What is returnable packaging?
Returnable packaging is durable packaging meant for multiple uses in a closed loop system. A closed loop system refers to a system in which materials are recycled and reused rather than discarded.
This type of packaging can include pallets, racks, bulk containers, hand-held containers and dunnage. Each form of returnable packaging is made of materials such as plastics, injection molding, textile-based protective packaging and other materials that are durable and designed for multiple uses.
The main use is to safely move materials or products. This type of packaging can be used internally to move product from one process to another or to different areas of the plant for storage or future processing. Returnable packaging can also be used to move product between vendors with different processing specialties.
Returnable packaging is economical, sustainable, consistent and repeatable.What industries generally use returnable packaging?
Returnable packaging can be used by any industry looking to cut packaging costs. Examples of industries using this packaging include (but are not limited to):
- Automotive
- Food/Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Appliance
- Aerospace
- Electronics
Advantages of returnable packaging?
- Reduce packaging costs
- Reduce wasted packaging materials
- Reduce handling damages
- Greater ease and increased speed when packing and unpacking
- Designed specifically for the product's individual transportation environment
- Can be used in conjunction with automated equipment
- Packaging is consistent and repeatable
- Can be cleaned and is often clean room compliant
- Can help simplify manual and automated product tracking
Case Study Snapshot:
Problem: Parts were being damaged during shipments to multiple locations, requiring custom packaging for each shipment.
Solution: Custom thermoform plastic trays were designed and implemented in managed returnable loops between the suppliers and the vendors.
Cost Savings: $60,000 per year
