An undisclosed major retailer has deployed Returnity’s reusable shipping containers, known as The Last Box, in “thousands of its highest-volume” sites.
The initiative is intended to phase out the use of disposable cardboard and other single-use packaging solutions that have traditionally been part of store operations.
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The Last Box differs from conventional packaging by remaining in continuous use throughout various stages of store operations.
By remaining in continual use, they are designed to limit packaging waste and provide resilience compared to conventional options.
These containers are used for activities such as receiving shipments, transferring goods internally, preparing orders, and restocking shelves.
Within months, the retailer distributed more than 100,000 units across its network, citing operational demand and observed benefits as drivers behind the rapid rollout.
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By GlobalDataThe company said that other retailers conducting trials with the system have also reported outcomes including streamlined inventory management, “fewer” product losses or damages, and reduced labour devoted to handling excess cardboard.
In many stores where the system is established, The Last Box is now an integral part of day-to-day logistics, noted Returnity.
According to the company, workers are using the containers to move parcels from distribution centres, organise “pick-and-pack” procedures for collection or local delivery orders, and manage outgoing transfers and returns.
Returnity CEO Mike Newman said: “Retail backrooms weren’t built to be fulfilment centres, but that’s what they’ve become. Teams are managing more products with less space and under tighter timelines. The Last Box brings structure to that complexity and reduces material waste along the way.
“Some stores were staging orders in hallways or converting small offices just to keep up.
“This isn’t just a packaging issue. It’s a systems issue, and better tools are helping retailers restore flow and efficiency.”
