Episode #36: The bulk: How to free products and consumers from the packaging?
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Episode #36: Podcast Show Notes
Introduction
Did you know that March is the month of bulk?
To understand better what packaging-free is about in daily life for businesses and all stakeholders – including you and me – I invited 2 committed actors in the bulk world:
Célia, the founder of Réseau Vrac, the Bulk Network federating more than 1500 professionals in the sector – such as suppliers and retailers – in 14 countries,
and Elsa, the co-founder of Yokoumi, a cosmetic brand working with more than 200 refill points of sale.
In this episode, you will learn
how reusable packaging and bulk are bonded,
how being part of a supportive network can enhance safety, logistic efficiency, and scaling,
and how products and people are at the core of the bulk system.
I hope that after this interview, you will be motivated to try bulk out, for yourself as well as for your business!
I enjoyed how Elsa and Célia paired their respective experiences and zoomed in and out about the bulk subject.
The ice on the cake? If you are in Europe, meet our guests at the annual «Packaging-Free Trade Fair» on the 14th and 15th of May 2023. It could be the starting point for determining collaborations!
Where to find our guests and their offers?
The Bulk Network and its website translated into English: https://reseauvrac.org/?lang=en
The link to subscribe to the Bulk Network Newsletter: https://www.consommervrac.fr/newsletter/
Yokoumi website for organic, fairtrade and refillable cosmetics: https://www.yokoumi.com/
"The Circular Economy Collage" (La Fresque de l’Economie Circulaire): https://www.lafresquedeleconomiecirculaire.com/english
>> Little note here: Colienne, the host of this podcast, is part of the animators’ community and would be pleased to facilitate a workshop for you with this empowering tool and methodology (in Canada and beyond).
Their social media profiles:
Célia Rennesson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmacaluso/
Elsa Bortuzzo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsa-bortuzzo-7ab12a99/
Réseau Vrac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reseau-vrac/
Yokoumi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yokoumi_cosmetique/
Multiple projects mentioned in this episode
«Consommer Vrac» is the bulk information website for the general public: https://consommervrac.fr/
The Bulk Month (Mois du Vrac) is occuring in March: see https://consommervrac.fr/le-mois-du-vrac/
The annual «Packaging-Free Trade Fair» (Salon du Vrac et du Réemploi) on the 14th and 15th of May 2023 in Paris: https://salonduvrac.com/
Projet Hub Vrac « réemploi d’emballages amont » :
The Lab Innovation: https://reseauvrac.org/lab-innovation/
The guests also answered the question formulated in Episode #30: What is the good fit to integrate reuse in shipping and delivery packaging systems? with Mike Newman of Returnity
Recommended books:
«Vrac Mode d’Emploi», co-written in French by Célia Rennesson: https://www.laplage.fr/produit/237/9782842218829/vrac-mode-d-emploi
«Slowdown or perish: The economics of degrowth» («Ralentir ou Périr: l'économie de la décroissance» in French), Timothée Parrique, 2022, Edition Seuil
A 1h video explaining the book in English «Timothée Parrique: Slow down or perish. The economics of degrowth»: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkEYYNCj-ws
A short video of Timothée Parrique in French: https://youtu.be/HQPCEqwFlVE
«Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update» By Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers, and Dennis Meadows
«La consommation sous contrainte. Les leçons de la crise Covid-19» by Dominique Desjeux and Philippe Moati, 2022
About Célia Rennesson from Réseau Vrac
Concerned by the damages pre-packaged consumption did: food & packaging waste, Célia Rennesson co-founded Réseau Vrac in 2016 to democratize « bulk sales » and offer sustainable consumption to consumers. Célia co-wrote the book "Vrac Mode d'emploi" in 2020 and co-realized different studies on bulk and reuse. Today, the association Réseau Vrac federates more than 1500 professionals in the sector, such as suppliers and retailers.
Before Réseau Vrac, Celia was a strategy consultant and innovation manager. She graduated from the University of Paris Dauphine with a Master 2 in industrial economics.
In 2022, she integrates the Giverny prized list of engaged leaders under 40 years old who contribute to the acceleration of the ecological and social transformation of France. Moreover, in regard to her engagement in more sustainable consumption, she is named to the rank of Knight of the National Order of Merit.
About Elsa Bortuzzo from Yokoumi
Entrepreneur and committed to taking part in the transformation of our society to build a fair and sustainable present and future, Elsa Bortuzzo co-founded in 2019 an organic cosmetics brand specialized in the bulk and refill market. Today, Yokoumi has more than 200 "refill partners" throughout France.
At the same time, in 2020, she participated in the Climate Fresk workshop. After this experience, she decided to develop with Anne-France Mariacher "The Circular Economy Collage" a fun workshop that allows as many people as possible to become aware of the issues related to natural resource uses and circular economy solutions. Today more than 8 000 people have participated in the workshop.
Before dedicating herself to the development of these two projects, Elsa studied urban planning and worked to develop reuse materials in building projects.
Podcast music
Special thanks to Joachim Regout who made the jingle. Have a look at his work here.
I am happy to bring a sample of our strong bonds on these sound waves. Since I was a child, he made me discover a wide range of music of all kinds. I am also delighted he is a nature lover and shares the Look4Loops 'out of the box philosophy'. He is an inspiring source of creativity for me.