A recent study by NABU highlights the significant role of reusable transport packaging by reducing packaging waste. Particularly in the retail sector, it offers a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging and helps preserve valuable resources.
Reusable Transport Packaging for Resource Conservation
According to the study, transport packaging accounts for almost one-third of the total packaging waste in Germany. Paper, cardboard, and carton (PCC) packaging, widely used for transporting goods, are particularly affected.
The study also reveals that reusable transport packaging leads to substantial material savings after just a few cycles. On average, these solutions achieve approximately 35 cycles, resulting in a reduction of over 90% in packaging material compared to single-use alternatives. Due to strict hygiene requirements, reusable containers and pallets are particularly efficient in sectors such as fruits and vegetables, bakery, and frozen products.
Sustainability Through Reduced Use of Primary Raw Materials
Another key aspect of the study is the reduction in primary fiber consumption. Each year, approximately 600,000 tons of primary fibers are required for paper, cardboard, and carton packaging alone – an amount equivalent to the wood of around 1.2 million coniferous trees. Expanding the use of reusable packaging could significantly lower this resource consumption while also reducing overall waste.
Reuse: The Future of Sustainable Logistics
The NABU study makes clear that standardized reusable systems are the future of sustainable logistics. NABU is therefore advocating for the expansion of existing reusable systems and the development of new standardized pooling solutions to further reduce the environmental impact of transport packaging and make goods distribution as environmentally efficient as possible. Financial incentives and regulatory measures could support these efforts.
Acting Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The push for more reusable solutions is not a vision of the future—it is already a reality at WBG Pooling. Our durable reusable packaging solutions can be used hundreds of times before being repaired, reintroduced into circulation, and ultimately recycled at the end of their product life cycle.
For many of our products, we rely on Cradle-to-Cradle-certified recycling. Across our entire portfolio, we ensure a closed product loop, meaning that damaged load carriers are processed into recycled material and transformed into an equivalent load carrier with a new smart label—essentially a new identity. Combined with our intelligent pooling system, this enables efficient circulation, minimizes waste, and supports resource-efficient logistics.
Companies that choose our solutions benefit not only from optimized logistics and cost savings but also from making a valuable contribution to environmental protection. Together, we can curb the flood of packaging waste and preserve vital resources for future generations.
