-
The world has a waste problem
60% of all packaging ends up in the bin after a single use (Eurostat, 2023).
Recycling alone does not solve this problem because it does not keep packaging in circulation. They are usually downcycled or end up in the bin again after a new cycle. Furthermore, recyclability does not mean that it is actually recycled: Globally, only 9% of single-use plastic is recycled; and that already includes downcycling (OECD, 2022).
While recycling is often praised as a panacea for packaging waste, Reuse Packaging is the more consistent approach – because it avoids waste in the sense of the waste hierarchy from the outset.
The core principles of Reuse Packaging
Multiple use instead of single use
- Packaging is designed for at least 10 – 50 cycles
- Materials such as stable plastics enable long life cycles
Systems thinking instead of isolated solutions
- Standardised formats for industry-wide use
- Labels and codes for tracking the circulation
- Systems with reverse logistics
Practical design
- Easy to clean and repair
- Stackable and space-saving when transporting empties
Why Reusable Packaging achieves more than recycling
Criterion 
Recycling
Reuse PackagingResource consumptionNew goods required
90% less material used
CO2-footprint50% reduction possible
Savings of up to 60% possible
Closing the loopOften downcycling
Closed loops and systems
- Packaging is designed for at least 10 – 50 cycles
-
Resource conservation does not start with the consumer, but in the supply chain
While in the end-customer segment (B2C) the issue of reusable packaging is usually solved using cups, bottles or bowls, there is a much greater lever for saving resources in industrial processes (B2B).
This is where huge amounts of packaging waste, unnecessary transport costs and inefficiencies arise every day – and this is precisely where appropriate system solutions, for example from pooling service providers, come into play.- High circulation rates, predictable routes, fixed partner structures: perfect conditions for an economically functioning returnable system.
- Every reusable cycle saves CO2, resources and money.
- Industrial standards require resilient, scalable solutions – and this is exactly what our innovations are designed for.
Cost reduction through economies of scale
A single reusable transport box replaces hundreds of disposable cartons – at a lower cost per cycle.
Logistical optimisation
Standardised containers fit perfectly into automated storage systems and reduce empty runs.
Compliance & future security
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) requires binding reuse quotas from 2030 onwards – those who switch now will avoid penalties. Sustainability reports (CSRD/ESRS) require transparent circular concepts.
Digital Tracking & Smart Monitoring
Reusable transport packaging such as boxes, pallets or containers should be equipped with RFID or IoT tracking so that all parties know where the containers with their contents are located, how often the packaging has been used – and where losses or bottlenecks occur.
Automated returns & pooling concepts
Pooling service providers offer automated return solutions and reusable pooling systems that minimise empty transport, reduce storage costs and guarantee availability.
Data-based process optimisation
Accompanying customer portals analyse usage data in real time and identify potential for optimisation in the cycle: from dwell time and route planning to life cycle analysis of individual carriers. Real-time tracking via RFID or barcodes and AI-supported forecasts for optimal packaging circulation act as a kind of control centre for cycles. Blockchain documentation of CO2 savings and material flows enables measures and optimisation potential to be defined.
Integration into existing systems
The solutions can be seamlessly integrated into ERP, WMS or other systems – for maximum transparency and minimal conversion effort.
This enables the transformation from simple reusable packaging to intelligent, networked circular systems.
- High circulation rates, predictable routes, fixed partner structures: perfect conditions for an economically functioning returnable system.
-
Guide: Successfully introducing
Reuse Packaging
A practical guide for companies that want to replace single-use packaging with recyclable solutions.
Firstly, take a close look at your transport processes
- What packaging do you use for transporting goods?
- How often are they used before they are disposed of?
- What costs are incurred by disposable packaging due to purchase, disposal or, in the long term, CO2 taxes?
Choose the right reusable system
Use industry solutions -> Instead of developing your own systems at great expense, it is much more efficient to utilise pooling solutions that have already been tried and tested. These offer standardisation, proven return logistics and are often more economical.
