Optimizing Logistics With Reusable Packaging

As organizations search for ways to reduce single-use packaging, they are collaborating with logistics partners that help them reach short- and long-term sustainability goals. Leading packaging suppliers like PackageIt offer eco-friendly solutions like the Ecorrcrate system for recurring shipments and vendor-managed inventory customers.

The idea is simple:

• Purchase sturdy, compactable pallets, crates, drums or bins to protect your products during transport and distribution.
• Collect empty containers and return them to your warehouse where they are cleaned and readied for reuse.

Your initial investment in reusable transport packaging pays big dividends — including reliable product protection, elevated sustainability and reduced impact from supply chain shortages.

Success Hinges on Strong Logistic Partnerships

Reusable transport packaging currently makes the most sense for local and regional businesses with strong logistical partnerships or self-transport capabilities. Viability and economic benefits rely heavily on three factors:

1. High volume & repeat shipments of the same products. While the initial investment costs exceed expendable shipping solutions, per-trip costs decline with repeated use. Consistent volumes enable reusable packaging design options that save space and protect products better than single-use cartons.
2. End-users willing to collect & return pallets or containers. A successful reusable packaging system depends on shipping and receiving partners who recognize its cost-savings and sustainability advantages. Like-minded companies ensure timely return of pallets and cartons and take measures to minimize loss and theft.
3. Availability of low-cost return transportation. Return shipping costs limit the practicality of reusable containers to local and regional shipments. Since this eco-friendly packaging is designed to nest or collapse, reusable packaging is compactly stored and shipped using under-utilized transport space.

When these three factors are present, reusable packaging is a practical, economical transport solution for beverages, dairy products, mail, produce, electronic parts, appliances, pharmaceuticals and aerospace equipment.

Advantages of Reusable Packaging for Shipping

When reusing shipping crates, bins and pallets makes economic sense for your business, you also realize some unexpected benefits.

• Reusable packaging design can be customized to your needs, resulting in economies of container size, shape and capacity.
• Sturdy reusable packaging also resists storage and transport damage, so you have fewer losses and lower replacement costs.
• Ergonomic features built into container designs make carton handling easier and safer for your employees.
• Reusable crates and bins are also more sustainable, reducing the need for costly disposal and recycling of single-use packaging.
• Finally, adopting reusable packaging could make your company more agile and less vulnerable to worldwide packaging supply chain shortages.

Ecorrate Bridges the Gap