Returnable Packaging

Are you interested in sustainability and reducing waste? Then the returnable packaging market is something you should know about!  

Returnable Packaging refers to containers and packaging materials that can be used many times, rather than being disposed-of after a single use.      

A subset of the returnable packaging market is sometimes referred to as the Reusable Plastic Container (RPC) market, but many materials besides plastic can be used.  Wood,  metal, and industrial fabric are all common.   It's a very important industry that helps businesses reduce waste, lower costs, and improve process flows and supply chain while improving sustainability.

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When companies invest in a fleet of returnables, keeping track of them is of the utmost importance

A universal challenge in the returnable packaging market is tracking and managing these reusable containers as they move through the supply chain.   There are two main reasons that tracking can be considered a minimum requirement:

1. The containers themselves are valuable.  Misplacing them means purchasing more than required over time.
2. The movement of Returnables through a company’s supply chain can be a direct analog for the health of process or supply chain as a whole.  By tracking them in real time, and making the right ones available at the right time at the right place, speed and efficiency will improve

This is where IoT and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) come in

By implementing an RTLS solution, companies can track the location of their reusable containers in real-time, allowing them to more easily monitor the movement of containers throughout the supply chain. This can help reduce the risk of lost or stolen containers, as well as improve the efficiency of container management processes, such as cleaning and maintenance.

IoT and RTLS solutions use a combination of wireless sensors, GPS, and other technologies to track and monitor the location of assets in real-time. With an RTLS solution in place, businesses can receive real-time updates on the location and condition of their reusable containers, enabling them to better manage their container fleet and optimize logistics operations. By leveraging these technologies, companies can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals by reducing waste and improving the reuse of containers.

Returnables + RTLS = a winning combination

In summary, implementing an IoT-enabled RTLS solution in the returnable packaging market can help companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals by reducing waste and improving the reuse of containers.  By leveraging technology, we can make a positive impact on the environment and improve the way we manage resources in the supply chain.