Season 14 Episode 36

Eben de Jongh on making everyday essentials cheaper through refill retail

18 August 2026 · 16:17 min

Affordable retail technology could help South Africans pay less for everyday essentials while dramatically reducing unnecessary packaging waste.

Eben de Jongh, Founder and CEO at Sonke, explains how automated refill retail tackles the higher per-unit prices often paid by lower-income consumers who… cannot afford to buy products in bulk. He discusses a model that lets shoppers choose the exact quantity they need, bring their own container, and access bulk-level pricing.

The conversation explores how automated dispensing technology is being used for products including maize meal, sugar, cooking oil, washing powder, and household liquids. De Jongh explains how smaller quantities can deliver substantial savings compared with conventional packaged goods, while simultaneously reducing plastic waste.

He also discusses the economics of building a South African social enterprise, partnerships with major retailers, support from organisations including the SAB Foundation and CSIR, and the role of data in identifying suitable locations and product ranges. Looking ahead, Sonke aims to scale through strategic partnerships while proving that affordability, sustainability, and commercial viability can work together.

0:00 Intro
1:31 Why poorer consumers often pay more
2:39 How much shoppers can save
3:45 How automated refill retail works
4:38 Retail stores and deployment models
6:42 Making the business commercially viable
10:27 Reducing packaging waste
13:41 Using data to guide expansion

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