Unpackaged, a packaging-free grocery shop, reopened its doors for business in London Fields, near Hackney’s Broadway Market yesterday (6 December), following a move from Islington.

The store, which is now situated in Arthaus, an old art warehouse, will sell packaging-free goods and will also feature bar, which will require customers to bring their own containers for wine and a café,

In an effort to serve package free coffee at the café, Catherine Conway, founder of Unpackaged, has developed the ‘1000 cup countdown’ whereby 1000 biodegradable cups will be issued and can be brought back for free refills. Once all of the cups have been taken, customers will be required to provide their owns cups to receive takeaway coffee.

Talking about the new venture, Conway said: “When I first started Unpackaged six years ago, the packaging issue used to draw little attention. However, over the last few years, as we’ve grown, interest surrounding the reduction of packaging has become more mainstream.

“There are now countless zero waste blogs and anti-rubbish diets. It’s been exciting to see the interest develop as it validates what are trying to achieve.

“Unpackaged is about making it just as easy for customers to come and refill as it is to go to a supermarket. We sell great food in a really friendly atmosphere, which to us, is what retail should be about. Our new, bigger home, with our café and bar will allow us to reach more people and champion the Unpackaged way as a model for future sustainable city living”.

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