Smartfill

Smartfill is improving food affordability and reducing plastic pollution by replacing single-use packaging with refills.

Low-income communities in Zambia and South Africa generate nearly 400,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, primarily from small sachets and flexible packaging. Many consumers can only afford products in small quantities, making sachets their only option and driving plastic waste even higher.

By installing smart dispensers in informal areas and integrating community ambassadors and localised logistics, Smartfill expands refill access through existing distribution networks.

With TRANSFORM’s support, Smartfill will deploy 90 smart dispensers across 14 stores in Zambia and South Africa, reaching an estimated 200,000 consumers. The model aims to reduce manufacturer costs, increase sales volumes, and create green economy employment in local communities. By deploying a high density of dispensers in a small geographic area, Smartfill will make circular solutions widely accessible and normalise refill behaviour; ultimately shifting consumer habits toward long-term waste reduction.