Victorian Coles stores trial refill system set to save cash for customers

Supermarket shoppers can now pour items directly into their own containers in a bid to cut down plastic use and drop prices.

Soaps, coffee and even olive oil can be poured straight from the tap in the trial rolled out in Victorian Coles stores.

The supermarket giant is cutting packaging and offering lower prices to customers who bring their own bottles, jars and containers.

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At a trial run in Fitzroy, shoppers were on board with the scheme.

"I think it's brilliant," one shopper said.

"I hope people get behind it."

"I just gives you more flexibility," another told 9News.

"Yes, it is a good idea."

"I think it could have a huge impact ... I mean you look what's happened with shopping bags - its changing customer shopping habits," Martine Alpins from Coles said.

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Rob Stewart from DC Coffee said the company and customers would benefit from the refill model.

"Cutting our costs in that manufacturing part is definitely going to deliver the product on the shelf a lot cheaper," he said.

Olive oil is 17 per cent cheaper when filled up at the tap.

Shampoo and conditioner are both 43 per cent less expensive than on the shelf.

Dishwashing liquid is 12 per cent more affordable, and, where available, laundry detergent can be 55 per cent cheaper.

"I think it's great! I just need to get more organised and remember to bring my containers," one shopper said.

A fill-your-own laundry detergent station was trialled in April and Woolworths last month launched a similar system at its store in Burwood.

Victoria is the first to introduce the stations, but they're expected to grow into a regular feature.

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It's a trial at this stage but if the idea catches on, hundreds of supermarkets across the country could soon invite customers to enter the shop with their basket already full of empty containers.

Karen Moxey from Squeaky Gate Olive Oil said it was an opportunity for supermarkets and producers to do their bit and reduce waste.

"Anything we can do to reduce our footprint on the environment is a really positive thing in our view."