The environmental impact of reusable packaging is measurable

After only a few cycles, reusable shipping bags save CO₂ and waste compared with single-use alternatives. The life cycle assessment assumes a life span of 50 cycles. Because pricon has the bags bundled and they do not run over conveyor belts, there is less abrasion and a longer life span is possible.

• The 35 gram bag with a gusset is used to ship (children's) glasses including the case. Previously, single-use cardboard boxes with a DIN A5 footprint were in use. Over 50 cycles, each bag saves 97 % of the CO2 emissions and around 7.5 kg of waste.
• The bag without a gusset weighs 29 grams and replaces the padded envelope, which is hard to recycle. The lifetime saving is 87 % of the CO2 emissions and 3.9 kg of waste per bag.

The reuse concept is part of the logistics processes

• The reusable packaging is used as standard for all orders to those shops that are supplied by Transmed.
• The glasses orders are shipped via Transmed and complemented by a well thought-out return management system.
• The shipping label is applied over the flap once the packaging is closed - at the same time it acts as a transport seal.
• The orders are collected from pricon in the evening and delivered across Germany by 9 a.m. the next morning.
• Once the contents have been checked and removed in the shop, the shipping label is peeled off the reusable packaging without leaving a trace.
• For the return, the packaging is given a returns label, either empty or with a product enclosed, and dropped into the night letterbox.
• The enclosed returns label is assigned to a shop as early as the outbound shipment. Back at the warehouse, the empty bag is scanned and the customer is automatically released from any charges.

Bags that are not sent back are invoiced after 10 days - an incentive system that ensures high return rates. The shop does not have to pay a traditional deposit, which considerably increases acceptance.

Outlook: reuse as the standard in shipping

“And in 10 years this should be the standard in the industry,” says Matthias Köste, managing partner of pricon.

The collaboration between hey circle and pricon is a model for reuse logistics in the B2B sector. Looking ahead, pricon plans to switch the remaining 10 % of shipments to reusable packaging as well and to expand the system further. Reusable shipping packaging is then also to be used for deliveries via other parcel carriers.