Sonke

Area of Focus:

Waste-Free World

Geography:

South Africa

Sonke is a South African tech startup revolutionising FMCG consumption for low-income consumers. 

In South Africa, low-income consumers cannot afford bulk purchases of FMCG products, forcing them to buy smaller, more expensive packs that generate significantly more plastic waste. The 34 million poorest South Africans pay up to 60% more for goods and produce 1200% more plastic waste per kilogram of product purchased compared to wealthier consumers. 

Sonke’s automated refill stations allow customers to refill their own containers at bulk prices, eliminating single-use packaging and providing shoppers with cost savings of up to 60%. Its IoT-enabled technology enables live sales tracking, automated replenishment alerts, and real-time stock monitoring, making sustainable, affordable shopping accessible to low-income consumers. 

With TRANSFORM’s support, Sonke will distribute additional automated refill stations and offer a more comprehensive range of FMCG products, including staple foods and home and personal care items from Unilever’s trusted brands.