HIVED trials novel reusable packaging model with backing from Elemental Impact
Packaging accounts for a staggering 45% of greenhouse gas emissions from the ecommerce industry (source: Statista). The introduction of the U.K. Government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging in 2025 aims to shift the responsibility of this packaging waste management from local governments to producers (source: U.K. Government).
In response to this, HIVED has launched a reusable packaging pilot, in partnership with fulfilment centre Oakland International and meal-subscription retailer Field Doctor. Backed by support from Elemental Impact, a nonprofit investor focused on scaling climate solutions and social impact, HIVED has integrated its all-electric delivery infrastructure and technology platform with circular packaging logistics to create a novel and pioneering reuse-as-a-service model.
The pilot trialled Oakland’s reusable OakRA box that provides an alternative to traditional cardboard packaging. Field Doctor customers received their weekly meal subscription in an OakRA box delivered by HIVED. The packaging from the previous week was then collected and returned through HIVED’s streamlined and reliable technology platform and physical infrastructure.
Oakland Strategic Innovation Manager, Luke Attwell shared: “HIVED has given the opportunity for OakRA to make a full circle carbon neutral loop with collection from factory, to consumer door and back again being done via 100% electric vehicles. Our hope is this becomes a consumer driven model, where consumers and organisations drive the need for a sustainable option of delivery with suppliers.”
Long-term, HIVED circular packaging infrastructure will be packaging and customer agnostic, and as the ecommerce industry prepares for EPR implementation, reusable packaging will become essential. The ambition is that reuse-as-a-service becomes a consumer driven model, where demand from consumers drives behaviour change and increases the need for circular delivery options. With positive reception by all customers involved, this trial achieved its goal in proving how circular models can address pressing environmental challenges whilst enhancing customer satisfaction.
Head of Sustainability at HIVED, Gemma Neal said: “HIVED’s mission to decarbonise ecommerce deliveries goes beyond electrification. Supporting the circular economy is a crucial development, and this trial is an exciting step toward becoming the go-to courier for circular business models.”
CEO of Field Doctor, Alex Brooks added: “At Field Doctor we believe that reusable packaging is the future. The first trial of the OakRA with HIVED was well received by our customers, with the OakRA box performing well vs our standard packaging.”
As the success of the trial highlights, reusable packaging models are key to reducing ecommerce’s environmental footprint. Consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions will play a critical role in shaping the future of sustainable ecommerce, with HIVED leading the way.
Elemental Impact VP of Portfolio, Danya Hakeem shared: “HIVED’s pilot demonstrates how an innovative company is fundamentally rethinking logistics and reducing waste through circular packaging, all while proving the value of hiring from within their community.”
To learn more about how HIVED is levelling up in sustainable logistics, follow along our journey at our Instagram @hivedhq or LinkedIn.
To learn more about Field Doctor, visit www.fielddoctor.co.uk.
To learn more about Oakland International, visit www.oakland-international.com.
To learn more about Elemental Impact, visit www.elementalimpact.com.
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