-
Pallet pooling
for stackable goods -
Reusable containers & boxes
for food or small parts -
Reusable shipping bags & pouches
for e-commerce -
Reusable takeaway solutions
for catering, delivery services & food retail
-
European network, plastic pallets in Euro and industrial dimensions
European network, EPAL Euro pallets
Advantages
- No capital commitment: Rental instead of purchase (pay per use or packaging as a service)
- Automated return: pallets are collected by the supplier after use and also cleaned in the plastic version
- Standardised: The Euro and industry dimensions fit in all lorries and storage racks
-
European network, various containers for the food industry
European network, various containers for sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and agriculture
Advantages
- Hygienic: Food-safe materials such as PP or HDPE are easy to clean
- Optimised logistics: Stackable, foldable or nestable for empty return transport
- Tracking: Many suppliers offer RFID or barcode scanning
-
active in the DACH region, bags and boxes
active in the DACH region, bags and boxes
Advantages
- Space-saving: 80% less volume when folded than cardboard boxes
- Robust: impact-resistant and stable so that products are not damaged
- Effective: up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to disposable cardboard boxes
-
deposit cup and bowl system in Germany
digital reusable containers with app tracking in Germany
Advantages
- Easy return: Participating restaurants or automated station
- Reduced environmental impact: No microplastics from disposable packaging
- Better product quality: No soaking and microwave and oven-safe
Ensuring returns – how it works
If you opt for a system or pooling provider, the standardised return systems are included. Pooling providers take over the control of automated logistics networks; this means that Reuse Packaging is automatically collected and redirected after use – ideally, the empties are taken along on the next delivery according to the milk run principle.
App-based solutions in the takeaway area enable customers and partners to scan the QR codes themselves so that returns are documented.
Keeping an eye on profitability
The anticipated lower operating costs speak for themselves: the price fluctuations for paper and plastic are completely eliminated, as there are no longer any ongoing disposable procurement costs.
The company may also benefit from tax advantages in terms of reduced VAT for reusable packaging. In addition, cost benefits can already be realised today through statutory reusable quotas that will apply from 2030.
In accordance with the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, binding targets for transport packaging will then apply, meaning that failure to meet them could result in fines and competitive disadvantages.
In addition, disposable packaging will become more expensive as a result, as CO2 levies and compulsory contributions to the recycling infrastructure will become due.That’s why pooling and systems are the safest solution:
No capital risk
renting instead of buying
Higher response rates
than own systems (>90 % standard)
Compliance
fulfils EU packaging regulation (PPWR) from 2030
- What packaging do you use for transporting goods?
The world has a waste problem
60% of all packaging ends up in the bin after a single use (Eurostat, 2023).
Recycling alone does not solve this problem because it does not keep packaging in circulation. They are usually downcycled or end up in the bin again after a new cycle. Furthermore, recyclability does not mean that it is actually recycled: Globally, only 9% of single-use plastic is recycled; and that already includes downcycling (OECD, 2022).
While recycling is often praised as a panacea for packaging waste, Reuse Packaging is the more consistent approach – because it avoids waste in the sense of the waste hierarchy from the outset.
60% of all packaging ends up in the bin after a single use
The core principles of Reuse Packaging
Multiple use instead of single use
- Packaging is designed for at least 10 – 50 cycles
- Materials such as stable plastics enable long life cycles
Systems thinking instead of isolated solutions
- Standardised formats for industry-wide use
- Labels and codes for tracking the circulation
- Systems with reverse logistics
Practical design
- Easy to clean and repair
- Stackable and space-saving when transporting empties
Why Reuse Packaging achieves more than recycling
| Criterion | Recycling | Reuse Packaging |
|---|---|---|
|
Resource consumption
|
New goods required |
90% less material used |
|
CO2 footprint
|
50% reduction possible |
Savings of up to 60% possible |
|
Closing the loop
|
Often downcycling |
Closed loops |
Resource conservation does not start with the consumer, but in the supply chain
While in the end-customer segment (B2C) the issue of reusable packaging is usually solved using cups, bottles or bowls, there is a much greater lever for saving resources in industrial processes (B2B).
This is where huge amounts of packaging waste, unnecessary transport costs and inefficiencies arise every day – and this is precisely where appropriate system solutions, for example from pooling service providers, come into play.
- High circulation rates, predictable routes, fixed partner structures: perfect conditions for an economically functioning returnable system.
Every reusable cycle saves CO2, resources and money. - Industrial standards require resilient, scalable solutions – and this is exactly what our innovations are designed for.
From 2011 to 2022
Paper and cardboard were the main sources of packaging waste in the EU, generating 34.0 million tonnes in 2022.
