Award in the Woman in Business category at the UK Business Awards—a testament to our team's dedication and vision. Being shortlisted for awards by Barclays and Scale-Up Awards, along with being recognised as the Economic Innovator of the Year by The Spectator in collaboration with Investec, affirmed our commitment to driving sustainable innovation. Improving Customer's Favourites. Our staple product has remained Eco White Vinegar throughout 2023! Oh, the use of this wonder liquid is limitless. However, product enhancement remained a priority for us. Witnessing a successful launch of our first UK-made scented white vinegar last year, we decided to add a new scent to our vinegar range, making your eco-cleaning a breeze every step of the way! Thanks to our Wild Rhubarb scented White Vinegar, you can achieve a squeaky-clean home, minus the vinegar smell. Tackling Plastic Waste Issue, For Real! As the year draws to a close, we're thrilled to announce that through our Closed Loop System, we've made a substantial impact in reducing plastic waste, saving 273 tonnes of plastic waste ending up in landfill! This achievement stands as a testament to what collective efforts toward sustainability can achieve. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the steadfast support of our community—our customers, partners, and advocates. Your dedication drives us to continually strive for excellence in sustainable practices. As we embark on a new year, let's carry forward the momentum and commitment toward sustainability. Let's continue to innovate, inspire, and create positive change. Thank you for being an integral part of the Miniml journey—a journey toward a more sustainable future, with no plastic waste.
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Reducing Waste & Growing Community: Miniml's Impact in Bovey Tracey
In the heart of a charming market town Bovey Tracey lies a zero-waste shop Bovey Larder that opened its doors in November 2020, aiming to meet the need for sustainable shopping. Their focus wasn’t just an established eco-conscious community; they also attracted the older crowd keen on refills and meaningful conversations while steering clear of plastic waste. Thanks to a welcoming environment and friendly conversations, the shop has become a favourite hub to share community plans and ideas. Discovering Miniml: A Fitting Choice When looking for brands to stock in their shop, The owners agreed to only consider brands that show genuine effort in avoiding plastic waste. Their research prior to opening led to Miniml, a company that checked all their sustainability boxes. Since day one, Miniml's products have been an integral part of their product range. Together with their customers, they've made a significant impact, saving over 6,500 plastic bottles since 2020. The most popular Miniml items? Laundry liquid, fabric softener, and washing-up liquid, appreciated for their effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. Located in a rural area in Devon, Miniml’s products have become a top choice of products that are safe for septic tanks! Apart from stocking Miniml’s refillable household and personal care products, Bovey Larder offers refillable grains, cereals, nuts, and they have saved 2’000 tetrapacks by offering oat milk refills! Future Aspirations Looking ahead, the shop owners envision a future where eco-shopping becomes the norm. Their goal extends beyond retail—to create a space where the community engages in conversations and fosters a mindful approach to living sustainably. The collaboration between Miniml and Bovey Larder shop isn’t just about commerce. It’s a joint effort, making tangible strides toward a more sustainable future. Together, we are influencing a quiet but impactful revolution, one refill and one mindful choice at a time. Support your local refill shop and visit for a fresh refill! Looking to find one? Head to our Stockist finder to discover your nearest Miniml stockists.
