Saponetti Anniversary: Celebrating 9 Years of Refill, Resilience, and Revolution
- Nikki Self
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
In March 2016, Saponetti began humbly as an online pilot from our basement — and now, on this Saponetti anniversary, we look back on how far our refillery has come, filled with stacked goods and ambitious dreams. We started with determination, some debt, and an unwavering belief in meaningful change. With zero emissions and eco-friendly products in mind, we handled deliveries ourselves until we partnered with The Drop, Toronto's first EV delivery service.
When a Store Becomes Something More
Initially, we thought we were simply running a refillery—a practical solution to excessive plastic packaging. In the summer of 2018, after two years of operating exclusively online, we renovated a small sandwich shop and opened our first physical store. Interest quickly grew, and we partnered with the Toronto Tool Library, establishing refill stations at three of their locations. The Tool Library was a fantastic community-driven initiative, perfectly aligning with our philosophy of borrowing sustainably rather than buying unnecessarily.
However, we soon realized customers weren't just refilling bottles. They brought questions, hopes, and anxieties about a sustainable future. Our store naturally evolved into a community hub focused on sustainability, conscious consumption, and mutual encouragement.
Why Every Refill Matters
In a world overwhelmed by climate change, plastic pollution, and corporate greenwashing, individual actions can feel insignificant. It's easy to feel powerless knowing millions don't prioritize sustainability. Yet, every purchase you make is an empowering expression of your values and conviction. There's peace of mind in knowing you're doing your part, building the future you believe in, even against challenging odds.
Each refill means less plastic waste in our environment. Each decision to reuse builds positive habits. Each small choice reinforces a powerful belief in personal action.
We've seen firsthand how small, everyday actions can collectively inspire change.
Adapting in Challenging Times
Over the past nine years, we've seen other sustainability-focused businesses emerge with enthusiasm, only to face significant hurdles due to limited consumer demand and challenges amplified by COVID. The pandemic significantly impacted the package-free movement, as concerns around hygiene led many to revert to single-use plastics. Like many small businesses in Toronto, we've navigated numerous sacrifices. Our ability to remain agile and responsive as a small team allowed us to swiftly adapt, pushing through late nights and countless personal trade-offs.
Still, we persist.
Doubling Down on Our Commitment
Why continue on this challenging journey? Because communities need locally owned stores where they can purchase essentials in person—supporting local producers, paying by cash if they prefer, and doing so in a shop that shares their values rather than a big‑box chain. Because we believe the future depends on collective action, and sustainability isn't just an option—it's essential. Every person adopting sustainable habits moves us closer to meaningful change. And because we're continually inspired by the incredible team we work with and the unwavering loyalty of our customers.
We're doubling down by collaborating with a great team on a new, improved website (launching soon), enhancing the experience and options available to our customers. We're expanding educational outreach and advocating passionately for conscious consumption.
Gratitude and Our Vision Ahead
Reflecting on nine remarkable years, our thanks go to the friends, advisors and investors who believed in us from the start, and to the community and institutional partners whose support empowered our mission. We’re equally grateful to every customer, supplier, and advocate whose loyalty and insights have kept us moving forward.
Your generosity—through grants, shared stories, and honest feedback—has continually strengthened our commitment to sustainable, community-driven change. Saponetti wouldn’t be here without you.
Join the Refill Revolution
Saponetti isn’t just our business—it’s your neighbourhood refillery and a collective movement toward intentional living, conscious consumption, and stronger communities. Your participation is vital.
If you've refilled with us, shared our story, or believe in sustainability, you're already part of this revolution. Let's continue building this community together.
Visit us online or in-store, share your experiences in the comments below, and inspire others.
Until next time,
xo Nikki & Christian
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