Smart packaging for internal logistics and supply chains

New tech-enabled, connected boxes can be used up to 1,000 times, eliminating waste

Spotted: The amount of packaging in global supply chains has risen steadily from the middle of the twentieth century to the present day. For example, in the US, the amount of packaging and containers generated annually increased from 27.4 million US tonnes in 1960 to 67.4 million tonnes in 2018.  

Recycling is one solution to this problem, but recycling rates vary between packaging materials. For example, in 2021, paper and cardboard packaging had a recycling rate of around 71 per cent in the UK, while the equivalent rate for plastic packaging was just 44 per cent.  

French company LivingPackets has come up with a different solution: reusable packaging that eliminates waste while making supply chains and internal logistics flows more secure and efficient.  

The startup has three products: The Box, The Box Pro, and The Tablet. The first of these is an adaptable packaging solution, made from recyclable plastic, that requires no paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic chips to protect goods. This is thanks to a shape memory mat and cushioning plate that adapts to all product shapes. The Box can also be easily folded down from a 32-litre container to a flat 2-litre container as storage constraints demand.  

The Box Pro shares many of the same features but is made with an expanded polypropylene material that offers advanced waterproofing and superior thermal insulation. It also incorporates advanced shock-absorbing technology.  

Both The Box and The Box Pro include a locking system that ensures the security of the goods being shipped. They also incorporate a range of sensors, such as temperature, shock, humidity, and pressure sensors, as well as a camera and payment technology. The boxes can be tracked in near real-time via an app.  

The Tablet, which features a proprietary zero-power screen that displays an electronic label, is a third device that is attached to existing containers to bring the same smart functionality to traditional packaging.

Refreshing outdated packaging systems is key to boosting the running of a company and improving a brand’s sustainability. In the archive, Springwise has also spotted an automated approach for reusable containers and an end-to-end solution to help businesses make the switch to sustainable packaging.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead