An estimation of the effectiveness of waste prevention by using point-of-sales (POS) data-The case of refills for shampoo and hair conditioner in Japan

► Point-of-sales (POS) data were used to estimate the amount of waste reduction. ► By the use of refills, package waste was reduced by about 55% in Japan in 2008. ► Refill products have a lower unit price than non-refill products. ► Applicability of estimation with POS data for waste prevention was discussed. ► The method used should be applicable for other refill products.