[NL] RE-ZIP: the reusable packaging for your webshop
4min read
10/07/2024
Why reusable packaging?
Correctly sorting and recycling packaging is a first step towards taking good care of the environment. But it can be even more sustainable. And what’s better than recycling? That is reusing your packaging! That way, there is less need for raw materials and we consume less energy. The RE-ZIP packaging is a real game changer. It is designed to be reused up to 10 times. If the packaging is reused 5 times, you already save 80% in CO2 emissions (including return transport). Such figures make a world of difference.
The demand and need for reusable packaging will become more important than ever in the future. With new EPR directives, as well as the European Packaging Act (PPWR), the legislator is stepping up a gear: from 2030, 10% of all non-food e-commerce packaging must be reusable. This means that, as an industry, we have to look for a new way to deal with packaging. RAJA already offers the perfect solution to prepare your webshop for the legal obligations of the future. No reason to wait any longer…
How does RE-ZIP work?
The goal is to have the same packaging circulate several times in an e-commerce environment by different web shops. To do this, we came up with a customised packaging, an app ánd a network of drop points . Instead of throwing away the packaging, consumers can simply hand it in at one of the many drop-in points. There will soon be +4000 drop-in points in the Netherlands. When handing it in, the consumer is then rewarded with a voucher (a discount code, for example) thanks to the app.
- Webshop: the story starts online, in a webshop. The packaging works like any other: put the product in and send it off! As a webshop, you can thus bind your customers to you in a sustainable way.
- Consumer: as a consumer, you receive the ordered product via the usual courier service, but in RE-ZIP packaging. Take out the contents, fold the packaging again and send it back via a Drop Point.
- Drop point*: the customer delivers the packaging to the service points of DHL eCommerce (4,000 service points nationwide), after which the packaging is returned all the way back to RAJA. If the customer scans the QR code when handing in the packaging with the app, a reward follows that is entirely up to you as a webshop. It might help for placing the next order…
- Warehouse: once the RE-ZIP box has arrived back at RAJA, it is stripped of unnecessary shipping labels (and tape) and checked for quality. If everything is OK, they are sent back to the webshops for another shipment. The reuse circle is now complete!
*Soonavailable.
What are the benefits of RE-ZIP?
Packaging is necessary: a product that breaks down in transit has a major negative impact on your corporate image as well as the environment. But the rise in packaging waste must also be stopped. Together with RE-ZIP, RAJA strives to reduce that much waste as much as possible. Thanks to reuse , we can easily give packaging a second, third or fourth life before recycling it. A bit like a deposit for bottles, in other words.
It reduces the burden on the environment. Studies showed that RE-ZIP reusable packaging guarantees relative CO2 savings of:
- 60% at 2 circulations,
- Up to 80% at 5 circulations.
Like to know more? See all the figures on the Life Cycle Assessment of RE-ZIP reusable packaging here.
So what makes cardboard such a good material for reuse? Take a look at the following benefits:
- Cardboard is easily recyclable.
- Cardboard already has a positive impact on the environment from its first reuse (the second circulation).
- Cardboard is made from wood from sustainably managed forests(FSC) and produced in Europe.
- Cardboard is easy to use – both for your customer, an online shop and the entire logistics. Everyone knows it!
- Cardboard offers optimal protection to your shipped items.
Is there a price difference with single use boxes?
Studies show that consumers are willing to pay a small extra price if they are convinced of a positive impact (on the environment). In addition, there is a positive association with webshops using the reusable boxes. But a reuse system should definitely remain affordable. RAJA’s reusable cardboard boxes are comparable to regular boxes. Depending on the webshop’s capabilities, we are happy to offer a competitive price.
Will you join us?
Is your webshop all future proof when it comes to packaging? Chances are you can take it one step further with our reusable packaging. Contact RAJA and prove with us that truly sustainable e-commerce is possible. Even in the short term.
Would you like to know more about this unique reusable packaging? You can read all about it in this article on the Packaging Management Knowledge Platform, surf to re-zip.com or just watch the video below:
