In a recent announcement, FedEx shared that the company is launching a new reusable box solution and packaging system for B2B shippers. The company says that this first-to-market system will be more sustainable and may also help to streamline operations and reduce costs for businesses.
FedEx Introducing Reusable Packaging System for B2B Shippers
According to a recent company announcement, FedEx is launching a new reusable packaging solution specifically for B2B shippers. The solution was developed alongside Returnity, a reusable packaging provider, and features a box design that is specific to FedEx.
The collaboration has also made it easier than ever for B2B customers at FedEx to switch from traditional corrugated boxes to reusable boxes throughout the supply chain, without taking on the additional costs that normally come along with a move like this.
The idea for reusable packaging isn’t new, but trying to add it into existing parcel networks has often been complex and expensive. However, this new reusable box was designed with this in mind, and is a durable and collapsible box that is also automation-friendly and works within the existing FedEx infrastructure and integrates well into workflows without added complexity.
The boxes themselves can handle 50 shipping cycles, and each can ship up to 50 lbs of items. However, keep in mind that the box is only for closed-loop environments, such as in-house fulfillment centers, internal transfers between facilities, store restocking, and other scenarios where returns and reuse are controlled and more predictable.
In addition to being a more sustainable solution that may reduce emissions by as much as 88% according to FedEx (compared to using single-use corrugated boxes), this new system may also cut packaging spend by up to 30% per cycle.
Reusable Packaging At Scale
The new system and solution seem to be capable of allowing certain B2B companies to use reusable packaging at scale, without it being overly complex or expensive. In fact, it has been successfully piloted and validated with multiple FedEx B2B shippers throughout North America.
In the pilot program, shippers reported that the system helped to improve unpacking and restocking speed, boosted labor efficiency, increased backroom organization, and even lowered the rate at which products get damaged.
Currently, the system is only available in the USA, but FedEx has said that the company soon plans to expand it internationally. Specifically, the release mentions Australia and Europe as two places this solution will be expanded to in the near future.
Shipping is a common ecommerce pressure point for retailers, so it’s nice to see a company making a change that should benefit these sellers, rather than hurt them or make things more expensive or complicated.
While only time will tell if this solution becomes popular, it seems like a no-brainer to me for companies to at least consider. Not only do you get to reduce your carbon emissions and help your business appeal more to environmentally-friendly customers and partners, but the solution also has a chance to save you money at the same time.
