Miniml Blog
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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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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Embrace Sustainability with Ease: Your Guide to a Zero-Waste Week with Miniml
In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly crucial, adopting a zero-waste lifestyle has emerged as a powerful way to minimize our ecological footprint. The journey toward a sustainable future begins at home, and what better time to start than during a dedicated Zero-Waste Week? Miniml is here to guide you through a week of easy zero-waste swaps that will not only benefit the planet but also enhance your overall well-being. Day 1: Cleansing Consciously Commencing your Zero-Waste Week, let's start by revolutionising your cleaning routine. Bid farewell to single-use plastic bottles and welcome Miniml's eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Replace single-use spray bottles with refillable packaging that not only brightens up your home but also significantly reduces plastic waste. From all-purpose surface cleaners to toilet cleaner and a floor solution, Miniml presents a diverse array of cleaning agents that are 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, perfectly aligning with your sustainable lifestyle without compromising the cleanliness in your home. Day 2: Loving Your Laundry, Responsibly On the second day, immerse yourself in transforming your laundry routine into an eco-conscious practice. Say goodbye to single-use plastic-packaged detergents and fabric softeners, and embrace Miniml's zero-waste laundry alternatives. Our laundry liquid and fabric conditioner are not only free from phosphates and sulphates, they are presented in packaging that is both refillable and returnable. This means that once you've used up your laundry essentials, you can send back the empty packaging to our headquarters, where it will be cleaned and refilled, minimising waste and environmental impact. Day 3: Personal Care, the Green Way As you transition into Day 3, it's time to rejuvenate your personal care regimen. Commence with the essentials: swap out plastic toothbrushes for bamboo ones and exchange traditional toothpaste for zero-waste alternatives. When it comes to your shower routine, Miniml's offerings extend to personal care products such as body wash + bubble bath, shampoo, and hair conditioner. Packed with natural scents, and free from harsh chemicals, you can nurture your hair and body, while we cover your tracks on the planet thanks to our Closed Loop packaging. Day 4: Refashioning Your Bathroom Entering the middle of your Zero-Waste Week, focus on renovating your bathroom space. Install a low-flow showerhead to conserve water without compromising on water pressure. Replace disposable cotton rounds with reusable ones made from organic cotton for makeup removal and toner application. Elevate the air quality of your bathroom by introducing houseplants that naturally purify the air, transforming your bathroom into a sanctuary of renewal. Day 5: Mindful Consumption This day is dedicated to practising mindful consumption. Reflect on your shopping patterns and prioritise products with minimal packaging. Keep reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups handy when you're on the move to avoid unnecessary single-use items. Invest in well-crafted, long-lasting items that withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Day 6: Kitchen Clean-Up, Sustainably As you move into Day 6, turn your attention to the heart of your home: the kitchen. Substitute plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel alternatives to prevent harmful chemicals from infiltrating your food. Initiate composting of food scraps to divert waste from landfills and enrich your garden's soil. Opt for cloth napkins and reusable beeswax wraps instead of disposable paper towels and plastic wrap to further reduce waste. Day 7: The Art of Upcycling On the final day of your Zero-Waste Week, embrace the art of upcycling. Repurpose glass jars as storage containers for bulk items or as plant pots. Transform worn-out garments into cleaning rags or produce bags, demonstrating that creativity can contribute significantly to waste reduction while igniting your inner artistic spirit. Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle is more than just a fleeting trend; it's a potent movement that nurtures the environment and fosters sustainable living. With Miniml as your ally, this journey becomes all the more attainable. As a closed-loop manufacturer, Miniml ensures that their products' lifecycle is as completely circular, curbing waste and optimising our natural resources. Why Miniml? Our commitment to sustainability transcends our product offerings. Miniml’s dedication to reducing plastic waste is apparent in over 3000 refill stations across the UK. You can replenish your cleaning, laundry, and personal care products without the need for new packaging. By reusing your existing containers, you actively contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution and inspire others to follow suit. Find your nearest refill station. If you don’t have a refill shop nearby, don’t worry! We have a wide range of refills on our website, so you can get your favourite products delivered straight to your door just in time for a refill. As you conclude your Zero-Waste Week, remember that sustainability is a voyage, not a destination. The minor yet consistent efforts you make today will pave the way for a greener, cleaner, and more harmonious future.Start your Zero Waste Journey with Miniml!
