Friends set up Rushden Refill Van to deliver package-free groceries

An eco-friendly business started in Rushden is delivering refillable, package-free groceries to homes across Northamptonshire.

Refill Van was started by friends Tarnya Bayes, Adam Mattacola and his wife Emma Mattacola in March this year and began trading in May during lockdown.

Emma, who takes care of the business' social media and marketing, said: "We thought it was going to be really hard to start a business during a really difficult time, but actually, with people shielding, our van can turn up and it's like a mobile market.

"Tarn does all the serving but you can refill your containers but she does all the filling and weighing to make it Covid safe.

"It's perfect for people avoiding shops or public transport or anything like that, because we can come to them. We like the idea of community and neighbourhoods coming together so groups could book the van to come and a few different households can visit."

The Rushden-based Refill Van can be booked to deliver in Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough and elsewhere in East Northants, like Raunds, Rushden, and Higham Ferrers.

The van also visits local markets in Northampton and Kettering and will be going to some vegan markets in the near future.

The shop works on a weigh-and-pay basis where shoppers can refill their own containers with a range of products.

Designed to reduce waste, the shop has stocks of pasta, pulses, beans, cereals, nuts, loose teas, and coffee.

There is also household items like shampoo and conditioner, washing up liquid, hand soap and household cleaners as well as bamboo toothbrushes, deodorants, reusable sandwich bags and more.

Tarn was inspired to start the Refill Van after seriously thinking about how sustainable her lifestyle was. She collaborated with Adam, who she knew because they are both professional skydivers.

Emma said: "They're both professional and have done thousands of dives. I skydive too but I've done around 600 dives, but we've all known each other for years.

"I used cloth nappies with my daughter and I am in to eco-living, so Tarn got me involved in blogging and then I came on board to do social media and marketing."

The Refill Van is designed too support sustainability and reduce waste and has quickly been gaining popularity in the local community.

To view their full range visit their website www.refillvan.co.uk.Message from the editor:

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