The parcel service GLS Germany is entering into a strategic partnership with the two providers of returnable shipping solutions, hey circle and Boomerang. The aim of the co-operation is to provide business customer shippers with comprehensive information about the two companies' reusable shipping options and to establish an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cardboard packaging.
Over 4.2 billion parcels are sent in Germany every year, so far mainly in disposable cardboard boxes. Together with its new partners, GLS uses reusable packaging that Replace up to 50 single-use packagings can. According to the cooperation partners, this leads to a reduction in packaging waste of around 95 per cent and a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 80 per cent.
„The decision in favour of a strategic partnership with hey circle and Boomerang stems from the innovative nature of our corporate strategy. Sustainability is an extremely relevant topic for GLS, which we not only discuss, but actively promote and advance. Our motivation is to optimally fulfil the needs of our three main target groups - senders, recipients and ourselves as a parcel service provider. Many of our senders are proactively looking for sustainable logistics solutions and prefer partners who have the necessary expertise. Recipients are also increasingly focussing on low-emission solutions. We therefore see it as our task to offer suitable services that meet both the market requirements and the wishes of our customers.“
Tasja Werle, Senior Manager Product Management at GLS Germany
Innovative packaging solutions sharpen sustainability profile
The recyclable boxes and bags from hey circle and Boomerang impress with their lightweight, robust and foldable design. Both companies rely on a plug-and-play IT solution, which enables easy integration of reusable options in online shops. The costs for shipping via the GLS network remain identical for disposable and reusable packaging. The monthly rental costs for reusable packaging are comparable to the purchase price of newly produced disposable cartons.
„We are very pleased about the partnership with GLS. Together, we are committed to sustainable parcel shipping and reducing waste and CO2 emissions with every shipment. The cooperation with GLS fits perfectly into our growth strategy.“
Doris Diebold, Founder and CEO of hey circle
Boomerang is also enthusiastic about the cooperation. „Thanks to the collaboration with GLS, we can broaden our sustainable shipping solutions even further and reach more companies. Our aim is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipping packaging while offering efficient and user-friendly solutions,“ says Christian Putz, Co-Founder & COO of Boomerang.
Source: GLS Germany
