Reusable Packaging and Reusable Packaging Business Models

Unlike traditional single-use packaging, which ends up in landfills after use, reusable packaging is designed to be used over and over again. It’s built to last and to reduce the environmental impact that has been growing for decades. Think of everything from durable plastic crates and boxes, metal containers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), to the more everyday items we see like refillable bottles or reusable shopping bags.

In today’s world, where waste is a serious issue, these systems provide a smart alternative to disposable packaging. Reusable packaging doesn’t just exist for convenience—it’s part of the solution for reducing waste, saving resources, and shifting toward circular economy models. The whole idea is built on keeping the packaging in use for as long as possible before it needs to be recycled.

The shift from single-use to reusable packaging

Reusable packaging isn’t exactly new. We’ve seen examples of it before - beer bottles with deposit schemes, reusable shopping bags, and even bulk containers in various industries. But now, with the rise of environmental awareness and regulations like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), it’s clear that reusable packaging is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. By 2030, the EU aims to make all packaging reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way, and many businesses are realizing this transition is inevitable. The real question is: how can you make it work for your business?

Reusable packaging is an opportunity for businesses to align with environmental goals and save money in the long term. But to make that happen, companies need to think about logistics, business models, and design in new ways. This means evolving from single-use systems to scalable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

The reusable packaging business models

The move to reusable packaging presents new opportunities for business models that cater to both consumers (B2C) and companies (B2B). Here are the four key models in the B2C space, and some B2B examples that have already been adopted on a large scale (source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Reusable packaging business models):

Refill at home 

This model has customers using a reusable container that they refill at home. Businesses may offer refills through delivery or in stores. The growing trend here is in products that are concentrated or solid, like cleaning supplies. Companies reduce transport costs by not shipping water-heavy products, and customers get the convenience of home delivery and brand loyalty programs.

Refill on the go 

Think of bulk dispensers in stores or public spaces where customers refill their containers. Here, customers are responsible for cleaning their packaging, but the convenience and sustainability come in the form of simple in-store or on-the-go refill systems. This model is ideal for products like dried food, snacks, or beverages.

Return from home 

In this model, customers subscribe to a service that picks up empty containers during the next delivery or outside of it. The business is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and redistributing the packaging, turning it into an asset. This model works best in urban areas where logistics are simpler and can be facilitated through subscription-based services. 

Return on the go 

This is perhaps the most well-known example of reusable packaging. Think deposit return schemes, where customers return packaging (like beverage bottles or takeaway food containers) to a drop-off point or store. It’s simple, convenient, and often incentivized by deposit return schemes. This system is also supported by new technology, such as QR codes or RFID, that track packaging use and create new opportunities for consumer engagement and brand loyalty. A great example of this in action is the Boemerang use case, a collaboration we worked on with Kinglize Pizza, MIVAS, and Avamoplast to create a seamless system for reusable packaging in Mechelen, BE.

B2B reusable packaging: a success story

In the B2B space, reusable packaging has been a standard for years. From pallets to crates, drums, and bulk containers, industries are already reaping the benefits of reusability. Whether it’s pooling assets between companies, lowering material costs, or saving on fuel, large-scale reuse systems have proven to be economically viable.

For businesses operating in B2B sectors, third-party providers are already stepping in to offer ‘reuse-as-a-service’. These providers handle everything from packaging design to logistics and cleaning, relieving companies from the complexity of managing their systems. A global reuse system is emerging, based on standardized containers, shared assets, and real-time tracking. This shift can unlock significant environmental and business value.

The future of packaging is reusable

So why is all of this important? Because single-use packaging, while still cheaper in the short term, is on its way out. The global push for sustainability and new regulations like the PPWR will make single-use packaging a thing of the past. This is the perfect time to rethink your packaging strategy, from logistics to customer engagement. Reusable packaging is not just a trend—it’s the future.

But its future also hinges on the adoption of smart technologies to enhance the effectiveness of these systems. Features like track-and-trace, digital labelling, and mobile apps for refill location discovery are expected to play a pivotal role in driving scalability. These technologies will provide valuable consumer insights and streamline logistics, improving both business operations and customer engagement.

Business models around reusable packaging are already being adopted, from convenient home refills to on-the-go return schemes. Companies that get ahead of this change, embracing reuse and digitizing their packaging systems, will not only comply with the new laws but will build new revenue streams, reduce costs, and create long-lasting customer loyalty.

The road ahead is clear: create packaging systems that work for the environment, work for your customers, and work for your bottom line. Reusable packaging isn’t just a necessity; it’s the opportunity of the future.