More businesses are starting to rethink packaging. Not just what it is made from, but what happens to it once it leaves the warehouse. Instead of treating packaging as single use, more brands are asking a better question: how do we keep it in use for longer?

A packaging return scheme can be one of the most effective ways to do that.

Done well, it reduces waste, lowers costs over time, and helps customers feel part of something genuinely positive rather than guilty about another box in the bin.

Using insights from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s guidance on reusable packaging models, alongside real world examples from Oddbox and the work we do at Reuseabox here is a straightforward, practical guide to getting started

Why consider a packaging return scheme?

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights reusable packaging as a key opportunity to move away from single use and towards a truly circular economy system. In simple terms, that means packaging keeps doing its job instead of being thrown away.

For businesses, that can lead to:

• Less waste and fewer raw materials used
• Packaging that becomes an asset rather than a constant expense
• Stronger customer loyalty from people who want to support sustainable brands
• Long term savings by buying less new packaging

If your business ships products or relies on repeat deliveries, a return scheme can be a surprisingly simple change with a big impact.

Step 1. Choose the right return model for your business

There is no one size fits all approach. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation outlines several reusable packaging models, including:

• Return from home
• Return on the go
• Refill at home
• Refill on the go

Oddbox is a great example of a business operating a return from home model. Customers flatten their fruit and veg box and leave it out on their next delivery night. The driver collects it, and the box stays in the system for longer instead of becoming waste.

It fits neatly into their existing delivery journey, which is why it works so well. And any boxes that can’t be used internally get sent to us to be reused by other businesses.

Other brands such as Fill Co, Amplify Goods, Smol and Faith in Nature focus on refill models, both at home and on the go. Customers reuse the same container and simply top it up. This reduces packaging demand and, over time, can lower costs for both the business and the customer.

The key here is choosing a model that works with your current operations rather than fighting against them.

Step 2. Map the journey of your packaging

Before launching anything, take a step back and understand how your packaging currently moves through your business.

Ask yourself:

• Which packaging items could be reused without compromising quality or safety
• How and when packaging would be collected or returned
• What happens after collection, including cleaning, checking and storage
• The true cost per cycle compared to buying new packaging

Mapping this out early helps avoid surprises later and gives you clarity on what is actually viable.

Step 3. Make it simple for customers

For high return rates, simplicity is everything. Customers should never have to guess what to do.

Be clear about:

• How to prepare the packaging for return – can you implement collection points?
• Where to leave it or how to bring it back
• What condition it needs to be in

Incentives can help too. Deposit schemes, loyalty points or small rewards can encourage participation. Research shows that return on the go models work particularly well when customers receive something back for doing the right thing.

Step 4. Build the business case

A return scheme usually comes with upfront costs, so it is important to show why it is worth the investment.

Look at:

• What you currently spend on new packaging
• How many times your reusable packaging can realistically be reused
• Cleaning, handling and logistics costs
• Savings on waste disposal
• The brand value of being able to talk about real, measurable impact

At Reuseabox, our reuse model shows that every box reused saves trees, carbon, water and energy. We track this across the whole company and this is shared with our supplier and customers for their own reporting. Data like that is powerful when making the case internally and externally.

Step 5. Track and measure everything

To keep your return scheme efficient and cost effective, tracking is essential.

Make sure you can:

• Track how many packaging units are in circulation
• Monitor condition and number of reuse cycles
• Measure return rates
• Report on cost savings and environmental impact

Clear data prevents confusion and helps you refine the system as it grows.

Step 6. Start small, then scale

You do not need to launch at full scale straight away. Start with a pilot group of customers or a single product line.

Use this phase to:

• Test logistics and collection methods
• Identify bottlenecks or friction points
• Gather feedback from customers and delivery teams

Once the system is running smoothly, scaling becomes much easier and far less risky.

Step 7. Tell the story well

A packaging return scheme only works if people understand it and feel proud to take part.

Share:

• How much packaging has been kept in use
• Carbon savings and waste avoided
• How returning packaging supports your wider mission

Oddbox does this particularly well. When their boxes can no longer be reused, they are sent to Reuseabox to be used by another business. Customers know their effort still counts, which reinforces positive behaviour.

Bringing it all together

Launching a packaging return scheme is one of the most practical steps a business can take to reduce waste. With the right model, clear communication and reliable tracking, packaging becomes something with value rather than something destined for the bin.

At Reuseabox, we see every day how much impact can be created when packaging is kept in use for longer. And if businesses like Oddbox can successfully build return behaviours into their customer base, it shows customers are more than willing to get involved when the process is easy and the purpose is clear.