What to choose: single-use packaging or reusable packaging?

The choice is huge when it comes to packaging. There are different types, sizes and materials. But the main choice you have to make when it comes to packaging is whether you go for single-use or multi-use packaging, also called reusable packaging. What choice do you make for your organization?

First of all, it is useful to start by defining the word emballage. Emballage is a French word which means wrapping or packaging in English.

Single-use or reusable packaging

Packaging can be divided into two categories: single-use packaging, which you throw away after using it once. Examples are: cardboard boxes, buckets or bags. The value of these products is low and they are often not sustainable. In addition, the purchase costs of single-use packaging are low.

Reusable packaging can be used more often.  This form of packaging, as the name suggests, is used more than once. Examples of reusable packaging are plastic pallets, Danish trolleys, CC-Containers and trolleys. The value of these products is higher than single-use packaging, as they last longer and are sustainable.

Packaging: to buy, to rent or a deposit?

Often they are poolers who buy reusable packaging and rent it out to organizations. Organizations can rent or buy the number of carts they need at that time based on a deposit. Such a security deposit can be a deposit, where an organisation pays for a trolley and gets this amount back when they return it. Renting reusable packaging can be done in different ways such as daily rental, cart rental or monthly rental. An organization then pays an agreed amount based on the pre-established rent over a certain period of time.

Packaging management is crucial

Why is it important that you always know where your packaging is? In this context, we are talking about reusable packaging, used by an organisation to transport their products. As described in the previous paragraph, packaging is rented or it is a deposit. A deposit on the packaging is very straightforward, because if you return less packaging than you have used, you will get less money back. Do you return less packaging than you used? Then you will get less money back.

For instance, have you rented 100 pieces of reusable packaging and are you using 80 pieces of reusable packaging because you have lost 20 pieces of reusable packaging? Then you pay for 20 carts, which you do not have in use at that time. In short, you will then rent extra reusable packaging because you have a shortage. Given the fact that losing packaging costs money, you want to avoid this at all times. For this reason, packaging management is crucial. In this article we already wrote about why an efficient management of reusable packaging is of great importance.

Packaging costs and stocks

If you, as an organization, make use of reusable packaging, this must be carefully managed so that you are not faced with (financial) surprises, as we pointed out in the previous paragraph. In addition, returnable packaging management helps to keep track of how much packaging you are using and when. In this way you can measure the peaks and lows. In this way you know, for example, when you need to rent more carts.

By keeping track of the route the packaging follows, you are able to make estimates. You map out your supply chain, so to speak. By monitoring where the packaging goes and how much you need, you can estimate in advance how much packaging you will need over a certain period of time.

Make a choice

We saw what packaging is and what the difference is between single-use packaging and reusable packaging. Single-use packaging, such as cardboard boxes, has a low purchase value but is not sustainable. Reusable packaging has a higher purchase value, but lasts relatively much longer and is a sustainable solution. Which choice does your organization make: single-use packaging or reusable packaging?