Affordable Toiletries in South Africa | Shoprite’s R5 Initiative
The issue of hygiene poverty affects millions of South Africans. Approximately 14 million individuals – one in five people – face challenges in affording basic toiletries. To address this, Shoprite has introduced a range of affordable toiletries, adding to its well-known R5 product initiative.
Hygiene poverty stems from inadequate access to essential products and sanitation. It impacts health, self-esteem, and dignity, with the World Health Organization and UNICEF highlighting its long-term effects on well-being. This pressing issue calls for actionable solutions to restore meaningful equality.
Shoprite’s response: cost-effective solutions
Shoprite has taken the initiative to expand its affordable range of products. Now, for just R5 customers can purchase 50ml sachets of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or body wash. These sachets dilute into 200ml of product, lasting up to 20 uses – a cost-efficient alternative at 25 cents per wash.
Following the introduction of R5 sanitary pads in 2021, this innovation aligns with Shoprite’s mission of enhancing hygiene without increasing financial strain.
Products combining dignity and value
Since its inception, Shoprite’s R5 product range has grown to include:
- R5 loaf of 600g brown bread, unchanged in price since April 2016
- R5 takeaway meals
- R5 sanitary pads
- R5 shampoo and conditioner
- R5 body wash.
These products offer a lifeline for low-income individuals, underscoring the company’s effort to alleviate day-to-day struggles.
Impact and expansion
Renaldo Phillips, general manager for private label and imports at the Shoprite Group, highlights the R5 coin as a “symbol of hope”. Each week, over 1.8 million goods from Shoprite’s affordable line benefit communities.
“No one should have to choose between having food to eat and maintaining basic hygiene. Access to hygiene products is not a luxury – it’s a fundamental human right. That is why we are committed to developing the best possible products at the lowest possible prices,” says Phillips
Additionally, 1 200 products have been repriced to be lower than the previous year, reaffirming Shoprite’s dedication to cost-saving measures.
A call for dignity through affordability
Shoprite believes hygiene is a right, not a luxury. The retailer’s campaign not only provides access to affordable essentials but also serves as a beacon of hope for millions. Customers and communities are encouraged to discover more through Shoprite’s stores and online platforms.
Zeta Laboratories, a personal care contract manufacturer in KZN, worked closely with Shoprite to bring these affordable toiletries to life. The approach included:
- Smart formulation: Crafting products that deliver high performance while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Efficient sourcing: Ensuring that the ingredients and processes were cost-effective without compromising quality.
- Mission-driven innovation: Staying true to the belief that dignity should never be a luxury.
For millions, this collaboration means more than just hygiene. It means confidence. Opportunity. Hope. As Zeta Labs puts it on LinkedIn:
“This is innovation with purpose.”