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A Chat with the Founders: Emma and Scott of Miniml
We sat down for a chat with the minds behind Miniml, Emma and Scott. Join us as we delve into their story, dreams, and the quirky journey that led to the creation of Miniml. 🌿💬 1. How did you and Scott meet? Emma: Scott and I crossed paths at Liverpool University while we were both immersed in marketing and business studies. Fate played its role when we were teamed up for a group project. It's funny to look back – our first venture together was a children's vitamin drink idea! But here's the twist – we're not just business partners; we're also a couple, and there's a wedding on the horizon next year! Some people have even mistaken us for siblings, but let's set the record straight – we're not related! 2. Why did you decide to start a business together? Scott: Both Emma and I come from hardworking, entrepreneurial families. We had a hunch from a young age that we wanted to create our own paths. Emma's parents, in particular, ran a successful business together, and her childhood was filled with conversations about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It must have been infectious because even her older brothers ventured into self-employment. One runs an organic and vegan supermarket in Leeds, and the other owns a brewery! 3. Why did you decide to start Miniml? Emma: Our journey towards Miniml began during our university days. Like many, we developed a growing interest in environmental sustainability. We started by using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, trying to reduce single-use items, and supporting our local refill shop (which, by the way, was our very first Miniml stockist!). But we felt that there was room for improvement in the zero-waste household product market. So, on a complete whim, we decided to take a chance on it! 4. So, how was Miniml actually started? Scott: It might sound cliché, but Miniml had very humble beginnings right in our garage at home. We purchased a 200-litre drum and a paint mixer to whip up our first batch of washing up liquid. We started reaching out to local refill shops in the area and quickly sold out. After a few months, we secured our very first small industrial warehouse and bought a second-hand blending vessel as our list of stockists grew. We rapidly expanded our product range to meet customer demand, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to today, nearly four years later, and we proudly blend an astonishing 500,000 tonnes of liquid each month from our bustling warehouse, thanks to our fantastic team of 35 dedicated employees who make Miniml what it is today. 🏭🌟 5. Any difficulties you've faced while starting the business? Emma: Running a business comes with its daily challenges, and it's been a steep learning curve for both Scott and me. Balancing a growing business isn't a walk in the park, from keeping our customers happy to ensuring our team gets the right support, all while being hands-on in every aspect of the business. It's easy to lose sight of why we started, but we remind ourselves of our vision. We're fortunate to have a loyal team that not only understands but passionately supports our vision, which keeps us going during tough times. 6. How do you find working together? Scott: Ah, the million-dollar question! Running a business with your partner is not for the faint-hearted, but it's a perfect fit for us. You can bet that Miniml is the topic of conversation over dinner every night. Even on our time off, we find ourselves discussing future plans, current challenges, and checking our emails regularly. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, I absolutely love sharing the same goal with Emma and experiencing the highs and lows together. We both have different strengths and weaknesses, and we use them to our advantage. 7. What are you the most proud of so far, in regards to Miniml? Emma: I'm really proud of the community we've created. I still can't believe people come back to use Miniml products time and time again around their homes. It's truly baffling and heartwarming. I'm proud that we supply so many independent stockists – they've been instrumental in making Miniml what it is today. 8. What your favourite part about building and working with Miniml? Scott: Being a purpose-driven business, there's a feel-good factor in what we do. When we sit down and think about the amount of plastic Miniml has saved, it's mind-boggling! It gives both of us a tremendous sense of satisfaction and keeps us motivated to grow the brand. 9. What are your future plans/dreams for Miniml? Emma: Scott is the visionary of the two of us. He's always brainstorming the next big idea (some crazier than others!) and eagerly sharing his creations with the team. Aside from his wild inventions, adding more scents for our laundry range is on the horizon for next year – so keep your eyes peeled for that! In terms of our dreams, we always say we want Miniml to be the go-to zero-waste cleaning brand in the UK. 🌍🍃 Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue our mission to create a cleaner, greener world. Together, we're making a difference! 🌏💚🌟
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Transforming Taunton’s Local Communities With My Carbon Coach
My Carbon Coach, a small eco-conscious shop located in Taunton, embarked on a mission to make a significant positive impact on the planet by providing sustainable living solutions to its community. Founded in September 2021 by an environmental science graduate, the business set out to assist people in their journey towards a greener lifestyle. In this blog, we explore how My Carbon Coach partnered with Miniml, to further its mission and create a thriving eco-friendly retail space. Background The journey of My Carbon Coach began with a passion for environmental conservation. Armed with an environmental science degree, Tim, the shop’s founder, made a decision to start a business focused on promoting sustainable living. With minimal market research but a heart full of determination, the shop opened its doors to Taunton. My Carbon Coach's introduction to Miniml came through social media. The values of the brand aligned perfectly with My Carbon Coach's mission: affordability, circularity