It’s widely understood that making products and packaging from raw materials is not sustainable. Therefore, the shift to reusable packaging, refillable containers and recyclable materials is increasingly favoured. To promote World Refill Day on 16 June, we explore the benefits of reusable packaging design.
What is Reusable Packaging?
Reusable packaging includes bottles, boxes and other containers which can be refilled to save new items from being made. It includes:
Returnable Packaging – One of the most successful examples of this is the traditional milkman. They would collect empty bottles on their delivery rounds, which would be cleaned, sterilised and reused. Fewer households have a milk delivery these days, yet there are still bottle and keg return schemes for pubs and restaurants. Across Europe, there are many packaging return schemes, but they are not commonplace in the UK. However, Ocado is one of the companies trialling returnable delivery boxes and bags.
Refillable Packaging – Health food shops, eco stores and some supermarkets encourage buyers to bring empty containers to refill with products. It has proved popular for dry foods including pasta, cereals, dried fruits and nuts. Equally, it is straightforward to top up liquid goods including shampoo, shower gel and cleaning products. There have been trials run by Asda to test the commercial viability of in-store refill stations, which show customer interest in refillable options.
Reusable Packaging – Boxes with tear strips and adhesive strips are a great example of design features that enable packaging to be reused. They allow the box to be securely sealed, easily opened and conveniently resealed for a second use. This is a great option for e-commerce packaging, as returns can be repackaged and sent back in the same boxes.
What Are the Benefits of Reusable Packaging?
When we produce products and packaging for a single use, we create waste. Data collated by Statista* reveals that UK households discard 90 billion items of single-use plastic a year. That is despite people being aware of the impact and taking steps to opt for alternative options. So, the first benefit of reusable packaging is reducing this waste.
Although much of our packaging waste is collected for recycling, millions of items end up in landfill or pollute waterways and seas. This looks unsightly, but more seriously it causes environmental damage. We have insufficient capacity to properly process packaging waste, so it is building up. Therefore, the next benefit is to reduce the destruction of our world.
Producing packaging requires materials and energy. When we refill, return and reuse packaging, we become less reliant on these resources, which is an important step in sustainable supply chains. What’s more, reuse can reduce associated material and energy costs.
What Steps Can You Take to Reuse Packaging?
As a supplier or retailer, you can explore packaging design options and collection schemes that enable every item of packaging to be used multiple times. Customers are looking for brands that are proactive in helping them make greener choices, so these steps can boost your brand reputation. If you are interested in resealable e-commerce boxes, get in touch with us on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
As a consumer, look out for brands and retailers providing reusable packaging. It can take time to form new habits, but if there are options to return packaging or take your containers for refill, give it a go. If every household made one or two switches, we could reduce waste and encourage more companies to invest in reusable packaging.
Why not get started by taking the 5 Day Challenge, starting on World Refill Day? In addition, you could download the Refill Return app to discover local places and schemes that are helping to cut waste.
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/1327809/household-plastic-packaging-waste-generation-uk/
