Sustainable Packaging: eBay’s Reusable Shipping Boxes

Sustainability in packaging has been evolving from a trend to a staple in the past few years. Recycled materials and soy inks doesn’t seem to be enough these days to count as true innovation in sustainability – companies now have to think about the actual logistics and use of the packaging beyond the manufacturing part of the supply chain.

A recent example of this concept is eBay’s new reusable shipping boxes, which are durable, made with 100% recycled material, and water-based inks. Not only are the materials sustainable, but the concept is as well. eBay’s Green Team says:

“By our calculation, if every box gets reused at least five times, we could protect nearly 4,000 trees, save 2.4 million gallons of water and conserve enough energy to power 49 homes for a year.”

“The design of the package is clever, and makes the idea of reusing the box interactive and fun. eBay’s Green Team explains their approach as “giving every box a life of its very own.”

“We’ve also left plenty of space on the boxes for you – and everyone else who receives the box – to write a personal message to the next person in the chain, giving every box a life of its very own. The history of each box can also be tracked through a virtual community where buyers and sellers can connect online.”

eBay will be giving away 100,000 of the eco-friendly shipping boxes starting next month.

Original story and image via USA Today