through refillable containers, and vegan-friendly products. It was the perfect fit. Expanding the Offerings In January of the following year, My Carbon Coach expanded its in-store refillery to include a selection of Miniml refills. The initial product offerings included laundry liquid, washing up liquid, and white vinegar. These additions resonated with customers, drawing their attention to the circular and waste-free system Miniml offered. Over time, the range of Miniml products in the shop expanded, and pre-filled glass bottles were introduced, making it easier for customers to start their refill journey. Reducing Plastic Waste One of the remarkable achievements of the partnership between My Carbon Coach and Miniml has been the significant reduction in plastic waste. Through the refillery, customers could refill their containers repeatedly, whereas the shop owner could send the bulk refills back to Miniml for cleaning and refilling. This closed-loop system dramatically minimised the plastic waste generated by the shop. While it became challenging to keep an exact count, it is estimated that the shop has saved hundreds of plastic bottles, with each 20-litre container providing approximately 50 refills. Customer Favorites The Miniml Rhubarb and Lemon Washing Up Liquid emerged as a clear customer favorite in My Carbon Coach's product lineup. Customers appreciate its unique scent and the fact that it stands apart from supermarket offerings. Notably, the affordability of Miniml products compared to leading brands in supermarkets is a significant selling point. Customers are genuinely enthusiastic about Miniml's circular system, recognising its genuine commitment to environmental sustainability. Transforming Communities The partnership between My Carbon Coach and Miniml exemplifies how a shared commitment to sustainability can drive positive change in a local community. Through Miniml's circular and waste-free system, My Carbon Coach has not only reduced its environmental footprint but also empowered its customers to make more eco-conscious choices. The success of this collaboration serves as a shining example of how eco-friendly brands can support and uplift small eco-entrepreneurs on a mission to create a greener world. As My Carbon Coach celebrates its second year, the shop continues to assist Taunton in its journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.Have you visited your local stockist yet? Go to our Stockist Finder to find the nearest Miniml refill station.
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Miniml's Closed Loop System: How to Return Your Empty Refills?
Miniml's zero-waste supply chain empowers you to reduce plastic waste both within your household and throughout our supply chain. Our refilling system not only benefits the environment but also enables us to uphold competitive pricing by reusing existing packaging, rather than creating new materials. In our commitment to making refilling accessible and cost-effective for all, Miniml not only provides a range of refills, but also offers a complimentary returns system. This service allows you to send your empty containers back to our headquarters for cleaning and subsequent reuse. Continue reading to find out how our Closed Loop System works. Refilling at your local stockist. Refilling your empty bottles with our stockists is a top choice if you'd like to save on packaging costs and emissions caused by transportation. Head to our Stockist Finder to find your local refill station. Shopping at your local refill shop is a great option for those who don't have space to store large refills at home, but still want to do their part for the planet. When visiting a stockist, you only pay for as much or as little product as you need! Some refill shops offer a scale to weigh your bottle, and once you fill up the product, the weight of your container gets taken off to calculate the total price. Sending back 1L Refill Pouches Going zero-waste has never been so easy. If you don’t have a stockist nearby and not much space to stock large refills at home, 1L pouches are a great option to keep your home eco-friendly. Once you order a refill pouch, add a free return envelope to your order. The envelope doesn’t need a separate label as we have partnered with Royal Mail team to offer a convenient Freepost service. Our Miniml Logo on the envelope works as the postage label. Once you collect at least 4 empty pouches, follow the envelope instructions to insert them together: no need to rinse your pouches, just make sure to squeeze out excess air. There is no maximum amount of pouches you can send back to us, as long as the envelope fits through the letterbox! Drop your envelope into your local postbox. Browse our 1L refill pouches here. Posting 5L Empties Although our jerrycans are made from recycled plastic, we only aim to recycle them at the end of the lifecycle - once they’re damaged beyond repair. As we strongly advocate for refilling over recycling due to the rising issue of single use plastic waste in the UK, our Closed Loop System makes it possible to keep your household plastic-waste-free! Choose your products from a selection of our 5L bulk refills. Collect at least 4 jerrycans to be returned to our warehouse. Scan the QR code at the back of the jerrycan label to access our returns portal. Alternatively, you can access the returns portal via our website Closed Loop System page. Enter your order number if you purchased the refills on our website. If you paid for our 5L refill via other retailers, just type in the retailer name instead of your order number. Print your free returns label. Put your empties in a box and stick the pre-paid label. Drop it off at your local post office! If you don't have a printer available, arrange to collect your empties with the Royal Mail Services. Simply prepare the jerrycans in a box, choose a collection date and request the label to be delivered to you. Start your returns process here. Miniml’s Closed Loop System is always on the lookout for technological and logistical improvements, therefore these instructions are subject to change - as we aim to make refilling accessible and affordable for all. Join our Refill Revolution and make a switch for a greener future today! Head to Miniml's returns portal now.
