A rethink is taking place: Companies are rethinking their actions and prioritising sustainability. Consumers are more willing to change their consumption habits and reduce their ecological footprint. As a result, companies in the e-commerce sector are also looking for alternative and sustainable packaging options.
Online businesses must not only comply with regulations imposed by government bodies, but also keep pace with consumer trends. Several growing trends were observed in the first half of 2024 that will continue in the coming months and years. Many of these trends are developing as Sustainable alternatives to disposable packaging.
Recommerce
An increasing number of companies and consumers who are aware of their environmental responsibility are turning to the practice of reselling. This trend is about Buying and selling used products via online platforms, This extends the life cycle of products and reduces the need to produce new goods. The most frequently used online platforms for these campaigns include eBay, Wallapop and Vinted. But more and more online companies are also offering this service, such as Zara Pre-Owned and Levi's Second Hand.
Sustainable packaging
Excessive packaging is a major problem for both consumers and governments, as a significant amount of packaging waste is generated every year. Online shops are increasingly looking for the most environmentally friendly options possible and are turning to companies like RePack by oceansix that offer reusable packaging. This packaging, which is made from recycled plastics reduce environmental pollution and promote the circular economy in e-commerce.
Upcycling
Upcycling is a practice in which waste is transformed into products of higher quality and ecological value. This strategy is a fundamental part of the circular economy, in which materials or products that are already in circulation are transformed into those with greater environmental and economic value. RePack by oceansix is another example of this, as the reusable packaging bags are made from recycled plastic.
More sustainable delivery and returns
Another problem that e-commerce companies have to deal with is shipping. Germans regularly shop online, which leads to high shipping volumes. Shipping and parcel delivery companies are changing their processes and choosing more sustainable and less environmentally harmful alternatives.
In addition to shipping, another major problem is the number of returns. They account for 30 per cent of products purchased online and increase the environmental impact of transporting them back to warehouses. To tackle this problem, some reusable packaging companies such as RePack allow the same packaging to be used for Return shipments by simply returning the shipping label with the address given by the online retailer.
Reusable packaging is one of the trends that will increasingly be seen in e-commerce. However, RePack was a pioneer of this type of solution when it developed the idea in its home country of Finland in 2011. Over the past ten years, the company has continued to innovate:
Reduce superfluous empty space
The European Union has set out to reduce excessive packaging waste through various laws that regulate the current situation. The current law stipulates that the Filling material in parcels must not take up more than 40 per cent of the total parcel volume is allowed. This means that the internal filling material, which is often used for protection, must not exceed 40 per cent of the total parcel volume. To comply with this regulation, RePack offers e-commerce companies the option of choosing from three different sizes. From the smallest size with a capacity of zero to six litres to the largest, which can hold between 21 and 45 litres.
Comparison with disposable packaging
The reuse of packaging reduces CO2-emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to disposable packaging and eliminates packaging waste at the same time. Pick-up stations for parcels are a trend that has caught on. RePack mailing bags are not only a cost-efficient option for users, but can also be easily returned via any letterbox, so companies do not need to set up collection bins.
