Ecostore's eco-friendly refill system 'ecofill' to debut at AEON Makuhari New City

Ecostore Launches Innovative Refilling System at AEON Makuhari New City

On October 3rd, Ecostore Japan unveiled its latest initiative, the 'ecofill' automatic detergent dispensing machine, at AEON Makuhari New City. This system represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste, with plans for expansion into other AEON stores in the near future.

Background of the 'ecofill' Introduction to AEON Retail

Ecostore, guided by the philosophy of ‘gentle for the skin, sustainable for the planet,’ focuses on natural ingredients, eco-friendly production processes, and attractive packaging designs. The brand has been a pioneer in pushing for the refill culture by installing refill stations at retail locations, allowing consumers to purchase detergents by weight. However, traditional refill stations faced challenges regarding human resources and spatial constraints. To overcome these obstacles, Ecostore developed the ecofill system, which enhances user-friendliness and streamlines the refill experience.

AEON Retail, rooted in community-driven sustainability initiatives, has responded to Ecostore's mission by integrating eco-friendly products into their distribution. They aim to minimize single-use plastics by implementing recycling programs and promoting sustainable alternatives. This collaboration with Ecostore allows more customers to experience convenient refill options, contributing further to efforts in resource recycling and waste reduction.

Features of the ecofill System

The newly installed ecofill machine offers a more intuitive experience for users, shifting from RFID technology to NFC, a payment technology commonly used for smartphone transactions. This switch allows for the tracking of purchasing behavior, enabling personalized offers for customers based on their purchase history. Additionally, the operating interface has been updated for ease of use, ensuring that even first-time visitors can navigate the system seamlessly. Future plans also include incorporating visual displays to enhance the retail media experience.

The ecofill machine stands apart from traditional refill methods by utilizing foldable, reusable packs. This approach not only supports customer convenience but aligns with environmentally conscious practices, providing sustainable choices for consumers.

Ecofill Launch Details

- Launch Date: October 3, 2025
- Location: AEON Makuhari New City, 1st Floor Gram Beauty

Refill Products and Pricing

The ecofill system will provide four types of detergents and corresponding reusable packs:

- Laundry Liquid (Eucalyptus) Refills: 500mL for 550 yen / 1L for 1,100 yen
- Fabric Softener (Citrus) Refills: 500mL for 715 yen / 1L for 1,430 yen
- Delicate & Wool Wash (Fashion Wear) Refills: 500mL for 605 yen / 1L for 1,210 yen
- Dish Wash Liquid (Lemon) Refills: 500mL for 495 yen / 1L for 990 yen

The specialized packs are available for 217.80 yen each, sold separately from the detergents.

Future Goals

Ecostore intends to expand the ecofill system beyond AEON Makuhari New City, targeting additional retail locations as well as local facilities to make refilling as accessible as possible.

Stakeholder Insights

_Ecostore Japan President Yohei Hanaue_ stated that launching the ecofill system at AEON Makuhari New City is a monumental step for broadening the refill culture. He notes that bulk dispensing facilitates a return to the foundational values of reducing waste and valuing resources. With the adoption of reusable packs, customers can refill easily without needing to bring empty bottles to the store.

_AEON Retail Executive Officer Maki Kudo_ expressed that AEON is committed to ensuring a better environmental future for the next generation. They aim to foster an increased consciousness about sustainability through the ecofill experience, which encourages responsible consumption.

About Ecostore

Founded in New Zealand, Ecostore focuses on offering products that are both environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin. Their approach emphasizes the notion that what is good for the environment is also beneficial for human health. By advocating for responsible consumption and lifestyle choices, Ecostore provides innovative solutions for modern living.

Explore eco-friendly options with Ecostore: