Reusable packaging: advantages and examples of use

Reuse is one of the commandments of environmentally conscious societies… and one of the 5-R’s for more EcoResponsible packaging that we at RAJA® are committed to. Reusable packaging makes it much easier to achieve this goal. It is designed for multiple uses and, in some cases, seemingly disposable materials can enjoy a second life with a little creativity.

want to know what would happen if you chose reusable packaging as your preferred solution for storing and transporting your products?

what is reusable packaging?

Reusable packaging is packaging that can withstand more than one use, adopting similar or different functions to the initial ones, as explained in our dictionary of environmental and packaging terms.

Reusable packaging favours the development of the circular economy, a management system that aims to optimise the use of available resources and reduce the volume of waste generated on the planet.

what are the advantages of reusing packaging?

Using reusable packaging has the following advantages for your business:

1.improves brand image

The use of reusable packaging conveys a clear message: respecting the environment is one of your company’s core values, which translates into a positive perception by consumers and helps to strengthen your brand image.

2.reduce the environmental impact of your shipments

Round-trip boxes, envelopes and bags include a double adhesive strip that allows customers to return unwanted products in the packaging in which they were sent. In this way, the same packaging can be used for more than one shipment, saving the recipient the inconvenience of having to find an alternative container for the return. You also help to reduce the carbon footprint of the packaging.

3.ensures returns arrive in good condition

In line with the above, reusable packaging, and especially round-trip packaging, ensures that returned items return to your warehouse in perfect condition, without being damaged in transit due to unsafe, improvised packaging on the part of the customer.

4.save costs

what is the difference in price between reusable packaging and similar single-use packaging?How many times do you have to reuse re usable packaging to make it cheaper than single-use packaging? Calculate this and if you find it feasible to achieve this level of reuse, you will be able to cut your logistics costs.

Types of reusable packaging

There are two main groups of reusable packaging: those that tolerate repeated use; and those that, with some adaptation, adopt new functions in their subsequent reincarnations.

a) Reusable packaging available on the market

Round-trip packaging

The double adhesive strips on the round-trip packaging mean that they can be properly sealed the first time on the outward journey and, if necessary, a second time on the return journey. They are marketed in various formats: boxes, envelopes and pouches.

Round-trip cardboard boxes

RAJA® round-trip car tons are the perfect way to combine functionality and environmental friendliness in e-commerce:

• They are available in three sizes: maximum adjustment to the conditions of the goods with minimum planning effort when purchasing packaging.
• They arepractical and sturdy, instantly assembled, single channel with kraft paper outer cover and bottom reinforced with a double layer of cardboard.
• Made from a minimum of 70% recycled paper and 100% recyclable.
• They open easily without damage thanks to their serrated band, which allows the second adhesive tape to remain intact after removal of the first.

Round-trip envelopes

For lightweight, low volume products, the alternative in reusable packaging is the kraft paper round-trip envelopes, which offer the following advantages:

• Manufactured in four sizes, they incorporate an eight-centimetre gusset at the base, which allows them to expand their capacity.
• High reliability, guaranteed by its two superimposed kraft layers.
• The raw material used in their creation is completely 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, as it is used to transport goods in repeated cycles. After each journey, RTPs are washed and sanitised and, if travelling empty, they can be nested and stacked to save space in vehicles.

In the RAJA® catalogue you will find versatile RPCs, such as plastic containers and stackable storage boxes. Try them out and join the trend of EcoResponsible logistics.

Plastic pallets

Although, in principle, all pallets are reusable, plastic pal lets stand out for their lightness, strength and high life expectancy. In addition, for export, they require less thorough disinfection than their wooden counterparts, which have to undergo phytosanitary treatments for shipment to territories such as, for example, the Canary Islands.

b) Creative examples of packaging reuse

When imagination takes over, there are no limits when it comes to reusing packaging that has already fulfilled its mission. Cardboard boxes are reborn as DIY decorations, and kraft paper remnants are metamorphosed into fun origami figures.

RAJA® also offers you a very original solution for reusing cardboard boxes in your e-commerce: our HSM ProfiPack packaging filler production machine, a punching machine with which you can transform used cardboard sheets into protective material to cover gaps in your shipments.

Implement an EcoResponsible strategy to manage your company’s logistics. With the reusable packaging, and with these other references from packaging with a green consciencethat you can buy at RAJA®, you will have a long way to go. Ask us!