Entrepreneurship in Refill-Based Business Models for Low-Income Markets
“Refill in the Global South” is a research and innovation partnership led by Enviu and Bopinc with collaborators Brunel University of London. The project aims to unlock the scaling of refill and reuse business models across low-income markets by understanding what entrepreneurs need to succeed – and what systems, policies, and partnerships enable that success.
The focus is on markets where single-use packaging is rising fastest, environmental costs are highest, and inclusive business models are urgently needed. The project works across multiple Global South countries, including:
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Bangladesh
- India
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Chile
…and other emerging refill markets.
What the Project Does
This project involves:
1. Research
- In-depth interviews with refill entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Country-level focus group discussions with FMCGs, retailers, policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs
- A structured literature review to map existing evidence
2. Entrepreneur Support
- Identify the key success factors and barriers in real refill businesses
- Document gender barriers, inclusivity issues, value chain constraints, and consumer trust gaps
- Map technology models, ownership structures, quality assurance, legal compliance, and policy barriers
3. Strategic Outputs
- Scientific Article – analysing business model success factors
- Refill Playbook – practical guidance for entrepreneurs (global)
- Four Country Profiles – market-specific success factors
- Online Webinar – sharing findings with global stakeholder
Why Refill Matters in the Global South
Environmental + Economic + Social Impact
Reuse and refill can:
- Reduce plastic pollution by 45–75% (depending on application)
- Reduce system-wide costs by 6–10%
- Cut GHG emissions by 35–70%
Meanwhile, 89% of global circular plastics investment goes to the Global North, despite pollution being far worse in the Global South.
Refill models therefore offer:
- More affordable access to products
- Lower waste management burden
- Climate benefits
- Entrepreneurship pathways
- Inclusive job opportunities
Partners
Enviu Indonesia
- Zero Waste programme lead
- Experience developing refill ventures in Indonesia, Kenya, and Bangladesh
Bopinc
- Leads inclusive innovation in low-income markets
- Experience designing refill pilots in Kenya, South Africa, Bangladesh
Brunel University of London PISCES Relay Team
- Academic partner
- Leads literature review, research methodology, and scientific publication