Foodstuffs is trialling the use of reusable plastic deli containers in six stores

Business Desk reports Auckland manufacturer Bonson Industrial has received 330-thousand dollars from a now-defunct Environment Ministry fund, to pilot the service.

Customers will be able to "tap to borrow" a polypropylene container at the deli counter and return it via a smart bin within four weeks.

The containers are free to borrow, and Bonson estimates each could be reused up to 50 times.

If customers fail to return the container, they will be charged three-dollars.