pricon, a leading wholesaler for optician stores in Germany, is now utilizing reusable shipping packaging from hey circle to cut waste and CO₂ emissions. The project includes custom reusable shipping bags in two sizes, covering approximately 90% of all shipments. By switching from single-use to reusable packaging, pricon positions itself as a pioneer in sustainable logistics.
Decision-Making: Transition from Single-Use to Reusable
Shipping to approximately 6,200 stores generates significant packaging waste for pricon. Replacing single-use with reusable transport packaging became a priority for Matthias Köste, Managing Partner of pricon. Key considerations included the handling of return processes, integration into the warehouse management system, and defining the right reusable packaging solutions.
„With hey circle, we found a partner that offers quality and transparency. We were particularly impressed by the environmental benefits and tailored solutions.“ – Matthias Köste, geschäftsführender Gesellschafter von pricon.
How Shipping Bags are Optimized for pricon’s Logistics Processes
The eyewear expert is starting with two variants of shipping bags:
One bag is large enough to hold 5–6 children's frames.
The second is comparable in size to a DIN-A5 padded envelope.
hey circle offers customized products starting from an order volume of 1,000 pieces. pricon leveraged this service to seamlessly integrate the shipping bags into its existing processes: Velcro fasteners instead of zippers, full-surface label holders, and CI-compliant design were among the adaptations. pricon and hey circle closely collaborated with logistics provider Transmed to refine the bag design.
How to Measure the Environmental Impact of Reusable Packaging
After just a few cycles, reusable shipping bags save CO₂ and waste compared to single-use alternatives. The lifecycle assessment assumes a lifespan of 50 cycles, but since pricon bundles the bags and avoids conveyor belt use, less wear and tear is expected, potentially extending their lifespan.
The 35-gram bag with a base is used to ship (children’s) glasses, including cases. Previously, single-use cardboard boxes the size of DIN-A5 were used. Over 50 cycles, this switch saves 97% of CO₂ emissions and approximately 7.5 kg of waste.
The 29-gram bag without a base replaces hard-to-recycle padded envelopes. Its lifetime savings are 87% in CO₂ emissions and 3.9 kg of waste per bag.
Reusable Concept is part of Logistics Processes
Reusable packaging is the standard for all orders shipped to optician stores serviced by Transmed.
Glasses orders are dispatched via Transmed, complemented by a streamlined return management system.
The shipping label, applied over the closure flap, doubles as a transport seal.
Orders are collected from pricon in the evening and delivered nationwide by 9 a.m.
After the store checks and removes the contents, the transport label can be cleanly removed.
For returns, the bag is emptied or filled with additional items, labeled with the included return label, and placed in the night drop box.
The pre-assigned return label ensures easy tracking. Once back at the warehouse, the empty bag is scanned, automatically crediting the customer’s account.
Unreturned bags are charged after 10 days — a system that encourages high return rates without requiring stores to pay a traditional deposit, significantly increasing acceptance.
Outlook: Setting a Future Standard in Shipping
The collaboration between hey circle and pricon exemplifies sustainable logistics solutions in the B2B sector. Looking ahead, pricon plans to transition the remaining 10% of shipments to reusable packaging and expand the system further. Eventually, reusable shipping packaging will be implemented for deliveries with other parcel carriers.
„In 10 years, this should be the industry standard.“ – Matthias Köste, geschäftsführender Gesellschafter von pricon.
Get in touch to become use reusable shipping packaging yourself:
Dominik Moers, Business Development Manager, info@heycircle.com
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