Circmar

Circmar chooses TrackOnline as pooling engine for sustainable seafood packaging

Circmar, the company behind the innovative reusable packaging solutions CIRCpall and CIRCbox, has chosen Bexter, the developers of TrackOnline, as its software partner to support its circular pooling system. By implementing the TrackOnline SaaS solution, Circmar is taking an important step toward reducing waste and improving efficiency in the fishing industry, in line with its mission to make the industry more sustainable. The fishing industry traditionally uses disposable Styrofoam (made from extruded polystyrene) boxes, which are difficult to recycle and often end up as waste. Pallets are also widely used in the sector, but like the boxes, these pallets are single-use. These wooden pallets are often discarded after a single use due to contact with fish scraps, water, and blood.

In Norway, Circmar’s home base, fish exports are steadily increasing and are expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050. This means millions of shipments using disposable pallets and boxes, leaving a significant environmental impact.

Additionally, Circmar aligns with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates that by 2030, more than 40% of packaging in the EU/EEA must be reusable, rising to over 90% by 2040. By using Circmar’s reusable packaging solutions, companies not only reduce their environmental impact but also ensure compliance with future regulations.

A reuse system as a foundation

A reuse system is essential to make this work. The reuse system operates as a service concept: instead of purchasing, companies rent the necessary pallets and boxes, use them in their production process, and after delivery, Circmar collects the packaging, cleans, disinfects, and redistributes them.

Smart software is indispensable for properly managing a circular system. TrackOnline, with over 25 years of experience in reuse systems, has been chosen as the pooling software to ensure this circular model runs smoothly.

TrackOnline plays an essential role in supporting the reuse system by providing real-time insight into packaging locations and streamlining the process of handling transactions and service fees. With TrackOnline, Circmar can accurately track packaging balances and give customers full control over their valuable circular supply chain.

This collaboration between Circmar and Bexter’s TrackOnline marks a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the fishing industry. Together, they aim to transform the industry into a circular model where reuse and efficiency are central.

“At TrackOnline, we are leading the transition to a circular economy through our Returnable Item Platform. I am proud to contribute to reducing waste in the fishing industry. Circmar has developed an innovative solution by offering the possibility to replace traditional styrofoam fish boxes – of which more than 5 million are discarded annually in Norway alone – with the reusable CIRCbox and CIRCpall. With TrackOnline, they now offer a complete solution. Together, we are taking a major step toward a circular economy, where technology and innovation drive the transition from disposable to reusable systems. This collaboration brings us closer to a sustainable future for the entire sector.” – Anna Valkenburg, Channel Manager at Bexter.

“With Circmar’s reusable packaging solutions, we are creating a truly circular system that streamlines the entire value chain. Our service model, supported by TrackOnline’s technology, ensures efficient delivery, return logistics, and full control over tracking and monitoring, helping our customers operate more sustainably. Following a successful pilot with CIRCpall in recent months, we are excited to continue our long-term partnership with TrackOnline. In October, we will launch the pilot phase of CIRCbox, further expanding our circular approach to packaging in the fishing industry.” – Lars Schnell, CTO at Circmar.