REZIP - EU Circular Packaging Infrastructure

Introduction

The aim of LIFE22-ENV-DK-LIFE RE-ZIP is to test and validate a circular packing concept for the e-commerce industry, as an alternative to the single-use packaging most commonly used today.

Project Overview

The concept is working effectively in Denmark under the name RE-ZIP. During the project, the financial and environmental sustainability of the RE-ZIP concept will be tested and further improved in Romania, Poland, France, and Italy, as a preceding trial for a full roll-out of a pan-European network.

Goals

The goal is to establish an efficient return infrastructure that, in time, will be able to circulate reusable e-commerce packaging at a lower cost than the cost of producing single-use packaging today. This initiative aims to change the entire e-commerce industry away from single-use packaging.

Implementation

During the project, RE-ZIP will provide partners in each country with the required logistical software solutions, circular packaging designs, and the documentation needed for establishing and running local cleaning hubs where circular packaging is received, processed, and redistributed.

By using the RE-ZIP software, partners can utilize their existing parcel infrastructure to efficiently process the circular packaging. Additionally, by building on their existing customer relations, they will ensure a fast rollout in the market.

Expected Outcomes

During the project, LIFE_REZIP will circulate 120 million packages, achieving the following reductions at project end:

• 17,000 tons of reduced cardboard and plastic waste
• 18,000 tons reduced CO2e emissions
• 12,000 m³ reduced water consumption