Reusable Packaging: New & Noteworthy Content

In terms of sustainability, reusable and refillable packaging is making a big splash in working to extend the life of common packaging types. Check out our curated list of content on the topic of reusable packaging in markets like food, personal care, and household goods. See which companies are introducing reusable solutions that work toward a circular economy.

Reusable/Returnable

Clean Cult Rolls Out Redesigned Refill System at Target

Clean Cult brings its redesigned refill system to Target shelves nationwide, pairing prefilled aluminum bottles with recyclable paperboard cartons in a packaging revamp that reduces plastic and simplifies reuse for everyday consumers.

June 10, 2025

Clean Cult’s redesigned refillable/reusable packaging system features prefilled aluminum bottles and recyclable paperboard cartons in fresh, scent-forward designs.

Reusable/Returnable

Scaling Reusable Packaging Through Policy and Collaboration

At SPC Impact 2025, industry experts share how reuse can scale through a combination of supportive policy, infrastructure development, and collaborative partnerships.

April 30, 2025

Olga Kachook of SPC (l.) and Crystal Dreisbach of Upstream

Reusable/Returnable

Cruise Line’s Breakfast Room Service Gets More Sustainable

As part of its Sail & Sustain sustainability program, Norwegian Cruise Line rolls out reusable Bento box-style serviceware for in-room breakfast service that uses certified circular PET.

December 10, 2024

The new Bento box-style serviceware used for in-room breakfast service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships is reusable up to ‘potentially thousands of times’ and is made from 50% recycled PET from molecular recycling.

E-commerce/D2C packaging

Reusable D2C Bag for Kidswear Cuts Emissions 75%

The woven PP package for Brave Kid’s children’s fashion is not only a more sustainable option, but it also delivers vibrant branding and a playful yet educational message around reuse.

December 1, 2024

Brave Kid is using three bag sizes to mail its children's fashion products, with copy on the bag reminding consumers to return the package.

Reusable/Returnable

Starbucks Leads Citywide Reusable Cup Trial

The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project is the first citywide initiative to make reusable to-go cups the default option across multiple restaurants in a U.S. city.

August 21, 2024

Reusable/Returnable

Biom, Hermés, and GAIA Skincare Introduce Refillable Packaging Innovations

ThePackHub

See a few examples of refillable packaging innovations from Biom, Hermés, and GAIA Skincare from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.

August 12, 2024

Biom's refillable cleaning wipes are available at about 600 Target stores and online.

Reusable/Returnable

Dr. Bronner’s Paperboard Cartons Refill rPET Bottles to Ace LCA

Paperboard cartons get high LCA marks, but break down when wet. Meanwhile, 100% rPET bottles are circular, work great in the shower, and if they're refilled, are not single-use. Dr. Bronner’s refillable carton leverages both formats' strengths.

May 3, 2024

According to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the carton format had the lowest environmental footprint of all the options, which compared PCR, molded fiber, glass, aluminum, and paper cartons. Using cartons to refill more durable rPET bottles makes the whole system bathroom- and shower-worthy, since the cartons themselves deteriorate in wet environments.

Sustainable Packaging

Reports: Collaboration, Shared Systems Vital for Reuse Revolution

New reports from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Oceana describe the scale of the plastic pollution crisis and outline solutions for scaling reusable packaging systems.

March 25, 2024

Sustainable Packaging

German Retailer Pilots On-site Food Product Refill System

dm drogerie pilots MIWA’s module-based refill system for its dmBio line of loose food products, providing a personalized shopping experience for consumers and minimizing packaging waste.

March 11, 2024

Sustainable Packaging

5 Key Takeaways from New Report on Reusable Packaging & Consumer Adoption

Among the different findings, the report emphasizes that employee involvement and package design are valuable to retail consumers’ education and interest in reusable packaging system involvement.

January 16, 2024

Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, in collaboration with the U.S. Plastics Pact, has published a report titled “Unpacking Customer Perspectives on Reusable Packaging”.

Sustainable Packaging

Starbucks: Bring Your Own Cup to Reduce Single-Use Packaging

Starting today, consumers will be able to use their own clean, personal cup for a contactless pour at every visit at all stores nationwide. The reusable packaging program can be used in drive-through, the Starbucks app, and in retail locations.

January 3, 2024

Starbucks says this milestone achieves a goal set in 2022 to make it easier for customers to use reusable cups and help Starbucks reduce cup waste sent to landfill.

Sustainability

Refillable Package for Skincare Driven by Consumer Preferences

Junoco engineers a refillable/reusable packaging system with interchangeable refill pods for its skincare products to address its consumers’ requests for refillable packaging.

December 22, 2023

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Robatech applicators apply hot melt adhesive to seal Fatra’s LVT flooring cartons.

Flooring Manufacturer Automates Carton Sealing Without Slowing Production

Plastics processor Fatra replaced manual tape sealing with automated hot melt adhesive application for its vinyl tile flooring, reducing labor demands and keeping production moving.

Chat Gpt Image Jun 29, 2026, 01 33 20 Pm

Are They Going to Cut the GRAS?

Ask the Right Questions of AI in Packaging

End of the Line Video Series: Recycling Economics, FSMA 204 Traceability, and Prospector Popcorn's Growth Story

Absolut Vodka, Looye Kwekers, and THAMMA Natural Products Adopt Paper and Recyclable Packaging

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