FMCG/NEO

NEO launches eco-refill machines, reducing plastic waste

Editorial staff

NEO Corporate Public Company Limited (NEO), one of Thailand’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, has developed the “NEO refill machine” to make plastic reduction easy and accessible for everyone.

It provides an automated refill station that combines body wash, liquid detergent, and fabric softener in a single machine with the aim to cut down on single-use plastic bottles. At present, 25 pilot points are available nationwide, with the goal of building a refill ecosystem to make sustainable living an everyday reality.

Nitchamon Thakolsri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Business Innovation, NEO Corporate Public Company Limited, stated: "Currently, the climate crisis and the shift in modern consumer behavior toward environmental sustainability are driving the FMCG business to adapt.

Consumers today do not only consider product quality but also look for lifestyles that support environmental care. NEO is supporting the reduction of single-use plastic bottles by offering a refill system as an alternative."

This initiative aims to reduce single-use plastic waste. NEO believes the refill ecosystem will serve as a key mechanism encouraging Thai consumers to refill and reuse containers daily. This approach marks an important step in building a foundation for sustainable consumption, contributing to Thailand’s goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065.

To encourage widespread refilling habits, NEO has selected popular daily-use products for the "NEO refill machine," including Fineline Plus Sunny Gold liquid detergent, Fineline premium soft concentrated fabric softener, D-nee organic yellow moon baby liquid detergent with fabric softener and BeNice perfect elastic shower cream.

To kick off the launch, NEO is running a special promotional campaign to encourage consumers to adopt this new eco-friendly habit. From today until August 31, 2026 (or while stocks last), customers who refill at least one liter of any product at participating machines will receive a high-quality empty bottle for free.

Regarding technology and operational readiness, Nissara Thakolsri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Operations, NEO Corporate Public Company Limited, added, "NEO developed the refill machine to address plastic waste at the source. The system is designed to make refilling easy, convenient, safe, and hygienic. By utilizing real-time smart monitoring, engineering and operations teams can monitor product volume and machine conditions and manage the supply chain efficiently.

The purchasing process at the "NEO refill machine" is designed to be simple and straightforward. Consumers place a clean, empty container of their preferred size into the refill chamber, select their product and volume on the touchscreen, and make a QR payment via mobile banking or e-wallet. The product is then precisely dispensed through a hygienic closed-nozzle system.

For placement strategy, NEO has positioned the "NEO refill machine" in communities and retail areas that are easily accessible. The initial 25 pilot units are installed across Bangkok, its vicinity, and major provinces, with plans to expand installations by the end of this year.

"NEO aims to use innovation to support sustainable living, making environmental care accessible and practical for everyone every day," concluded Ms. Nissara.