Zalando is testing reusable packaging for customer orders in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark over the next four weeks. Customers who want to recycle must return the packaging, even if they do not return their products.
Reusing packaging, according to the fashion platform, tackles two environmental problems at the same time: carbon dioxide emissions and waste. Reusing materials reduces the waste stream, and reducing waste and the production of packaging can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 per cent, the e-commerce platform said.
Logistics process integration
With the pilot, conducted among 10,000 consumers, Zalando wants to test the extent to which reusable packaging can be integrated into its existing logistics processes. To do so, it will use a shipping bag from the Finnish startup, RePack.
The packaging will be shipped from Zalando's logistics centre near Stockholm. After delivery, customers can fold the envelope, attach the return label and place the packaging in the letterbox. The bag returns from the customer to a central location and is then taken to the fulfilment centre.
Uniform system
Uwe Streiber, Team Warehouse Consumables at Zalando, calls for a standardised system to make returning packaging easier. "To make the concept of reusable packaging scalable, a change is needed across the e-commerce industry. Reuse transforms material from waste to raw material. However, this requires standardised processes and centralised delivery options for reusable packaging. A unified system where customers can return packaging, for example to the supermarket, would make it easier for everyone."
