Reusable shipping packaging for IT & mobile refurbishment

IT refurbishment

Used smartphones, laptops and tablets come in to you, get tested, repaired and erased, and go back out refurbished. Two shipping directions, often with devices and data belonging to private customers.

With the reusable shipping boxes from hey circle, this double journey becomes secure, traceable and free of cardboard.

Box L compared with a single-use cardboard box of the same size containing 80 % recycled material, calculated over 50 cycles. Data source: Ökopol life cycle assessment. The 53 % are an average from real customer calculations.

How the loop works

Refurbishment is a case with a double shipping flow: the device comes in for refurbishment, the finished device goes back out. That is exactly where the reusable box plays to its strengths - on average for 50 cycles.

Where packaging accumulates at one site - between your refurbishment sites, for example - you can fold it flat and send it back in bulk. The bundled empty return runs cost-effectively via the parcel carrier instead of single postage.

  • Pack & close

    • Place the device in the hey circle box, padded and protected against impact
    • Close the box securely with the zip or lid
    • If devices are in transit before their data has been fully erased: add a security seal

  • Ship

    • Stick on the shipping label and hand over the shipment as usual
    • Tested and approved by all parcel carriers, shipping without a surcharge
    • With C2B and C2C shipments in particular, it matters that the parcel is traceable and securely closed

  • Return

    • The refurbished device goes back to the customer in the same box - the return journey is designed in, not improvised
    • Send empty boxes between your sites folded flat and bundled via the parcel carrier instead of paying single postage
    • Fold the box flat or fill it again straight away - no cardboard ends up in the bin

IT refurbishment & reusables: a dream team

  • Double shipping flow

    You already ship both ways. A loop that covers both directions unlocks exactly the bundling potential that is lost in a single-use process.

  • Protection for electronics

    Displays and electronics are sensitive to impact. Dimensionally stable, padded boxes are tested with up to 400 kg stacking load and in a drop test from 80 cm - more protection than yet another cardboard box.

  • Data protection in transit

    Devices may be in transit before their data has been fully erased. Lockable, sealable boxes make secure shipping part of your compliance - and an argument for trust with private customers who care about their old device travelling safely.

  • Lower packaging costs

    On average 53 % lower packaging costs - the higher your shipping volume, the stronger the lever.

  • Regulation (PPWR)

    The PPWR has applied since 12 August 2026. From 2030 it sets reuse targets for certain transport packaging such as plastic crates and pallets; boxes made of cardboard or paperboard are exempt. Whether your shipping is affected depends on format and supply relationship - we are happy to check this with you. Setting up the loop now means you gain experience before customers or regulators ask for it.

Matching packaging

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Interzero: refurbishment thought of as a loop

Interzero runs IT take-back and remarketing as part of a large circular economy group - device swaps and refurbishment are core business here. In laptop shipping, Interzero saved 73 % of its packaging costs with the hey circle reusable boxes.

At Interzero we pursue the vision of a world without waste. To put this vision into practice in the logistics processes of our IT remarketing activities as well, the reusable shipping boxes from hey circle are a sustainable and future-proof option.

Jan Höschel | Managing Director, Interzero Product Cycle GmbH

Frequently asked questions

How does the packaging come back?

Either directly in the two-way shipment flow together with the refurbished device - or in bundles: fold the boxes flat to save space and send them back in bundles via the parcel carrier at low cost.

How secure are sensitive data and devices in transit?

Boxes can be closed with a zipper or a lift-off lid and fitted with a security seal - important when devices are in transit before data erasure. The plastic surfaces do not pick up dirt and are easy to wipe clean.

How do you ship electronics safely for repair and refurbishment?

In dimensionally stable, padded reusable boxes that can be sealed and are tested for stacking pressure (up to 400 kg) and drops (from 80 cm) - considerably safer than a single-use cardboard box.

Does this work with our parcel carrier?

hey circle packaging has been tested and approved by all parcel carriers and runs through the normal sorting process with no surcharge.

Learn more

How does reusable shipping work for repair and exchange?

The packaging travels with the product: out with the faulty or raw part, back with the finished one - for an average of 50 cycles, with no empty return shipment.

How can you save with reusables?

Our team will be happy to advise you on the benefits of reusable shipping packaging for your shipping loop.

Get advice now