During the project we at RePack have developed and tested new packaging solutions, cleaning methods and return channels in the European markets. These are the main building blocks for a cost-efficient returnable packaging ecosystem and are interconnected.
During the project we built, tested and validated new return channels for reusable packaging in thousands of cost-efficient locations around Europe, despite the challenging environment caused by the global pandemic. Customers included global giants such as H&M, Zalando, Otto and Inditex. However, however, large-scale adaptation was not reached. We validated that consumers are ready for reusable packaging with selection rates of up to 40% for reusable solution over single-use and collected positive feedback from vast majority of reusable packaging users.
The project face many challenges that were outside of our control and not part of the risk assessment. During 2019-2022 the pandemic and war in Ukraine caused global supply chain challenges in material supply, manufacturing and logistics, causing significant delays in the supply chain and increased costs. It was challenging to develop new solutions to the physical retail challenge due to store closures in all European markets.
Despite the major challenges, RePack service has been tested and adopted by hundreds of online retailers in Europe and North America and it's a tested proof of concept. Going further investments are required to develop EU wide return channel for returnable packaging to meet the EU Commission's plans on requiring 10% of e-commerce packaging to be in reusable packaging by 2030.
