The Sustainable Shift: Why Reusable Packaging Outperforms Cardboard and Plastic for Shipping

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 In today's e-commerce-driven world, packaging plays a crucial role in protecting goods during transit. However, the environmental impact of traditional single-use cardboard boxes and plastic mailers has become increasingly concerning. Enter reusable packaging - a sustainable solution that's revolutionizing the shipping industry. Let's explore why reusable packaging is the superior choice for businesses and the environment.

Dramatic Waste Reduction

Single-use cardboard boxes and plastic mailers used in e-commerce packaging contribute significantly to our global waste problem. In contrast, reusable packaging solutions can be used hundreds of times before needing replacement, dramatically reducing the amount of packaging waste entering landfills and oceans.

Lower Carbon Footprint

While the initial production of reusable packaging may require more resources, its long lifespan results in a much lower carbon footprint over time compared to single-use alternatives used in e-commerce packaging streams. The repeated manufacture and disposal of cardboard and plastic packaging leads to higher cumulative emissions.

Resource Conservation

Reusable packaging conserves valuable natural resources by eliminating the need for constant production of new cardboard boxes (which contributes to deforestation) and plastic mailers (which rely on fossil fuels). By using the same packaging repeatedly, we reduce demand for raw materials.

Cost Savings for Businesses

Though reusable packaging has a higher upfront cost, it offers significant long-term savings for businesses. The need to continually purchase single-use e-commerce packaging is eliminated, and waste management costs are reduced. Over time, reusable solutions prove more economical.

Enhanced Product Protection

Reusable packaging is designed for durability and repeated use, often providing superior protection for shipped goods compared to flimsy cardboard or thin plastic e-commerce packaging. This can lead to reduced product damage and returns, improving customer satisfaction.

Brand Enhancement

Using reusable packaging demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, enhancing brand image. As consumers increasingly prefer eco-friendly options, reusable packaging can be a powerful differentiator in a crowded market.

Improved Logistics

Standardized reusable packaging can streamline logistics operations. Unlike varied sizes of cardboard boxes, reusable containers often come in consistent dimensions, making storage, stacking, and transport more efficient.

Data Collection Opportunities

Many reusable packaging solutions incorporate tracking technology, allowing businesses to gather valuable data on shipping routes, times, and product handling - information that's lost with single-use packaging.

Adaptability and Customization

Reusable packaging can be easily customized with branding elements or adapted for specific product needs, offering flexibility that isn't always possible or cost-effective with traditional single-use options.

Closing the Loop

At the end of their long useful life, reusable packaging materials can often be recycled, truly closing the loop in a circular economy. This is in stark contrast to many types of plastic packaging that end up in landfills or contaminate recycling streams.

Conclusion

The shift to reusable packaging represents a significant step towards more sustainable e-commerce packaging and shipping practices. By dramatically reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and offering numerous operational benefits, reusable solutions are paving the way for a greener future in logistics. As businesses and consumers alike become more environmentally conscious, the adoption of reusable packaging is not just an eco-friendly choice - it's a smart business decision for the long term. 

Contact us today to get started!

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Reusable Packaging Made Easy: 1000’s of Toad&Co Customers Rave About LimeLoop Mailers

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At LimeLoop, we're dedicated to revolutionizing product shipping and delivery, championing innovative sustainable packaging solutions that minimize waste and promote environmental stewardship. Our esteemed partner, Toad&Co, has enthusiastically embraced this mission by integrating the LimeLoop Reusable Mailer into their shipping options, providing customers with an eco-conscious alternative. Let's delve into the firsthand experiences of Toad&Co customers utilizing the LimeLoop Mailer and explore the seamless implementation of reusable packaging.

How Reusable Packaging Opt-In Works for Toad&Co Customers. 

When Toad&Co customers opt-in to the reusable packaging program, their order will be shipped via Ground service. Opting for Toad&Co's LimeLoop shipping option means they’ll receive their order in a durable, eco-friendly reusable mailer crafted from upcycled billboards. Once they receive the LimeLoop Reusable Mailer, they simply return it to us for reuse, perpetuating a cycle of sustainability.

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Giving Packaging a Makeover. Toad&Co Customer Reviews.

