Brangs + Heinrich has introduced two quick-closure options to its Hey Circle reusable shipping box lineup – a pre-zipped zipper or a slip-on lid – alongside a new XXL-sized box.
Available in various sizes, the ‘rainproof’ plastic boxes can reportedly circulate up to 50 times and replace up to 49 single-use cardboard boxes, depending on the application. This is anticipated to cut down on waste and negate the need for adhesive tape.
While online retailers, rental services, and courier services ship large volumes of parcels daily, Brangs + Heinrich emphasizes that businesses are more likely to adopt reusable packaging if it integrates easily into existing packing workflows.
"Sustainability needs to be practical and easy to implement if it is to gain widespread adoption,” says Jakub Frelik, product manager for shipping packaging and reusable solutions. “In recent months, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback about Hey Circle from customers interested in reusable systems, but we also heard a clear message: the packing process needs to be faster.
“That’s why the zipper on our hey circle shipping boxes is now pre-zipped. This eliminates the time spent threading the zipper and makes the mechanism much less prone to malfunctions.”
The wrap-around zipper prevents third parties from reaching inside after the box has been sealed, and adds an extra layer of weather resistance. Like standard Hey Circle models, this variant can also be secured with a seal.
For deliveries that prioritize speed over theft protection, the slip-on lid format folds down and secures over the box rim with Velcro fasteners. This is set to speed up handling during store deliveries, transport for semi-finished goods within the facility, or the storage of work equipment for field service operations.
“Our new, extra-large shipping boxes are also designed specifically for intralogistics,” continues Frelik – referring to a new 600 x 400 x 400 ml box format.
This XXL-sized option is recommended for internal company operations. It enables businesses to securely transfer internal or external loads weighing up to 15 kg.
For empty return shipments or storage, the boxes can be folded flat. Apparently, this allows seven boxes to be stored in one space, then transported to the next application in a space-saving pack of eight.
In total, Brangs + Heinrich now offers nine standard box sizes in three different versions. Customers can also develop customized solutions, such as branded packaging, with Brangs + Heinrich offering their guidance through the transition process.
The reusable concept is set to align with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s reuse quotas, starting in 2030.
“Companies that use packaging should start planning their switch to reusable systems now, because experience shows that integrating them into existing packing processes takes time,” adds Frelik.
Last year, a series of tests conducted by Gebhardt Intralogistics Group, the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences and DHL sought to prove the robustness and durability of Hey Circle reusable packaging. The boxes were tested on conveyor belts, in stacking applications, and through drop tests to simulate their performance in real-world applications.
According to the results, the containers survived drop tests from a height of 80 cm including loads of up to 20kg, with 90% of the boxes showing no damage when dropped onto the base, corner or edge.
In other news, Kaffee Braun is piloting reusable polypropylene buckets in collaboration with Jokey and circolution. Used in industrial applications, the buckets are designed to be stacked, reused in high circulation volumes, and recycled at end-of-life.