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Earthian Zero Waste Shop: A Sustainable Partnership with Miniml
Have you ever wondered what happens when a determined zero-waste shop teams up with a like minded supplier? A Winchester based business, Earthian Zero Waste Shop is one of our Miniml stockists with a mutual mission to save the planet from plastic waste and toxic chemicals. Here’s how Miniml contributed to the Earthian’s business and their local community so far. Earthian’s Origins: In the year of 2020, amidst the start of the pandemic, the Earthian’s owner Katie committed to the new business despite the uncertainty and potential restrictions. Fuelled by a passion for waste reduction, she created a sanctuary for green-minded folks, where sustainable living is the norm. Although the choice was risky, there was a growing demand for packaging-free products, therefore the obstacles did not slow down the opening and growth of her shop. Joining Miniml’s Closed Loop System. The main goal of Earthian’s business was to find Closed Loop suppliers - manufacturers that not just provide recyclable packaging, but take it back to be reused again and again. When it came to choosing the supplier of household liquids, Miniml ticked all the boxes. Reusable packaging, as well as products that are free from sulphates, palm oil, and other nasties, made it a clear choice. Stocking Miniml since day one at Earthian, Katie started with our small range of 10 products which has now evolved to a full range collection of 30 products. By choosing Miniml’s Closed Loop products, Earthian managed to reduce the packaging waste in her shop and at their customers’ home. Started with 10 products and now to stockin our full range of 30 products, Refill Revolution: Earthian Zero Waste Shop has spared 12,000 plastic bottles from landfill doom! By providing bulk refills to our stockist in the sizes of up to 200L, Earthian has been able to give new life to 200 - 300 litres of cleaning and personal care liquids every month. Refilling and reusing never looked this cool. Performance that Pops: Here's the scoop: Customers adore Earthian Zero Waste Shop's offerings and rave about Miniml's A-game performance. Our non-Bio Laundry Detergent and Eco Fabric Conditioner are bestsellers amongst their visitors that proves going green doesn't mean sacrificing quality. Competitive pricing, natural ingredients, and invigorating scents have set Miniml apart from other eco and conventional, big brand names. Miniml’s partnership with Earthian is a power-packed partnership that's all about action, not just words. Together, we're fuelling eco-friendly choices, sparking change, and turning the planet a shade greener. With every refill, every container saved, we make sustainability a journey we can all embark on. Looking to find your local refill shop that stocks Miniml? Go to our Stockist Finder to search for your nearest store!