Real talk: Packaging is one of the biggest sustainability hurdles we face. There were 131 billion packages shipped worldwide in 2020 – and this number is expected to double in the next five years. With no signs of this slowing, Toad&Co is focusing on doing everything they can to lessen their impact when it comes to shipping and packaging. Here are a few of many reviews from their customers.  

1. Eco-Friendly and Convenient

"What a fantastic idea. I wish more vendors did this. I received 3 items in a black bag that still folded up and fit (just) in our mailbox. Each garment came in a lightweight and easily recyclable (or reusable) paper envelope. The bag they came in was zippered around the edge and secured with 2 snaps. In addition, there was a zip-tie that secured the zipper-pull to a loop on the shipping bag.!" Sarah D.

2. Reducing Waste & Ensuring Product Safety

"Awesome shipping method! These are so sturdy and well made. They have a soft lining to protect the contents. Plus, they don’t look like a retail shipment, so I don’t worry as much about the package being stolen out of my mailbox or off my porch." - Heather W.

3. Effortless Reusability

"I'm not one to want to do an extra step like return a mailer to the post office, but honestly it was really easy. They have plenty of time to return it so you didn't feel rushed. But honestly, if they charged you for being late to return it I wouldn't mind. Sometimes you need a little motivation. I love that using the mailer saves using a box, unlike the million boxes I just got from an Amazon order (eek!)!" - Lindsay L.

4. The Feel-Good Sustainable Experience

"I’ve always been happy with my Toad threads. The LimeLoop Mailer makes the whole experience even better! One more way that the Toads are demonstrating their caring for our environment!" - Linda P.

5. Empowering Sustainability

“Thank you Toad&Co for using these LimeLoop mailers! I feel a lot better ordering from any company that is committed to sustainability in tangible ways.” Amanda Z.

At LimeLoop, we're honored to collaborate with visionary partners like Toad&Co in pioneering sustainable practices within the e-commerce packaging landscape. Together, we're driving positive change towards a greener future, one reusable mailer at a time. Join us in our mission to reduce waste and safeguard our planet. Opt for the LimeLoop Mailer in your next Toad&Co order and become a part of the eco-friendly revolution!

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The Future of Reuse: How Linen Rental Companies Can Lead the Way

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of single-use products, the demand for sustainable solutions has never been higher. One industry poised to be a catalyst for the future of reuse is the linen, uniform, and clothing rental industry, particularly for milestone events such as weddings, as well as in places such as event spaces, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses.

Learning from the Roots of Reuse

Rental companies are uniquely positioned to continue spearheading the reuse revolution. These businesses already possess the infrastructure and expertise required to manage the logistics of collecting, cleaning, and redistributing reusables on a large scale. There is much to glean from their optimized systems, presenting immense opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

"Reuse and circularity are the keys to unlocking a more sustainable future for packaging and logistics," says Dr. Sally Uren, Chief Executive of Forum for the Future. "Companies that can effectively close the loop on their products and materials will be the ones that thrive in the decades to come."

Cost Savings and Operational Efficiencies

Rental companies can leverage and share their reuse-focused model to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies that are difficult for businesses relying on single-use products. By not continually purchasing new items, we can avoid capital expenditures and focus on optimizing the logistics of their reuse system.

Reduced Waste and Environmental Impact

Through leveraging optimized reuse infrastructures, rental companies can significantly diminish waste and environmental impact by doubling down on reuse. Each rental item can be utilized multiple times, ensuring materials remain in circulation and are kept out of landfills. This harmoniously aligns with reusable packaging, spanning from how products are wrapped to how they are delivered. 

Branding and Reputation as Sustainability Leaders

Demonstrating a strong commitment to reuse and circularity can enhance a rental company's brand reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers and businesses. This positioning as an industry leader in sustainability can be a competitive advantage.

Adaptability to Changing Market Demands

Rental companies' flexible business model allows them to quickly adapt to changing customer demands and market conditions, making them well-positioned to respond to evolving sustainability requirements. This agility is a key asset in the transition towards a more circular economy.

The traditional model of single-use, disposable products is no longer sustainable. Consumers are demanding more eco-friendly alternatives, and businesses are responding by exploring innovative reuse systems. According to a recent study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the global reuse market is expected to grow by 15% annually, reaching a value of $370 billion by 2030.

