Reusable crates and backhauling

This solution was shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM , 14 May 2021

Print date: 08 December 2024 05:42

Description of the innovative solution

Packaging Circular economy

Reusable crates for food distribution eliminates massive amounts of waste. Currently, food and other items are shipped in packaging that is expected to be thrown away/recycled after it has reached its final destination. Using reusable crates that flow back and forth between supplier and distributor will cut down majorly on storage waste by products. Backhauling, the process of sending equipment back to its source after it has reached its desired location, creates a closed loop system for storage. This way the crates and bins used can be more durable and have a longer lifespan. By implementing reusable crates through the system of backhauling an incredible amount of unnecessary waste can be averted.

Primary users

Large & industrial farmers
Packaging companies
Wholesalers
Exporters
Distributors

Dietary impact

The process and journey to get food from a farm onto a plate is a long and winding path. Food transportation itself leads to difficulties with unsustainable practices. Through the use of reusable crates and the system of backhauling, getting food from point A to point B will make food more accessible for many. The costs of single use transportation storage complicate a system that should be simple. Returning reusable crates back and forth between supplier and distributor will not directly impact the nutritional content of food, but it will make journey of food kinder to the planet.

Planetary impact

Reusable crates have an incredible positive impact on protecting planetary health. The waste that is created by the food supply chain is immense. Through using reusable crates and backhauling, single use storage products can be avoided. Constantly cycling back and forth between the supplier and distributor, the reusable crates have a life expectancy much more conducive to sustainably transporting food items. By creating a closed loop on reusable crates, the supplier and distributor can be certain that they will always have the amount that they need as the amount will stay consistent as no crates will be wasted or left behind. The constant cycle of returning and reusing crates will keep heaping amounts of waste out of landfills.

Equity impact

Reusable crates and backhauling not only make the supply chain of food more sustainable, but overtime, more affordable. The reusable crates and storage are a one time fee as their life expectancy is much longer than that of single use products. By using storage that lasts for greater time, producers can expect to spend less money on transportation storage needs and thus, make food more accessible by the product itself being more affordable. Backhauling leads to less waste ending up close to and in marginalized communities' backyards.

Main concerns

logistics, Producers and distributors not wanting to coordinate with one another, loss of crates, upfront costs, replacing crates, wasting money on returning crates, more work, change from status quo being undesirable

Supply chain segment

Handling, storage and transport/distribution

Maturity level

Moving to scale

Criteria

Reducing pollution

SDG target

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Context

Urban Peri-urban Rural Marine/Coastal

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

See this solution in action in different contexts and settings around the world

Reusable transpack company for agriculture

Business information

Reusable Transpack company uses reusable crates and boxed of varying types for different agricultural needs.

United States

reusabletranspack.com/pro...ing/

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

Additional resources

Learn more about this solution through studies, articles, business cases, and other information

Reducing corrugated cardboard waste

Report

Fact sheet on reducing corrugated cardboard waste featuring a section on the possibilities in using reusable crates

p2infohouse.org/ref/01...407.pdf

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

A review of reusable crates to encourage policy to mandate them

Scientific paper

A holistic review and dive into the supply chain of reusable crates and backhauling in Italy and their impacts on sustainable development

researchgate.net/publi...s_RPCs

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

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Breadcrumb

Reusable crates and backhauling

Description of the innovative solution

Supply chain segment

Maturity level

Criteria

SDG target

Context

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

Reusable transpack company for agriculture

Additional resources

Reducing corrugated cardboard waste

A review of reusable crates to encourage policy to mandate them

Contacts