A new refill retail concept, Skubu, launched in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, is drawing attention across the packaging sector as a scalable solution to reduce single-use plastic packaging in retail. Developed by Sonke (Pty) Ltd. in partnership with South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), the initiative aims to cut packaging waste and improve access to essential products for low-income communities.
The model allows customers to refill staples like cooking oil, sugar, and cleaning products using their own containers. The refill stations—outfitted with IoT technology—track inventory from supply to sale, providing full visibility across the packaging lifecycle.
“Skubu is a great demonstration initiative to show how circular economy principles can be implemented through collaboration,” said Professor Linda Godfrey, principal researcher at the CSIR and lead of Circular Innovation South Africa. “This includes bringing universities and science councils closer to the private sector to help de-risk and scale circular interventions.”
By enabling consumers to purchase smaller quantities at consistent per-litre prices, Skubu also addresses affordability while promoting more sustainable packaging practices.
Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director-General at DSTI, underscored the dual goals of the initiative. “We are taking a dual approach through the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund initiative—protecting the environment while using science, technology and innovation to foster enterprise development and create employment,” he said.
The CSIR contributed by identifying strategic pilot locations and analysing data from the machines to assess viability. If successful, the Skubu model could inform broader packaging strategies across the region, offering a replicable path for cutting plastic waste in retail while strengthening circular supply chains.