Legacy rental companies have significant advantages and valuable lessons to offer other businesses looking to embrace reuse and circularity in their operations. Their existing infrastructure, cost-effective model, and inherent focus on sustainability provide a strong foundation for driving the future of a more circular economy.

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A breakdown of carriers: USPS, UPS, Fedex & DHL

When it comes to shipping, there are now many different options to choose from. Though sometimes it feels like there are little options at the price point you want.

There have been far too many times when I’ve gone to ship something small–or what I thought was small–only to have it cost more than what I paid for the item I’m trying to ship. Sound familiar? 

The four major and most utilized carriers include: UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL.

How do you know which carrier you should use? Which one is going to be the most cost effective? What about the most reliable and safest in terms of security? 

Let’s take a look at each of them… 

Pros and cons

As with anything, each carrier comes with their own set of pros and cons which could be around cost differentiators, benefits from an employee's perspective, benefits from a consumer's perspective, and unique offerings that set them apart.

Is there one that you typically gravitate towards?

Here are some pros and cons of each carrier.

USPS (United States Postal Service)

Pros

• Economical Pricing: USPS is often the most cost-effective option for shipping, particularly for small businesses and individuals.
• Extensive Coverage: USPS covers every address in the United States, including even the most remote areas.
• Priority Mail: USPS Priority Mail services provide slightly more cost-effective and reliable two- to three-day delivery options.

Cons

• Limited International Presence: USPS international services may not be as comprehensive or competitive as those of private carriers.
• Tracking Limitations: USPS tracking may not offer the same level of real-time updates as private carriers.

There are no shortages of post offices around the nation which makes USPS easy to find and ship from. Typically a solid and safe choice to work with USPS for your shipping needs. 

UPS (United Parcel Service)

Pros

• Extensive Domestic and International Coverage: UPS boasts a vast network that spans across the globe, ensuring reliable delivery options for businesses and consumers alike.
• Advanced Tracking and Technology: UPS provides robust tracking tools and technology, offering “real-time” updates to shippers and recipients.
• Strong Sustainability Efforts: UPS has committed to reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives like alternative fuels and energy-efficient vehicles.

Cons

• Higher Costs: UPS services tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, making it less cost-effective for some businesses, especially smaller ones.
• Peak Season Challenges: During peak shipping seasons, UPS can experience delays and capacity constraints, which may impact delivery times.

The updates that I’ve received from UPS when shipping or receiving a product via their carriers have been really nice over the years. Though, while they claim to have “real-time” updates, these updates still rely on the scanning at different locations so it isn’t exactly real-time.

FedEx (Federal Express)

Pros

• Comprehensive Shipping Solutions: FedEx offers a wide range of shipping services, including overnight and international options, catering to diverse shipping needs.
• Strong International Presence: FedEx's global network ensures seamless international shipping with customs expertise.
• FedEx Office: The FedEx Office network offers printing, copying, and document services, providing a one-stop-shop for businesses.

Cons

• Pricing Variability: FedEx rates can be complex, with pricing variations depending on service levels and destinations, making it important for businesses to carefully choose the right service for cost efficiency.
• Less Rural Coverage: In some remote areas, FedEx may have limited coverage compared to other carriers.

FedEx for me has always been hit-and-miss. And I don’t know about you but same-day delivery in some areas around the US is really nice when you’re shipping something timely. However, sometimes same-day does turn into next day or two-day.

DHL

Pros

• Global Shipping Expertise: DHL is known for its expertise in international shipping, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories.
• Express Services: DHL Express provides expedited international shipping options for businesses with time-sensitive deliveries.
• Focus on Innovation: DHL invests in cutting-edge logistics technology and sustainable practices.

Cons

• Limited Domestic Presence: DHL's primary strength lies in international shipping, and its domestic coverage in the United States may not be as extensive as other carriers.
• Potentially Higher Costs: DHL Express services, while fast and reliable, may come at a premium price.

I know when shipping with DHL to the UK or Europe, I can trust my package is going to make it there in one piece and almost always on time. It is of course pricier to ship across continents but they provide a few different options to save depending on how you want to ship (air, ocean, etc.)

Who will you choose?

In conclusion, each carrier has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial for businesses and consumers to assess their specific needs and preferences when selecting a shipping partner. 

UPS and FedEx offer strong domestic and international options with advanced tracking, while USPS provides affordability and comprehensive domestic coverage. DHL excels in international shipping and innovation. 

