What is the RE-ZIP Project?
RE-ZIP is a smart reuse system for packaging designed to lower your footprint, cut waste, and prove impact. It’s all about using packaging again and again… powered by data, built for reuse, and proven to make a difference. This project champions the future of packaging — one where every package has many second lives and purposes, fitting perfectly into the circular economy.
Main Benefits of RE-ZIP’s Reusable Packaging
Why go reusable? Well, the waste problem is real and growing:
- Packaging waste keeps piling up, putting serious strain on the environment.
- Single-use packaging drives CO₂ emissions and depletes precious resources.
- New EU regulations are pushing hard for a shift towards reusable packaging.
And here’s the circular solution RE-ZIP offers:
- Reusable packaging slashes waste and cuts down CO₂ emissions.
- It reduces the need for new raw materials, saving energy and conserving resources.
- The system aligns perfectly with EU rules, swapping out single-use for durable, long-lasting options.
How Data Powers RE-ZIP’s Reusable Packaging
RE-ZIP isn’t just about reusing packaging — it’s about tracking every step of the journey. From production to reuse cycles and finally end of life, the system offers full traceability and detailed activity logs. This means you can measure your impact clearly, comparing reuse versus single-use and seeing real savings on CO₂, water, and waste. Plus, it’s ESG-ready, providing data that’s perfect for sustainability reporting.
Making Reuse Easy: The RE-ZIP Customer Journey
Returning packaging has never been simpler. RE-ZIP has created a no-brainer system with a dense network of Drop Points — think post offices, mailboxes, or other convenient spots — almost everywhere you go. Here’s how it works:
- Shop Online: Check if your favorite shop offers RE-ZIP packaging. Some let you choose it at checkout, others send all parcels this way.
- Receive Package: Unbox your order, then fold the empty packaging into a compact return format.
- Find Drop Point: Scan the RE-ZIP QR code to open the web app and locate the nearest Drop Point.
- Return Packaging: Drop it off for free — no hassle, no cost.
- Receive Reward: The planet thanks you! Plus, you can access your reward in the RE-ZIP app.
How RE-ZIP Ensures Packaging is Returned and Reused
RE-ZIP operates a circular system that makes reusing packaging not just possible, but easy and convenient. By teaming up with webshops, local partners, and logistics providers, they offer reusable alternatives to single-use packaging that can be returned and reused over and over. Every step is designed to work seamlessly, so packaging doesn’t end up as waste but keeps looping back into the system.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Infrastructure and Technology Behind RE-ZIP
The magic behind RE-ZIP’s success lies in its dense infrastructure and smart use of existing parcel networks. Packaging is returned using current parcel infrastructure — no extra transport needed. Local partners in each country prepare the packaging for its next use without crossing borders, keeping the process efficient and eco-friendly. Plus, the packaging folds into a compact, lightweight format, minimizing environmental impact. Each package sports a unique QR code linking to the RE-ZIP web app, tracking its journey and generating detailed footprint data. It’s reuse, but smarter.
