The young dental care brand Dr Bauer's is replacing disposable cardboard boxes in online shipping with reusable shipping bags from Re-Zip. Together with DHL, Raja Pack and the start-up Re-Zip, the aim is to establish a more sustainable shipping solution.
Since March, customers of the Dr Bauer's brand online shop have been able to choose between disposable cardboard boxes and a reusable shipping bag for shipping. The system is based on a cooperation with the Danish reusable service provider Re-Zip, DHL Paket and Raja Pack Germany. The aim of the collaboration is to avoid packaging waste in e-commerce and at the same time offer customers a simple, convenient return option.
Deposit instead of cardboard
The reusable option works according to a familiar principle: for a 1.99 euro deposit, the dental care products are delivered in a robust Re-Zip bag. After unpacking, the bag can be folded, the printed QR code scanned and the empty bag deposited in the nearest letterbox. It is returned via the DHL letter network. Customers then receive a voucher code for the amount of the deposit for their next purchase.
Dr Bauer's founder Christian Keim speaks of a „step into a new shipping logic“. The feedback from customers has been consistently positive. The combination of uncomplicated handling and a visible contribution to sustainability is particularly appreciated.
Cooperation with start-ups and logistics companies
The project was realised in close cooperation: while Re-Zip supplied the technical concept, Raja Pack provided the appropriate shipping packaging. DHL Paket is responsible for the logistical return of the bags. The key challenges - such as adhesive labels, readable QR codes and stable return processes - were solved as early as 2024 as part of a pilot project.
Sustainability as a brand core
The Re-Zip system complements Dr Bauer's previous packaging approaches: according to the manufacturer, 95 % of the toothpaste tubes are made from renewable raw materials such as sugar cane and spruce wood fibres. The outer packaging is made from grass paper, which consumes significantly less water and energy during production than conventional paper.
With its consistently sustainable approach - from formulation to logistics - Dr Bauer's wants to clearly position itself in the otherwise strongly functional dental care market segment.
Vision: From pilot to the new normal
The Re-Zip system is currently only available in the company's online shop at drbauers.de. If the solution proves successful, Keim says it could be expanded - possibly even beyond its own brand.