Something that we hope to see in all of these carriers is access to more reusable packaging and much better tracking for everyone.

With LimeLoop, you get both of those and can continue shipping with whatever carrier works best for you.

Let’s talk more about your sustainable shipping needs. Schedule a call with a LimeLoop Reuse Specialist here.

The 5 biggest supply chain hurdles in ecommerce

Ecommerce has revolutionized the retail industry, making it easier than ever for consumers to shop online. Amazon, Nordstrom, Etsy, eBay, Apple–all major ecommerce retailers that you’ve likely purchased from at some point or another. 

In 2023, it is estimated that 218.8 million US consumers will shop online, which is roughly 65% of the entire U.S. population. 

Would you rather shop in stores or online? Hear the bell as you open a door or the click of your mouse as you press “checkout”? 

While I try my best to explore local stores and wander through shops, I’m equally as guilty as anyone else of purchasing online and getting excited for the moment when the delivery man leaves it on my front porch and rings the doorbell.

I get excited for something that will likely arrive days into the future rather than the instant gratification if I were to stroll over to the store in person. Yet, consumers today spend so much time shopping online for that same feeling of instant gratification only it’s at the tip of their fingers when they click “checkout”, rather than the instant gratification of paying and taking it home then and there.

In other words, the “retail apocalypse” is among us.

What is that exactly?

The “retail apocalypse” is a recent term that describes the movement of consumers from brick and mortar retailers to the online, ecommerce space.

In 2022, ecommerce sales:

• Were estimated at $1,034.1 billion
  • An increase of 7.7 percent from 2021
• Accounted for 14.6 percent of total sales

Digitization has increased the ability of all retailers to grow their sales, and when the integration between online and offline is done correctly it is inevitable that this will trigger a real, virtuous circle.

However, running an ecommerce business comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to the supply chain. 

5 biggest hurdles

1. Inventory Management
   • One of the biggest hurdles in the supply chain for ecommerce retailers is managing inventory. Without a physical store, retailers rely on accurate inventory data to ensure that they have the right products in stock to meet customer demand.
   • The #1 reason people shop online is that they’re able to shop at all hours of the day. This means that your inventory management system needs to be spot on as there likely isn’t anyone there managing the backend at 2am…
   • Tip–get a good understanding of your inventory control. If you can understand when to reorder, how much to reorder, how many more to order, and how long stock can stay in and out of the warehouse, you’ll be able to keep your ecommerce inventory solid.
   • Managing inventory is a huge undertaking, and it can be especially challenging for retailers that sell a wide variety of products.

2. Fulfillment
   • Another hurdle in the supply chain for ecommerce retailers is fulfilling orders. And important to distinguish, warehouses and ecommerce fulfillment are not the same thing. With more and more ecommerce buyers, retailers are facing increased pressure to get products to customers faster and cheaper. This requires a well-coordinated fulfillment process that includes everything from warehouse management to shipping and tracking.
   • Many times, it can be more cost-effective to work with a partner on ecommerce fulfillment, but of course, do your research first.

3. Returns and Refunds
   • Returns and refunds are a part of any retail business, but they can be particularly challenging for ecommerce retailers as there may not be a physical location for one to return an item back to the store. Understandably, returns and refunds can cause disruptions in the supply chain, and managing them can be time-consuming and costly.
   • The reverse logistics of your ecommerce is important to keep happy customers. The 5 R’s of reverse logistics include: returns, recalls, repairs, repackaging and recycling.
   • Focus on having a solution for the 5 R’s–a fully fledged returns strategy–and your customers will come back time and time again.

4. Global Shipping
   • Ecommerce retailers often sell to customers all over the world, which can lead to complex and costly logistics. Shipping internationally can be difficult, especially when dealing with customs, tariffs and taxes.
   • But, the reward is high. Statista has the average order value of an international sale at $147, which is 17% higher compared to an average domestic sale.
   • Tip–work with a last mile carrier that can help you find the most efficient–price, delivery time and metrics. 
   • Extra tip–USPS is typically the most cost-effective carrier internationally.

