For the 14th time, Deutsche Umwelthilfe and the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg have awarded the Reusable Innovation Prize for outstanding new developments in the field of environmentally friendly reusable systems. This year's award ceremony took place as part of the 3rd German Reusable Conference in Berlin.
The German reusable market continues to develop with new product concepts. DUH honoured two of these with the Reusable Innovation Award at the conference: The company Gedat has the digital platform „getStock“ which provides a constant overview of the quantity and location of full and empty goods. Efficient logistics are also ensured by the new Load carrier for returnable bottles „AllCare 54-bottle tray“ from the Logipack company. This can be used for a wide variety of multipacks and individual bottles and at the same time for product presentation in the shop.
Tray with multifunctional use
The innovative power of the Logipack AllCare 54 tray lies in its multifunctional use. It not only serves as a safe and efficient load carrier during transport, but also as a presentation surface on the sales floor. The integrated empties return system also makes it possible to efficiently close the returnable bottle cycle without the need for additional empty frames (crates). This significantly reduces the logistical effort and simplifies handling in the warehouse. In addition, the trays are suitable for high-bay storage and are characterised by a very high level of stability. This enables goods to be transported without the need for transport/stopper bonnets, which previously had to be used to secure cardboard displays on disposable pallets. As the reusable tray replaces the intermediate layers of cardboard and transport bonnets, the use of this system could more than 1,000 tonnes of corrugated board saved annually can be realised. In addition, more than 4,500 round-trip lorry loads could be avoided, as the tray enables efficient return of the returnable bottles without additional crates.
Digital platform simplifies logistics processes
There are many different systems in the complex cycle for individual returnables, the coordination of which poses major challenges for the industry. getStock offers a cross-company, standardised data exchange between beverage producers and retail partners. The Platform constantly records the status of the quantity, location and type of container (full or empty). This transparency improves the utilisation of storage and transport capacities. This makes it possible to forecast product range, taking into account minimum, maximum and reorder levels. All players are networked with each other regardless of their IT infrastructure. This facilitates the exchange of goods. The warehouse management can Organising the procurement and provision of full and empty containers more efficiently. In addition, the truck utilisation per trip is optimised. This increases the circulation speed of the returnable containers. Automated decision-making aids also save resources by avoiding unnecessary lorry journeys. As a result, getStock could save up to 24 per cent of CO? emissions across the industry every year.
Source: DUH
