Thuiswinkel.org wants to start using packaging more than once. The industry association is therefore starting two pilots with reusable packaging.
Besides targets on reducing packaging and using sustainable materials, the industry wants to start researching reusable packaging. Thuiswinkel.org calls it a shame that the vast majority of e-commerce packaging is only used once, sometimes twice in the case of returns.
"For every order, we produce packaging that eventually ends up in the consumer's container. And of course we recycle the materials neatly, but it may not be necessary to produce separate packaging for every order," the e-commerce association writes in a statement
Recycling is not easy
However, current e-commerce packaging is more difficult to reuse because Dutch consumers like to receive neat packaging at home. It also requires a different logistics process if packaging has to be retrieved.
Research into measures and consequences
Next year, Thuiswinkel.org wants to investigate which measures are needed to use packaging more than once and whether this does not lead to extra transport movements. Together with online shops, transporters and the packaging industry, it is rolling out two pilots. "With these, we hope to gain more insight into the possibilities and opportunities that reusable packaging can offer the sector. Resulting in the next step towards an environmentally friendly sector."
