Sustainable packaging cuts emissions by 87 per cent

A new reusable packaging and returns solution eliminates single-use packaging for eCommerce retailers.

Manchester-based no-boxx is aiming to eliminate single-use packaging used in online deliveries and has developed a reusable packaging that uses a propitiatory technology to track the environmental impact in the eCommerce sector.

The retail tech business is part of Exchange, tech scale-up programme in Manchester, and has ambitions to scale over the next 12 months.

no-boxx is a sustainable and reusable packaging and returns solution for e-commerce retailers, which eliminates single-use packaging and reduces CO2 emissions by 87 per cent on just the second use. It is currently being used in a pilot scheme by a sustainable activewear brand, with plans for a wider roll-out later in the year.

The reusable packaging pouch has the potential to be used over 20 times with consumers encouraged to return the packaging to the retailer after every use. The durable and secure packaging is made from recycled polyethylene (rPET) and is currently available to manufacturers and retailers in three sizes, depending on the size and quantity of items dispatched.

no-boxx has secured a partnership with InPost Lockers, who has a UK network of 5000+ locations, to facilitate the seamless returns process. Customers simply receive a QR code and drop off their returned item or empty reusable packaging at any of the 24/7 InPost Lockers across the UK.

no-boxx uses its proprietary web application to track the lifecycle of the packaging, allowing consumers and retailers to visualise their reduced environmental impact, and see the status of their delivery and returns, as a result of using the no-boxx packaging.

no-boxx was founded by Zak Rashid, following his experience working at Amazon and successfully scaling his own e-commerce business. During his career Zak has seen first-hand the impact and scale of single-use packaging and the waste it can produce, leading him to develop no-boxx in an attempt to increase the circularity and sustainability of the supply chain.

“no-boxx provides a sustainable, circular-packaging model, that has innovation and customer satisfaction at its core,” Zak Rashid, founder and CEO of no-boxx, said. “We believe in combining cutting-edge technology and design to create a more environmentally friendly and efficient packaging solution for e-commerce retailers.

“Sustainability doesn’t have to come at the price of quality. All packaging once returned to the depot will be inspected and cleaned, allowing it to be reused again to increase its circularity. Any damaged items will be recycled and used for new packaging materials. It’s an entirely circular and sustainable process.”

no-boxx is a member of the tech start-up support programme Exchange in Manchester’s Enterprise City, St. John’s. Exchange offers early-stage innovative tech start-ups with the community and support necessary to grow and scale. This includes access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs at Department Bonded Warehouse, an experienced mentor and advisory network, and regular learning and networking events.

Zak continued: “As a founder, the Exchange programme has been hugely beneficial in helping me to grow and scale the business. Being part of the cohort has given us access to valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, all of which have played a crucial role in preparing us to launch.”

Alice Pickersgill, head of Exchange, said: “no-boxx has been an Exchange member for over six months now and in that time the development of the proposition and MVP has been impressive. To have a pilot partnership confirmed at this stage is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. I can’t wait to see the success the launch will bring and the impact it is going to have on the e-commerce industry going forward.”