A beginner’s guide to refill culture in Malaysia

Ever walked into a refill store and thought: "How does this work?" 
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Refill culture is growing fast across Malaysia, and for good reason. It’s a low waste, low stress way to shop, reduce plastic, and support a more circular economy.

If you’re new to refilling (or curious to try), here’s your friendly beginner’s guide.

What is refill culture?

Refill culture is the simple idea of buying only what you need, using your own containers, and refilling instead of rebuying.

Instead of buying shampoo in a new bottle every month, you:

• Bring your own bottle

• Refill it with shampoo from a bulk dispenser

• Pay by volume

• Reuse your container again and again

Easy, right?

 Why refill?

Refilling helps you:

• Cut down on plastic packaging

• Save money by buying only the amount you need

• Reduce clutter and storage waste at home

• Support small, community-driven stores

• Make more conscious, slower shopping choices

It’s one of the most accessible ways to live more sustainably, and you don’t have to be “zero waste” to start.

What can you refill?

At most refill stores in Malaysia (like The Hive ), you can refill:

• Dry goods: rice, oats, lentils, nuts, dried fruit

• Snacks: granola, goji berries, mango slices, chocolate

• Toiletries: shampoo, body wash, toothpaste powder

• Cleaning products: dish soap, laundry powder, multi-surface cleaner

• Period care, straws, and lifestyle goods: reusable, package-free options

Start with one or two items — then grow from there.

How to refill (step by step)

1. Bring your own container
   – Any clean jar, bottle, or box will do
   – Bonus: reuse takeaway containers!

2. Weigh it empty
   – Most stores will help you record the “tare weight” so you only pay for the product inside

3. Fill what you need
   – Use a scoop, pump, or funnel (provided in-store)

4. Weigh again and pay
   – Pay based on the final weight (minus the container)

5. Feel good about it
   – Because you just saved packaging, money, and the planet, all in one go.

Tips for first time refillers

• Keep a “refill kit” at home with jars, cloth bags, or small bottles

• Start with pantry staples you already use

• Don’t stress about having the perfect container — reuse what you already own

• Follow your local refill store (like us!) for updates on new products and refill events

Refill culture isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about doing something differently.

Once you start, it becomes second nature. And the more people refill, the more normal it becomes.
Let’s make mindful consumption our new habit, one jar, one scoop, one refill at a time.