PETERSFIELD’S first plastic-free shop will open at the Folly Market in Dragon Street at the end of this month.

Laura Hayward and Alice Hooley founded Refill and Replenish in late 2017 after meeting through the Start-up Disruptors Network.

They realised their dream of a world that thought hard about the plastic it used could be better realised by pooling their resources and working together.

Since then they have established a thriving business helping people source everyday goods with less plastic packaging at markets in Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southsea, Emsworth, Waterlooville, Southbourne and elsewhere.

Laura said: “It’s been a whirlwind year for us. We have established our business and brand across Hampshire through attending markets and pitches across the county.

“It’s exciting that we’ve reached the point when we can realise the next step in our journey and open our first shop.

“What started as a passion to help people live a life with less plastic has grown beyond our wildest dreams and 2020 seems to be the year we will take our business to the next level.”

Alice added: “We’ve helped thousands of people take the first step in reducing their plastic consumption across a range of products from household staples like nuts, pasta and washing liquid to less obvious areas like switching to more sustainable kitchen scourers and alternatives to cling film.

“Our core message is simple, and it is at the heart of our brand: reduce the plastic through refilling your old containers to replenish your daily home stores.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people who want to take these simple steps but have felt that options on the high street are either minimal or not in existence.

“We’re delighted Sally Bekin from the UK’s Circular Plastics Network and Final Straw Solent will cut the ribbon and officially open our first shop.”

Refill and Replenish will open its first store at 9am on Saturday, February 29, at the Folly Market in Dragon Street. For more information, visit www.refillandreplenish.co.uk