Real‑world examples of reusable packaging solutions businesses can copy

Standout examples of reusable packaging solutions in 2024–2025

When people ask for examples of reusable packaging solutions, they usually want proof that reuse isn’t just a sustainability talking point. The good news: it’s already happening at scale in several sectors.

Across global packaging, reuse is still a small slice, but it’s growing. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that reuse and refill systems are one of the fastest‑developing areas of the circular economy, especially in food service and household products (source). Below are some of the best examples that show what’s actually working.

Food & beverage: concrete examples of reusable packaging systems

Food and beverage is where many of the most visible examples of reusable packaging solutions live today, because the waste problem is obvious and customer behavior is already shifting.

Reusable coffee cups and drinkware programs

Large coffee chains and local cafés are moving beyond the old “bring your own mug” sign. Starbucks, for instance, has been piloting borrow‑a‑cup programs in multiple markets, where customers pay a small deposit, use a branded reusable cup, then return it to drop points for industrial washing and reuse. Starbucks has publicly committed to making reusable options available in all stores globally by 2030 (source).

Independent cafés are using similar systems with stainless steel or durable plastic cups, often managed by third‑party providers that handle collection and washing. These are strong examples of reusable packaging solutions because they:

• Cut high‑volume single‑use cup waste.
• Keep brand visibility (logo stays on the cup for multiple uses).
• Can be integrated into loyalty apps and digital rewards.

Reusable takeout containers for restaurants and campuses

Takeout containers are another area where real examples of reuse are popping up. University dining halls, corporate campuses, and hospital cafeterias are switching to reusable clamshells and bowls made from BPA‑free plastics or stainless steel.

A typical model: customers or students check out containers using an app or ID card, return them to a drop bin after their meal, and the operator washes them in commercial dishwashers. Organizations like Re:Dish and Ozzi in the U.S. run these systems for institutions, handling logistics and tracking.

These programs are a clear example of reusable packaging solutions that can scale in closed environments where users come back frequently—offices, universities, stadiums, and event venues.

Beverage refill and returnable bottle systems

Returnable glass bottles are one of the oldest examples of reusable packaging solutions, and they’re quietly making a comeback. Coca‑Cola has a global returnable glass bottle program in multiple markets, where bottles are collected, washed, and refilled many times before recycling. The company has stated that returnable and refillable packaging is a key part of its strategy to reduce single‑use plastic (source).

Smaller beverage brands—especially in kombucha, craft beer, and dairy—are also experimenting with deposit‑return glass bottles at local and regional scale. The economics work best when:

• Distribution is relatively local.
• Retailers can store and return empties.
• There’s a deposit high enough to motivate returns.

These are some of the best examples of how reuse can work in beverage packaging without totally reinventing the wheel.

Household & personal care: refill and return examples that actually move volume

Household cleaning and personal care have become a testing ground for refill and reusable packaging because the products are used frequently and don’t require ultra‑high hygiene standards like food.

Concentrates and refillable bottles for cleaning products

One widely adopted example of reusable packaging solutions is the combination of a durable spray bottle with concentrated refills. Brands like Blueland and Grove Collaborative sell reusable bottles plus tablets or concentrates that customers mix with water at home.

Why this matters:

• The heavy, bulky part (water) is added by the customer.
• Refill packs are tiny compared to traditional bottles, cutting shipping emissions and plastic use.
• The main bottle is designed to last for years.

From a green business perspective, this is one of the most pragmatic examples of reusable packaging solutions because it fits existing consumer habits while shrinking packaging footprints.

Loop’s multi‑brand reusable packaging platform

TerraCycle’s Loop platform is one of the most talked‑about real examples of premium reusable packaging. Loop works with major brands to package products—like ice cream, shampoo, and cleaning products—in durable, attractive containers (stainless steel, heavy‑duty plastic, or glass). Customers pay a deposit, get products shipped in a reusable tote, and send empty containers back for cleaning and refill.

Loop has partnered with retailers like Kroger and Tesco and has piloted in multiple countries. While still evolving, it’s a strong example of how a shared infrastructure can support reusable packaging across many brands, rather than each company building its own system from scratch.

E‑commerce & retail: examples of reusable packaging solutions beyond the store

Online shopping has a packaging problem—too many boxes, mailers, and fillers. That’s why some of the most interesting examples of reusable packaging solutions are emerging in e‑commerce.

Reusable mailers for fashion and direct‑to‑consumer brands

Fashion and DTC brands are testing reusable poly mailers that can be shipped, returned, and reused many times. Companies like RePack and LimeLoop provide durable mailers that customers send back via the postal system or drop‑off locations.

Here’s how these systems typically work:

• A shopper selects a reusable mailer option at checkout.
• The order arrives in a durable mailer with a pre‑paid return label.
• The customer returns the empty mailer, which is inspected, cleaned if needed, and reused.

For brands, this is a practical example of reusable packaging solutions that can reduce cardboard and plastic waste, especially for high‑return categories like apparel.

Reusable totes and crates for click‑and‑collect grocery

Grocery pickup and delivery have created a surge of single‑use bags and boxes. Many supermarkets now use reusable plastic totes and crates for click‑and‑collect orders and home delivery. Customers receive groceries in these containers and either transfer items to their own bags at home or return the totes at the next delivery.

This system is not flashy, but it’s one of the best real examples of reusable packaging in the retail world. It works because:

• The retailer controls the logistics and owns the containers.
• Routes are predictable and repetitive.
• Containers are standardized and easy to stack, clean, and track.

