big brands join zero-waste platform that could change future of consumption

package delivery service UPS has joined forces with the world’s largest consumer product companies and international recycling leader terracycle to unveil a new system of recycling that could rid the world of plastics. the system, entitled loop encourages a reusable and returnable cycle for managing consumer product packaging that enables consumers to reduce their single-use packaging consumption.

header image courtesy of loop via fastcompany

all other images courtesy of loop

as reported by fast company, with loop consumers will be offered a variety of products in customized, brand-specific, durable packaging that is delivered directly to customers. materials such as alloys, glass and engineered plastics will be contain familiar foodstuffs and other items, delivered in a state-of-the art shipping tote eliminating the need for single-use boxes. when the consumer is finished with the various items, they will be collected, cleaned, refilled and redelivered by terracycle and UPS.

UPS and terracycle collaborated to design outer packaging that can handle liquids, dry goods and personal care products, with protective dividers inside, using materials that offer easy cleaning for reuse. the UPS package design and test lab helped to custom design and test packaging to be appealing to consumers, yet durable enough to be used over and over again. the loop partners include procter & gamble, nestlé, pepsico, unilever, mars, clorox, coca-cola, mondelēz, danone and a dozen or so smaller brands. european retailer carrefour, logistics company UPS and resource management company suez are also engaged in the system.

during the design and testing, UPS identified solutions to mitigate materials breakdowns, product leaks, exterior packaging design that showed signs of fatigue after limited use, scratches on metal containers caused by metal closures. recommendations provided by the UPS lab to terracycle included multi-threaded closures for product containers, a modified capping approach to reduce the risk of leaking products, and custom dividers within the Loop tote to better hold products in place during transit, among others. the system will be tested in paris and new york as a first step toward full implementation in consumer markets.