The wholesaler for specialist opticians, Pricon, is now using reusable shipping packaging from Hey Circle to reduce waste and CO₂ emissions. The project includes customised reusable shipping bags in two sizes, which cover around 90 percent of all deliveries.
Shipping to around 6,200 shops generates a lot of packaging waste for Pricon. Replacing disposable packaging with reusable transport packaging is therefore the company's goal. The questions about the Handling in the return process, the illustration and corresponding Programming in the merchandise management system up to the definition of the correct reusable packaging had to be clarified.
„In Hey Circle, we have found a partner that offers quality and transparency. We were particularly impressed by the environmental benefits and the customised solutions.“
Matthias Köste, Managing Partner of Pricon
The ophthalmic optics expert starts with Two variants of the shipping packagingThe first packaging is large enough for five to six children's frames, while the second bag is the size of a DIN A5 bubble bag. Hey Circle offers its customers from an order volume of 1,000 units customised products to. Pricon uses this service so that the mailing bags can be optimally integrated into existing processes: Velcro fasteners instead of zips, full-surface label holder and CI-compliant design are among these customisations. Pricon and Hey Circle worked closely with the transport service provider Transmed on the design of the bags.
Measurable environmental impact through reusable packaging
After just a few rounds, reusable mailing bags save CO₂ and waste compared to disposable alternatives. The life cycle assessment assumes a Service life of 50 cycles out. However, as Pricon bundles the bags and they do not run over conveyor belts, less abrasion and a longer service life are possible.
(Children's) glasses including case are sent in the 35 gram lightweight bag with base. Previously, disposable cardboard boxes with a base area of DinA5 were used. Over 50 rounds, 97 per cent of CO2 emissions and around 7.5 kg of waste are saved. The bag without the base weighs 29 grams and replaces the hard-to-recycle bubble bag. The lifetime savings amount to 87 per cent of CO2 emissions and 3.9 kg of waste.
The reusable concept is integrated into existing processes
The reusable packaging is used as standard for all orders to those specialist shops that are supplied by Transmed. Orders for spectacles are dispatched via Transmed and are through well thought-out repatriation management supplemented. The transport label is applied over the flap after the packaging has been folded shut - also acting as a transport lock. After checking and removing the contents in the shop, the transport label is removed without a trace.
For returns, the packaging must be empty or labelled with the enclosed product and placed in the overnight letterbox. The enclosed returns label is already assigned to a shop during dispatch. Back at the warehouse, the empty bag is scanned and the customer is automatically charged for any costs. Bags that are not returned will be invoiced after 10 days. an incentive system that ensures high return rates. The specialist shop does not have to pay a traditional deposit, which significantly increases acceptance.
SourceHey Circle
