Reusable packaging

Single-use plastic packaging is undoubtedly bad for the environment. However, returnable plastic packaging —such as tote containers that businesses use over multiple trips—can have less environmental impact than even recyclable single-trip packaging. This benefit is because less material and energy is required to manufacture much higher volumes of expendable packaging.

Opportunistic reuse occurs when packaging initially intended to be expendable or single-use is used again for a different purpose. Common examples include corrugated cardboard boxes or lightweight wooden pallets. Most experts do not consider this type of reuse to be within the scope of reusable packaging.

Deciding whether to switch to reusable packaging is a complex decision involving many factors. Considerations include the volume of shipments, whether you have a well-established return transit route (and whether this has space on the return journey), what distances you move parts over, etc.

Although the upfront costs are higher, switching to reusable packaging typically reduces your costs over the mid-to-long term. You can see savings because—without the need to keep purchasing single-trip packaging—the cost per journey per container eventually falls below the level of the expendable packaging unit cost.

Several obstacles may make switching to returnable packaging uneconomical and worse for the environment. For example, if you have no defined way to return the reusable containers, or if you expect significant loss or wastage, this can be another reason to stick with single-trip options.