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Miniml Reaching Scottish Highlands. Introducing our Invergordon stockist "Contain Yourself"
Contain Yourself refill shop opened its doors in the beautiful Scottish Highland town Invergordon early May this year. It was a greatly awaited place to shop eco cleaning, personal care products, food, zero-waste gifts, and more. For those enjoying leisurely activities, the owners even set up outside tables to enjoy snacks and beverages to take a break from the daily rush. Ivergordon is a nature-rich place - full of wildlife and natural beauty, and it was important to set up a business with a mission to help customers shop with no harm to the environment. When it came to choosing what products to stock in their shop, the highest criteria for the owners was to choose a good personal care range, which is not only eco-friendly, but also with efficient, high-quality formulations. According to the feedback, generally people are more forgiving toward cleaning products but female customers prefer to use high-standard shampoo and conditioner in their hair. After researching similar brands to Miniml, the team came across some great reviews of Miniml hair care range and opted for our products based on the feedback relating to the personal care range. The store started stocking Miniml from day one and their customers have really taken to some of the refills. The extra benefits of the brand - Closed Loop System, UK made, cruelty free, and vegan credentials, gave an additional highlight to their positive choice of the range. Furthermore, the pleasant, natural fragrances were a huge advantage! The shop’s current bestsellers from Miniml are the Fresh Linen Laundry Liquid & Conditioner, as well as the Wild Rhubarb + Lemon Washing Up Liquid. The NEW Dog Shampoo has been very popular too so they have now begun offering refills as well! As a newly launched business, the Contain Yourself team has started counting the plastic waste they’ve been saving from landfill, and will be recording the statistics throughout the year to share the figures with us. They’re confident that there have already been hundreds of single use plastic containers saved from entering the waste system. Considering Contain Yourself is a new business in a secluded town of the North of Scottish Highlands, they are pleased with the achievements so far but are planning to continue doing much more. We wish them all the best! Are you stocking Miniml or using our products in your business? Let us know your success story and how much plastic you saved by using our products so far!
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Join the #Refillution: Become a Miniml Stockist
Did you know Miniml supplies businesses and institutions? As a Yorkshire based business, with a mutual goal of building a greener future, we support UK businesses and communities in making an eco-friendly switch. From helping you set up a wholesale account, to providing marketing materials and even display set-ups, we are dedicated to growing our Closed Loop System nationwide by making refilling accessible and affordable to everyone! Independent stockists and refill shops Miniml started trading thanks to independent eco/refill stores! Our first batches were made in our founder’s home garage, and they worked hard to personally deliver our products directly to local refill shops. Three years later, Miniml now has over 3000 independent stockists! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to find out how you can introduce Miniml non-toxic, zero-waste products in your store or salon. Cafes, Restaurants, and Guest Houses Our products are approved by European Food Health & Safety standards, meaning Miniml is proven to be highly effective at keeping your kitchen and guest rooms clean, while being safe for use around food preparation and cooking areas. Read our full ingredient list to find out what Miniml plant-based alternatives are used to combat grease, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and more. Schools and Offices Promoting eco-friendly practices in schools and workplaces is becoming a widely recognised practice in the UK. We believe the cleanliness and sanitary standards should not be compromised by the safety of the products you use. Introducing eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning and personal care alternatives in your business or institution is now easier than ever! Our team will help you choose must-have products and stock up on refills for affordable prices, while our couriers make sure to collect and deliver our refill solutions in bulk, straight to the door. Independent cleaners and cleaning businesses We guarantee your clients will love Miniml! Not only they’ll be happy to see your flawless work but also smell the gorgeous scents from 100% natural Miniml product fragrances that linger for days. No more harsh bleach smells or chemical burns - Miniml products are certified and approved to achieve stunning results with no harm to your health or the planet. Why become a stockist? Switching to Miniml is a huge step towards a sustainable future, as both, large and small businesses play a massive role in setting and maintaining environmental standards. Here at Miniml, we make it easy to make that change! Our wholesale customers can purchase bulk refills from 5 litre jerrycans, to 200 litre drums at wholesale-friendly prices - reducing the need for more packaging and repeat deliveries. Head to our Wholesale website to create your account now or reach out to our team for more info on how to become our wholesale customer and discuss your specific business needs.
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