Reducing packaging through connected smart dispensers.

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A key challenge for a circular economy is to reduce the amount of packaging being used. While package-free retail for dry foods and liquids has been attempted before, it has not had widespread consumer adoption due to being hard to use and expensive to operate as a retailer and manufacturer.Smartfill is a package-less dispensing platform that extends from easy-to-use smart dispensers and IoT devices to cloud-based logistics data and inventory management. Our vision is to create an open system with low-cost electronic and software components that enable retailers and manufacturers to offer package-less retail profitably and reduce consumer costs.If we are successful there can be millions of smart dispensers, custom-built or mass-produced, for a variety of products across all retailers, canteens and even train stations. We can reduce millions of tonnes in packaging.We have successfully piloted our technology in Africa at informal retailers to provide affordable food to low income households and won numerous design awards. Our next steps are to design versions for the modern UK retailer and consumer.