5. Cybersecurity
   • As unfortunate as this is, ecommerce retailers are also facing an increasing threat of cyber attacks. Protecting sensitive customer data and financial information is critical to maintaining the trust of customers and can be a significant hurdle in the supply chain.
   • Today’s supply chains are highly interconnected so if one is breached, the rest of the chain may be vulnerable as well.
   • A report from NCC Group found that supply chain cyber attacks increased by 51 percent between July and December 2021. 
   • Visibility is a high priority–companies need to know what’s going on across the supply chain, and where their inventory is at, at all times to reduce the risk of cyber attacks. 

Uncover your barriers

Ecommerce retailers face a number of hurdles in the supply chain, from managing inventory and fulfilling orders to dealing with returns and international shipping. 

While these hurdles will not disappear, there are efficient and effective ways to make them more manageable. 

When you understand where your specific hurdles are, you can implement strategies to overcome them to improve your operations and increase your bottom line.

A big component of LimeLoop’s Smart Reusable Packaging is in the word “smart”–our technology. Your ecommerce supply chain is only as good as your ability to track and manage where your products are at all times. And saving the environment one package at a time 

If you have questions about how our technology and reusable packaging can augment your supply chain management, please schedule a call.

Sadly, holiday waste is only going to get worse this year

The beginning of October means that the holiday season is just around the corner. And, with the holidays, that means an increase in shopping which ultimately leads to more returns, or in other words more holiday waste.

We live in a world where ordering more rather than less is the norm so if something doesn’t work, we ship it right back. And we’ve become accustomed to this approach. 

Last year, returns reached a record high after the 2021 holiday season. 

• Ecommerce made up 20.9% of total U.S. retail sales in 2021
  • This is up 11% compared to 2020
• UPS shared that 21% of adults made a return before Christmas day in 2021
• 60% of people prefer to make a return by carrier rather than in person

Holiday returns are inevitable. 

Will 2022’s holiday waste look the same?

Unfortunately, yes. 

We are still on an upward trend of holiday waste when it comes to returns rather than a downward trend. 

Looking back at 2021 again:

• An estimated 8.75 million packages are returned the first week of January
• 17.8% of merchandise sold is estimated and expected to be returned both online and in-person.
• Returns have increased for 8 consecutive years

Returns are going to continue in ecommerce which is why creating a circular economy becomes that much more important. 

"The returns problem is only going to continue increasing this year and in the coming years," Optoro director of sustainability Meagan Knowlton said in January of this year (2021). "And luckily, quite a number of retailers and brands in the market are recognizing it as a problem, but also as an opportunity."

Who/what/where suffers the most with returns?

We like to look at this in two ways:

1. Your bottom-line
2. The environment

Your bottom-line

Naturally, your bottom-line is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about returns around the holidays. 

When more than 15% of merchandise sold is expected to be returned, it impacts your entire supply chain:

• Operational efficiency is impacted
  • Warehouse storage becomes a priority
  • Products are returned to sit in a warehouse
  • Additional employees and management may be needed
• Operational costs increase
  • Return labels are needed
  • Additional shipping materials may be needed
  • Increased transportation costs from stores to warehouses arise
  • And, cleaning and repairs join the party…

According to a recent study, in 2021 it cost $33 for retailers to process a $50 return item, a 59% increase over the previous year. 

Refunds are really just the start of a retailer’s costs…

The environment

Sustainability goals are inevitable for retailers today. 

Returns create a challenge when it comes to your sustainability goals as most become holiday waste and in most cases, additional paper, labels, boxes, bags, etc. may be needed to get your returns back to your warehouse or business by carrier rather than in person. 

Even returns in person may use some of these additional items as well as they get transported from your storefront to your warehouse anyway…

According to a 2018 report, returns account for five billion pounds of waste sent to landfills and 15 million tons of carbon emissions every year in the United States.

Cue “reusable packaging”

You’ve heard the phrase “reduce, reuse and recycle” time and time again. 

The United States designed its current recycling program over 50 years ago to take on cardboard consumption from retailers. While effective in its day, recycling centers and the planet can’t keep up with the ecommerce influx causing waste and recycling programs.

It just means that we’re focusing too heavily on the latter rather than the former: reducing and reusing.

Reusable packaging takes recycled waste and turns it into something we can use over and over again. And with reusable packaging, there typically comes increased visibility into your supply chain as technology is a forefront of this operation if partnering with the right company.