B2B & logistics: industrial examples of reusable packaging solutions

While consumer brands get most of the publicity, some of the best examples of reusable packaging solutions are actually behind the scenes in B2B logistics.

Pallet pooling and reusable crates

Companies like CHEP and IFCO run large‑scale pallet and crate pooling systems. Instead of buying single‑use wood pallets or disposable crates, manufacturers and retailers rent standardized, durable pallets and produce crates. These are used, collected, inspected, repaired if needed, and then put back into circulation.

This model has been operating for decades, and it’s one of the most mature examples of reusable packaging solutions anywhere. It reduces waste wood, avoids low‑quality one‑way pallets, and improves safety and efficiency in warehouses.

Reusable intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and drums

In chemicals, food ingredients, and pharmaceuticals, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and metal or high‑grade plastic drums are routinely reused many times. They’re designed for long life, with cleaning protocols that meet strict safety standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights reuse and recycling of industrial containers as a key strategy for reducing hazardous waste and improving resource efficiency (source). These industrial systems are less visible to consumers, but they’re powerful examples of reusable packaging solutions that already operate at global scale.

How to choose the right example of reusable packaging for your business

Looking at all these examples, it’s tempting to copy the flashiest model. A better approach is to study examples of reusable packaging solutions that match your business realities.

Key questions to ask:

• Do customers interact with you frequently? Closed systems (campuses, offices, subscription services) are perfect for reusable containers because users return regularly.
• Can you control collection and washing? The best real examples of reuse have clear responsibility for cleaning and reverse logistics.
• What’s your product risk profile? Food and pharma need stricter controls than cleaning products or apparel.
• What’s the lifetime use of the container? A container that’s reused 20–50 times spreads its environmental footprint over many uses. Life‑cycle assessments from organizations like the U.S. EPA show that reuse tends to outperform single‑use when containers are actually returned and reused multiple cycles (source).

For many businesses, a realistic starting point is:

• Durable, branded containers for in‑house or on‑site use (cafés, corporate catering, events).
• Refillable formats for concentrated products (cleaning, personal care, pantry staples).
• Reusable totes, crates, and pallets in your supply chain.

These are the examples of reusable packaging solutions that tend to pay off fastest in both cost savings and waste reduction.

2024–2025 trends shaping the next wave of examples

Several policy and market shifts are pushing companies to explore new examples of reusable packaging solutions rather than just lighter single‑use materials.

Policy pressure and extended producer responsibility

States like California, Colorado, and Oregon are rolling out extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging. These laws make producers financially responsible for the end‑of‑life of packaging, which nudges companies toward designs that are easier to reuse or recycle.

As EPR fees ramp up, expect more brands to pilot refill stations, reusable containers, and deposit‑return systems because they can cut long‑term compliance costs. The U.S. EPA tracks these policy developments and their impact on packaging design (source).

Digital tracking and smart packaging

Another reason we’re seeing new real examples of reuse: technology finally caught up. RFID tags, QR codes, and simple barcodes make it possible to:

• Track individual containers.
• Automate deposits and refunds.
• Monitor how many cycles each container completes.

This data helps companies refine their systems, retire damaged containers, and prove environmental benefits to regulators and investors.

Consumer expectations and brand differentiation

Younger consumers, in particular, are increasingly skeptical of “recyclable” claims that don’t match reality. Reuse and refill give brands a more tangible story: "This container has been used 15 times" is more convincing than a vague recycling symbol.

Brands that can point to real examples of reuse—like a refill station network or a visible borrow‑a‑cup program—gain credibility with climate‑conscious customers. That’s one reason we’re seeing more case studies and pilots in public view instead of behind the scenes.

FAQ: common questions about examples of reusable packaging solutions

Q1: What are some simple examples of reusable packaging solutions for small businesses?
For small cafés or restaurants, reusable coffee cups and takeout containers are a straightforward starting point. Retail shops can switch to reusable totes for local deliveries or curbside pickup. Online sellers can test reusable mailers for repeat customers. These are low‑barrier examples of reusable packaging solutions that don’t require massive infrastructure.

Q2: Are there examples of reusable packaging that actually save money?
Yes. Pallet pooling, reusable crates, and industrial drums are long‑standing real examples where reuse is cheaper than single‑use. In consumer markets, refillable cleaning products and reusable totes for grocery pickup can also lower packaging costs over time, especially when containers are reused dozens of times.

Q3: What is an example of reusable packaging that works well in e‑commerce?
A strong example of e‑commerce reuse is the durable mailer system used by fashion and DTC brands. Customers receive their order in a reusable mailer, then send it back using a built‑in return label. The provider inspects and reuses the mailer for future shipments.

Q4: How do I know if a reusable packaging solution is actually better for the environment?
Look for life‑cycle assessment (LCA) data or third‑party studies. Generally, a container needs to be reused enough times to offset the extra material and cleaning impacts. Organizations like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the U.S. EPA provide guidance and research on when reuse beats single‑use.

Q5: Where can I find more real examples of reusable packaging solutions and case studies?
Good starting points include the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s circular economy case studies, U.S. EPA resources on sustainable materials management, and industry groups focused on packaging and waste reduction. These sources regularly publish real examples of pilots and full‑scale systems businesses can learn from.

If you’re planning your own reuse initiative, study these examples of reusable packaging solutions, then design something that fits your logistics, your customers, and your risk profile. The most successful systems aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that quietly work, cycle after cycle, without breaking your operations or your budget.