100% Biodegradable v Re-cycle
Discovering that re-cycle pots and pouches are often ending up in landfill was not something we were happy to continue.
We thought we were eco-responsible, with our recyclable pots and refill pouches. On further research, we discovered we were sending out up to 1000 pots and 800 pouches each month that were going via our customers and our own recycle bins to landfill. Only the specialist recycle centres were finding a new place for this melted plastic. to be sent, Weresearched which councils could recycle them and found out that they take 100's of years to biodegrade! This information worried us no end.
Alex and I agreed that while we were upgrading our labelling systems and printers, we also must address new packaging options. Asa company who care about the planet and the world's plastic problem, our packaging strategy had to change. No more pots to landfill. Our firm belief was that we had an opportunity to make our very efficient business even faster, with technical developments, and then cost in the new packaging and switch to a 100% biodegradable pouch solution which would not add further cost to the consumer.
The significant "bingo moment" came when filling the oxo tin - why don't we store paper in tin? The search was on. What was unusual was that our current suppliers had both options in their stock rooms - it was just a case of exploring and thinking outside the box.. Tins are normallty used for liquids but as an innovative company we thought why not try it and we could use the papere pouches to line the tims. Also with a 50-year biodegradable timeline it was going to last long enough for most riders riding lifetime. The paper pouches that line the tin, rots in 4-6 weeks - the same speed as manure - so suddenly we had gone from plastic reduction to plastic free, affordable, quickly and in time for our next orders being placed.
We then identified that you could also use your muck heap as your biodegradable solution! Bespoke does not compromise on quality or security; the whole pipeline is filled with International accreditations and customer service standards but now being WASTE FREE it surpasses all regulations and goes to a whole new level of personal responsibility and innovation.
We quickly ran a small test of 100 pails and 2000 pouches and our customers LOVED it. Our customers are clearly some of the most discerning in the industry we are in. Not everyone with a horse wants to have an input and work with someone to create a supplement. 'Buy and Try off the shelf supplement' are available in all the shops as readily as human supplements are in supermarkets. For owners who want to have supplements specifically tailored to their horse's or dog’s issues, they reach out Hackupto as we are the only supplier of bespoke supplements that are free from sugars and colourings.
Our product and packaging are not only low on product miles but now WASTE FREE. We then wrapped our 'friend share code' into the offer so new customers get free points from a recommendation - both friends then share extra free points that can be redeemed for a pail.
In 2017 we introduced a Buy and Book facility - an automatic delivery service, that saves £100's per year and delivers small fresh quantities as and when the customer needs it. This is now rolling out quickly with over 1 ton a month being programmed in to be sent out over 2019. Some of us always love the buzz of bagging a bargain, so the monthly coupon codes offer fabulous deals and the two options run hand in hand.
Loyalty points are also automatically addded upon purchase, but then we have 'Points for Posts' - so we honour points to those customers who voice their opinion on social networking too. Bespoke and digital does not compromise on quality; the whole pipeline is filled with International accreditations and customer service standards. This offers assurances to our competition riders that they can have the benefits of bespoke with the assurance of having a competition safe product and top rate customer service.
Being the first and only accredited company to offer waste-free packaging has pushed our team hard but this is just the beginning. There have been more opportunities identified as we have begun this journey that will roll out throughout 2019. Our trial run has shown us that we need biodegradable stickers and glue, so that is now in the next project.
Tinplate storage pails can be redeemed for 5 loyalty points or are FREE for customers who purchase their bespoke supplements using the automatic delivery service Buy and Book. Over 10,000 active customers can invite a friend so they both collect FREE points towards a PAIL. This whole new packaging solution is causing a wave of excitement across our customer base as the first tinplate storage Pails, and paper pouches/liners roll out.
Hack Up have left the traditional plastic pot and pouch behind, we are doing our small contribution to help the planet. The traditional supplement pot that is stored in their 1,000s in retails stores throughout the UK are level 5 or 7 recycle grade which many councils do not have the facility to recycle them so they go to landfill.. The plastic pouches often do not even make it into the recycle system and also end up in landfill. One small step can make a huge difference, help us to love our planet.
Simply put LOVING OUR PLANET in the coupon code at the checkout and you'll get Extra Free product. You'll get ...
Equines - 50% extra free on 500g sizes, 20% extra free on 1kg sizes, 10% extra free on 2kg sizes. Canines - 50% extra free on 250g sizes, 20% extra free on 500g sizes, 10% extra free on 1kg sizes. Offer ends 30.4.19