Retailers can use reusable packaging to:

• Enhance and reach their sustainability goals in reducing:
  • CO2 emissions
  • Water use
  • Land use
  • Oil and plastic use
• Increase visibility into your supply chain through sensors that track location, temperature management and consumer behavior 
• Increase your triple bottom-line overtime

With holiday shopping and holiday returns just around the corner…

Are you ready to move to a reuse model for your shipping and packaging needs?

Get started with a LimeLoop Reuse Specialist. We’ll discuss your logistics and supply chain needs along with your sustainability goals to strategize what works best for your business. 

Get started today.

Designing for an Ecommerce economy

We now live in a digital culture.

And it has fundamentally shifted the shopping and packaging experience from the corner store (1900’s) to the store and the door (1990’s).  Key examples include companies that have embraced the change – Warby Parker (once Lenscrafters), Third Love (once Victoria Secret, now For Love and Lemons ), Everlane (once Gap), and Casper (once Serta). Companies are using digital to create a brand, and a brand experience, rather than push products. For example, Casper, which doesn’t promote itself as merely a mattress company, but rather a digital-first brand focused around the concept of sleep. Jonathan Ringan noted, in Fast Company:

“Casper sees itself less as a simple mattress company and more as a lifestyle-driven enterprise that looks at sleep as a unique, optimizable category comparable to exercise or cooking or travel.”

With increased clickable convenience, online shopping continued to gain momentum. According to a 2016 Pew Research Center study, by desktop or mobile, 79 percent of Americans made purchases online – compared with 22 percent in 2000. In addition, 15 percent of adult shoppers made an online purchase once per week and 28 percent made multiple monthly online purchases. In 2017, 5 billion items worldwide shipped with Amazon Prime (63 percent of Amazon customers).

Further still, momentum propelled ecommerce forward as the pandemic kept people inside and shifted retail away from brick and mortar, seeing a 25% spike in March 2020 alone. The digital age transformed the supply chain over the years, but the future of ecommerce is here. Therefore, designing for an ecommerce economy, for a circular economy, requires retail and ecommerce retailers to think outside the current systems still designed for the corner store, from point of order to delivery. If not, we’ll see a widening post-purchase gap, rising unsustainable costs to people and the planet, and a continuing shift in global relations and processes.

Post Purchase Gap

First, it is important to look at the experiential economy or specifically in this case, the post-purchase gap and how it relates to future generations. Millennials crave a new experience both in store and at the door. Gen Z, at 60 million strong in the United States, demand it. “Compared to any generation that has come before, they are less trusting of brands. Authenticity and transparency are two ideals that they value highly,” says Emerson Spartz, CEO of the digital media company Dose.

Today, when a customer makes a purchase online, there’s an “experience gap” from the time the customer checks out to when the product arrives. This is the new experiential moment for digital shoppers. According to Amit Sharma at HBR,

“Providing a positive experience at this time of anticipation is a tremendous opportunity for retailers to deepen their relationships with customers and build loyalty for their brands. Surprisingly, only 16% of companies are focused on customer retention, even though it costs at least five times more to acquire a new customer than to keep an existing one.”

More than ever, customers want personalized shopping experiences from point of order to delivery and beyond. And with customer LTV becoming more and more important as the ecommerce momentum continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, retailers find themselves paying higher and higher costs while the gap between consumer and retailer continues to widen. When is enough, enough?

UNSUSTAINABLE COSTS

Ecommerce customers, today, receive their products in a cardboard box, most likely in an OCC (old corrugated cardboard). The continued growth of online shopping and retail closings (70 million sq ft to close in 2018) have created a massive transition in the OCC (old corrugated containers) recovery market.

“There is a shift taking place and it’s more from the consumers. It’s a question of where that packaging material is going to end up and is it going to be as easy for us to capture,?” said Ben Harvey of Massachusetts hauler.

The United States designed its current recycling program over 50 years ago to take on cardboard consumption from retailers. While effective in its day, recycling centers and the planet can’t keep up with the ecommerce influx. And, the world is changing more in 10 years now than it used to change in 100 years, including rates and ways each generation consumes.

To keep up with the rapid change, innovative recycling companies are revamping their current systems. For example, Recology, a San Francisco serviced recycling center, is investing over $11 million dollars to add new processing equipment and supporting citywide taxes (15%) to account for the massive shift in receiving recycling from consumers versus retailers. While Recology is revamping to create temporary solutions, we must consider if the rest of the country can keep up with the rising cost and the impact to the environment we live in.

