REUSABLE PACKAGING: ADVANTAGES AND EXAMPLES OF USE

Above all, reusing is one of the responsibilities of companies committed to the environment… and one of the 5 R’s for packaging in a more Eco-Responsible way. Reusable packaging helps us meet this goal in a much simpler way. Whereas, such packaging is designed to have multiple uses and, in some cases, apparently disposable materials can enjoy a second life with a little creativity.

Do you want to know what would happen if you bet on reusable packaging as the preferred solution for the storage and transport of your products?

What is reusable packaging?

Mainly, reusable packaging are those that have more than one use, adopting similar or different functions to the initial ones.

Likewise, reusable packaging favours the development of the circular economy . In this sense, this management system seeks to optimise the use of available resources and also to reduce the volume of waste generated on our planet.

What are the advantages of reusing packaging?

The use of reusable packaging brings the following benefits to your company:

1. Improving your brand image

Above all, the commitment to reusable packaging sends out a very clear message. Respecting the environment should therefore be one of your company’s core values. This translates into a positive perception from consumers, which will help you strengthen your brand image.

2. Reducing the environmental impact of your shipments

The boxes, bags and envelopes include a double adhesive tape. Therefore, this tape allows the customer to return unwanted products in the same packaging in which they were sent. In other words, the same packaging is used for another shipment. So you are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging.

3. Ensure that returns arrive in good condition

With the above, reusable packaging and especially “return and return” packaging ensures that products that are returned to the warehouse are returned in perfect condition, without being damaged during the journey due to insecure packaging improvised by the customer.

4. Save on costs

For example, what is the price difference between reusable packaging and similar, disposable packaging? How many times do you have to reuse the former to make it cheaper than the latter? Calculate and, if you find it feasible to reach that level of reuse, you will eventually save on your logistics costs.

Types of reusable packaging

In short, within reusable packaging we can identify two major groups. Firstly, there are those that support the same use repeatedly . On the other hand, there are also those which, with some adaptation, acquire new functions in their next reuse.

a) Reusable packaging available on the market

Returnable packaging

The double adhesive tape on the “return” packages allows them to be closed correctly the first time they are sent, and, if necessary, a second time on their return. They are sold in different formats: boxes, envelopes and bags.

Cardboard ’round-trip’ boxes

RAJA’s “round-trip” cardboard boxes are the perfect way to combine functionality and respect for the environment in e-commerce:

• They are available in three sizes: in other words, they adapt to the conditions of the products with minimum planning effort when purchasing packaging.
• They are practical and resistant. Together with the instantaneous assembly, the simple corrugated board with the outer lining made of kraft paper and the base reinforced with a double layer of cardboard.
• They are made from a minimum of 70% recycled paper and are 100% recyclable.
• They are easily opened without being damaged thanks to their toothed strip. This allows the second adhesive strip to remain intact after the first one is removed.

Round-trip Envelopes

Therefore, for lightweight and low-volume products, the alternative in reusable packaging is: the “round-trip” kraft paper envelopes. In this way, they have the following advantages:

• They come in four sizes. As a result, they incorporate an eight-centimetre bellows at the base that allows them to expand their capacity.
• High reliability. It is supported by its two superimposed kraft layers .
• The raw material used in its creation is totally renewable and recyclable.
• Quick and clean opening system, without risk for the products.

Returnable Transport Packaging (RTP)

Returnable Transport Packaging (RTP) is a prime example of packaging reuse. This happens, since they are used to transport products with repeated cycles. After each trip, the RPCs are washed and sanitised and, if they travel empty, they can fit together and be stacked to save space inside the vehicles.

In the RAJA catalogue you will find very versatile RPCs, such as plastic containers and stackable plastic boxes. Try it out and get into the flow of Eco-Responsible logistics.

Plastic pallets

Although in principle all pallets are reusable, plastic pallets stand out for their lightness, resistance and high longevity. Furthermore, for export they require less thorough disinfection than wooden ones, which need to undergo phytosanitary treatments to be sent to territories such as the Canary Islands.b) Creative examples of reused packaging

When imagination springs forth, there are no limits to reusing packaging that has already fulfilled its mission. Cardboard boxes are reborn as DIY decorations, and pieces of kraft paper become fun origami figures.

What’s more, at RAJA we offer a very original solution for reusing cardboard boxes from your e-commerce. Our HSM ProfiPack packaging filler production machine is a perforator with which you can transform used cardboard sheets into protective material to cover the gaps in your shipments.

Implement an Eco-Responsible strategy to manage your company’s logistics. With reusable packaging and other eco-friendlypackaging products, which you can buy from us, you will be a long way down the road. Contact us!