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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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Go Plastic Waste Free This Plastic Free July
Do you underestimate your contribution to plastic waste pollution? According to statistics updated in early 2023, it’s estimated that on average, UK households throw out approximately 100 billion plastic packaging pieces each year - that’s about 66 pieces per week! Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to natural habitat disruption, endangering not only wildlife, but also our health. Micro plastics can now be found even in the human bloodstream! So how can we fix this problem, realistically? Plastic Vs Plastic Waste Plastic is used in many industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. Currently, some of the suitable plastic alternatives for these industries have been proven less durable or more expensive - reducing the affordability of products and services. For example, glass is fragile, heavier to transport and recycle, producing even more emissions than recycling plastic. However, bioplastics are 2 or 3 times more expensive than conventional plastic as they are still new to the packaging industry. So how can we tackle the growing issue while scientists are coming up with more affordable options? Since modern-day recycling was introduced half a century ago, it is commonly believed that it is the best way to solve the plastic waste problem. In reality, less than 12% of plastic gets recycled in the UK. The rest ends up in the oceans, landfills, sent to 3rd world countries, or it simply gets burned. It would be a massive task and a damaging consequence to get rid of all plastic at once, forcing everyone to switch to completely plastic-free solutions: For every 1 tonne of plastic waste burned, 2.9 tonnes of carbon emissions are created, meaning that we’re on track to emit 2.8 gigatons of CO2 per year by 2050. It still seems like a dead end, doesn’t it? The Zero-Waste Solution is in our Hands! Reusing existing packaging is our top choice. Plastic can be recycled only 2-3 times, whereas we can reuse it 10x more, with no harm to the planet. Here at Miniml, we have implemented a Closed Loop System, helping our business and customers to eliminate plastic waste by providing a wide range of household and personal care product refills, whether they prefer shopping online or at their local refill store. We believe making refilling affordable and accessible is a key to making the sustainable transition, well…sustainable. Our factory uses a one-of-a-kind industrial washer to carefully clean and sanitise the packaging, ensuring no impurities are formed in the sanitation process. Only after thorough testing, our jerry cans are filled with new products and put back on our shelves. Refill and Save! Refilling not only helps to save the environment but also saves the costs of packaging. Our Closed Loop System has helped us reduce production costs and maintain competitive prices. Choose from a range of Miniml Cleaning, Laundry, and Personal Care products. Refill at your local stockist for a fraction of the cost, or subscribe to our 1L or 5L refills to get your top-up delivered straight to your door, as often as you need! Join Miniml #Refillution this Plastic Free July!
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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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Closed Loop System - Revolutionising Cleaning and Personal Care
Miniml is not just another cleaning brand. We have set out to change the way you consume these products at home! What sets us apart from other eco-friendly brands? Our pioneering Closed Loop System! Read ahead to find out how our closed loop system and other eco-conscious practices at Miniml help you live a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability at the Heart. Here at Miniml, we believe in refilling over recycling. With plastic waste being a growing issue in the UK and globally, we thought about ways to not only reduce the packaging waste but remove it from our supply chain completely. Plastic is everywhere, and we can’t get rid of it quickly enough, so why not reuse what we already have - to minimise the need for new packaging? Our Closed Loop system was born here in Yorkshire, as an innovative solution for our business, consumers, and the environment at once. What is a Closed Loop System? Our system is both simple and effective. It starts with us making the product in a forever-bottle , designed to be refilled again and again. Whether you're in need of eco-friendly cleaning products or personal care essentials, our range has got you covered. Refilling your forever-bottle is a breeze, whether you choose to shop our 1L and 5L refills online or visit one of our fantastic independent stockists. What’s even better, refilling is not only good for the planet but also for your piggy bank! By reducing the amount of packaging, we are able to keep the costs competitive, so you can top up for cheaper using our refills, or pay only for as much or as little product as you need when you visit a local refill shop. Eventually, we offer free returns on all empty refills. No need to pre-wash them! Simply scan a QR code at the back of your product label to access our pre-paid returns portal, and send it back to our factory to be cleaned and reused over and over again. More than a trend. By making our Closed Loop System accessible and affordable, we are determined to make eco-friendly choices not only a trend for the chosen, but a normal manufacturing and consumption practice in every business and household. Our non-toxic ingredients, sustainable formulations, and refillable packaging are safe for the whole family and is a must-have switch to build a greener future in the UK. Join the Revolution At Miniml, we're proud to be leading the revolution in cleaning and personal care consumption. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a greener future. Thanks to our efforts and dedication, Miniml is now recognised as the fastest-growing Zero Waste business in the UK! By making the switch to our Closed Loop System, you're not just making a purchase – you're making a positive change for yourself and our future generations.
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