Today, humans are currently consuming nature 1.7 times faster than ecosystems can regenerate. The average American consumes its weight in trash each month and 165 billion packages and envelopes are shipped each year. Sixty-five billion parcel packages are shipped worldwide. 178 million parcel packages are shipped daily. This is a daily consumption of 1.2 million trees, 242 million gallons of water, and 5 million gallons of oil.

With the future of retail, we must consider the triple-bottom line – people, planet, and profit – as we build out more sustainable systems and collectively work to reduce and reuse what’s in circulation already, rather than just recycle.

SHIFT IN GLOBAL RELATIONS

To top it off, a recent shift in global policy will continue to impact the current supply chain systems in place. For example, the U.S. exports about one-third of its recycling, and nearly half goes to China. For decades, China has used recyclables from around the world to supply its manufacturing boom. But last year, it declared that this “foreign waste” includes too many other non recyclable materials that are “dirty,” even “hazardous.” In a filing with the World Trade Organization the country listed 24 kinds of solid wastes it would ban “to protect China’s environmental interests and people’s health.”

With e-commerce on the rise, the question becomes, do we revamp outdated systems or design a new one to solve for the growing costs to people and the planet? At LimeLoop we are designing a new one for the digital culture. Specifically, we are reimagining the packaging experience. First, by replacing recycled packaging with reusable packaging. Second, with sensored packaging to complete the brand experience loop. Packages that are received and sent back and reused, over and over again. With insights in where your package is and its state at all times, too boot. In return, is a high integrity system and experience for an environmentally sound world for many generations to come.

Celebrating black history month

In 1966, Mary Van Brittan Brown, feeling unsafe alone in her apartment in Queens, New York, created a camera “that could slide into and look through four peepholes in her front door.” The feed from this camera, then, appeared on a monitor so that she could “survey any unwanted guests.” In addition to the camera, she added a microphone and a button, which when pressed contacted the police. 

Three years later, in 1969, she and her husband received the patent for the very first home security system, which, now has evolved with aspects of her original design at the core of home security. 

Celebrating Black History Month, LimeLoop honors these black founders and creatives making waves in sustainability, innovating timeless ideas, such as Mary’s, and creating spaces for self-expression and creativity. 

Reel 

Reel is disrupting the toilet paper business with biodegrable-bamboo rolls. Co-founded by CMO Derin Oyekan, Reel’s business is free of plastic from their products to their shipping. Additionally, each purchase supports their co-mission and partnership with SOIL to expand access to clean toilets. 

“Some things have been a part of our lives for so long that we forget that there’s room for improvement – like that … same ol’ toilet paper you have stockpiled in the loo,” says Oyekan. 

Bamboo consumes 30% less water than hardwood trees, while also aiding in decarbonization. An acre of bamboo creates 35% more oxygen than trees.

BLK + GRN

Dr. Kristian H founded BLK + GRN, the non-toxic marketplace for black artisans, so that consumers can consciously curate, craft, and consume. Additionally, the brand cultivates its own products.

“At BLK + GRN, our all Black artisans are carefully chosen by Black health experts who know what an all-natural product truly looks like…Our marketplace connects Black people with natural lifestyles to high-quality, toxic-free brands that share in our mission of health, wellness and community cultivation.”

Blavity

Founded in 2014 by CEO Morgan DeBaun, Blavity is a network of platforms and brands, including Blavity News, Blavity Politics, AfroTech, and 21Ninety. Across these brands Blavity connects the world of Black culture through experiences.

“Blavity Inc is a diversified digital media company that builds platforms to inform, entertain and engage communities of color.“ Coined “the Largest Network of Platforms for Black Millennials and the Community for Black Creativity and News”, Blavity is changing the media landscape and amplifying Black voices. 

Zero Grocery

Becoming the U.S.’s first zero-waste grocery store seemed like a no-brainer: “If 90% of global plastic waste comes from food consumption, then let’s change the way we consume food.”

Zuleyka Strasner founded Zero Grocery to prove we can have “what we want, when we want it, without ruining the planet.”

How? By simply placing an order which is then delivered to your home. And make sure to leave any reusable packaging out on the doorstep, Zero Grocery will collect and reuse them for future orders.