[CS] ♻️ Second-hand packaging: how to recycle and reuse packaging materials?

Used packaging is no longer just waste. At a time of rising material prices and pressure for sustainability, they are becoming a smart tool to save the environment and the company budget. When does it make sense to reuse them, what does the legislation say and how to communicate this practice correctly to customers? Here’s an overview of practical tips to help you give packaging a second life – without compromising on quality.

✅ When does reuse make sense?

Second-hand packaging is most beneficial where hygiene or safety requirements are not a top priority, and at the same time:

they are not damaged, soiled or contaminated,
previously used in internal logistics, for example,
they are standardised packaging materials – cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, wooden pallets, paper fillers or bubble wrap.

For example:

Cardboard boxes Cartons can be reused for transporting less sensitive or durable goods,
filling materials (paper, cardboard wool, air cushions) can be used for protection in internal packaging,
Euro crates or shipping boxes are ideal for re-circulation between warehouses or suppliers.

From a sustainability and cost point of view, it pays to “keep packaging in circulation” as much as possible – with the right quality control system, of course.

🔍 What to look out for – hygiene, customer perception and quality

Used packaging cannot be used in all circumstances. Special attention should be paid to:

Hygienic safety – packaging for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or children’s goods must be absolutely clean and ideally certified according to current standards (e.g. HACCP, GMP).
Customer trust – if the reused packaging is going directly to the end customer, it is worth adding a simple explanation:
“We used second-hand packaging to deliver this shipment – thank you for helping us save the environment.”
Aesthetic impression – even if the packaging is reused, it should look clean, solid and professional.
Labelling – ideally, remove original labels, other company logos or safety symbols that could confuse customers.

💡 Tips for effective reuse and recycling

Implementing a packaging reuse system doesn’t have to be complicated. Many companies achieve good results with simple internal measures:

Sort packaging by type and condition – allocate an area where only good quality used packaging is stored.
Labelling and inspection – e.g. using “RE-USE”, “Inspected”, “Transportable” labels.
Combination of new and used materials – e.g. new packaging for external protection + used filler inside.
Intra-company circulation – especially pallets, plastic crates or boxes can be rotated between warehouses or branches.
Collection and reuse of packaging from customers (reverse logistics) – suitable for B2B model.

⚖️ What does the legislation say?

Legislation does not directly prohibit the use of second-hand packaging – it is important to comply with the general requirements for safety, cleanliness and information:

EU Regulation 1935/2004 sets out requirements for materials intended to come into contact with food – here reuse is limited.
The Packaging Act (477/2001 Coll.) requires that packaging is not harmful to health or the environment.
Duty to inform – if recycled or reused packaging bears important symbols (e.g. warning, ADR, CE marking), these must be removed or invalidated.

✅ Second life of packaging as an opportunity

Reusing packaging is not just about saving money. It is a smart way to:

Reduce the environmental impact of your logistics,
optimise costs without sacrificing quality,
build a responsible relationship with your customers.

Companies that can think comprehensively about the packaging lifecycle gain an advantage – not only in economic terms, but also in the eyes of customers who increasingly value sustainable approaches.