Cost reduction through economies of scale
A single reusable transport box replaces hundreds of disposable cartons – at a lower cost per cycle.
Logistical optimisation
Standardised containers fit perfectly into automated storage systems and reduce empty runs.
Compliance & future security
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) requires mandatory reuse quotas from 2030 onwards – those who switch now will avoid penalties. Sustainability reports (CSRD/ESRS) require transparent circular concepts.
Digital Tracking & Smart Monitoring
Reusable transport packaging such as boxes, pallets or containers should be equipped with RFID or IoT tracking so that all parties know where the containers with their contents are located, how often the packaging has been used – and where losses or bottlenecks occur.
Automated returns & pooling concepts
Pooling service providers offer automated return solutions and reusable pooling systems that minimise empty transport, reduce storage costs and guarantee availability.
Data-based process optimisation
Accompanying customer portals analyse usage data in real time and identify potential for optimisation in the cycle: from dwell time and route planning to life cycle analysis of individual carriers. Real-time tracking via RFID or barcodes and AI-supported forecasts for optimal packaging circulation act as a kind of control centre for cycles. Blockchain documentation of CO2 savings and material flows enables measures and optimisation potential to be defined.
Integration into existing systems
The solutions can be seamlessly integrated into ERP, WMS or other systems – for maximum transparency and minimal conversion effort.
This enables the transformation from simple reusable packaging to intelligent, networked circular systems.
Guide: Successfully introducing
Reuse Packaging
A practical guide for companies that want to replace disposable products with recyclable solutions.
Firstly, take a close look at your transport processes
- What packaging do you use for transporting goods?
- How often are they used before they are disposed of?
- What costs are incurred by disposable packaging due to purchase, disposal or, in the long term, CO2 taxes?
Choose the right reusable system
Use industry solutions Instead of developing your own systems at great expense, it is much more efficient to utilise pooling solutions that have already been tried and tested. These offer standardisation, proven return logistics and are often more economical.
for stackable goods
European network, plastic pallets in Euro and industrial dimensions
European network, EPAL Euro pallets
Advantages
- No capital commitment: Rental instead of purchase (pay per use or packaging as a service)
- Automated return: pallets are collected by the supplier after use and also cleaned in the plastic version
- Standardised: The Euro and industry dimensions fit in all lorries and storage racks
for food or small parts
European network, various containers for the food industry
European network, various containers for sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and agriculture
Advantages
- Hygienic: Food-safe materials such as PP or HDPE are easy to clean
- Optimised logistics: Stackable, foldable or nestable for empty return transport
- Tracking: Many suppliers offer RFID or barcode scanning
for e-commerce
active in the DACH region, bags and boxes
active in the DACH region, bags and boxes
Advantages
- Space-saving: 80% less volume when folded than cardboard
- Robust: impact-resistant and stable so that products are not damage
- Effective: up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to disposable cardboard boxes
for catering, delivery services & food retail
deposit cup and bowl system in Germany
digital reusable containers with app tracking in Germany
Advantages
-
Easy return: Participating restaurants or automated stations
-
Reduced environmental impact: No microplastics from disposable packaging
-
Better product quality: No soaking and microwave and oven-safe
Ensuring returns – how it works
If you opt for a system or pooling provider, the standardised return systems are included.
Pooling providers take over the control of automated logistics networks; this means that Reuse Packaging is automatically collected and redirected after use – ideally, the empties are taken along on the next delivery according to the milk run principle.
App-based solutions in the takeaway area enable customers and partners to scan the QR codes themselves so that returns are documented.
Keeping an eye on profitability
The anticipated lower operating costs speak for themselves: the price fluctuations for paper and plastic are completely eliminated, as there are no longer any ongoing disposable procurement costs.
The company may also benefit from tax advantages in terms of reduced VAT for reusable packaging.
In addition, cost benefits can already be realised today through statutory reusable quotas that will apply from 2030.
In accordance with the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, binding targets for transport packaging will then apply, meaning that failure to meet them could result in fines and competitive disadvantages.
In addition, disposable packaging will become more expensive as a result, as CO2 levies and compulsory contributions to the recycling infrastructure will become due.
That’s why pooling and systems are the safest solution:
No capital risk
renting instead of buying
Higher response rates
than own systems (>90 % standard)
Compliance
fulfils EU packaging regulation (PPWR) from 2030
