🌱 Our Sustainability Program

Packaging Reuse Program

Objective: Create a closed-loop reuse ecosystem within the fulfillment center as well as with clients/customers.

Internal Reuse Program

• Inbound Materials Sorting Bay

  • Designate a "Reclamation Zone" in receiving where all inbound shipments are checked for reusable components.

  • Materials to recover: gently used corrugated boxes, air pillows, kraft paper, bubble wrap, foams, and reusable mailers (poly or compostable).

• Reusability Quality Rating System

  • Tag packaging as Grade A (ready to reuse as-is), Grade B (usable with minor repair), or Grade C (recycle).

• Reintegration into Packing Workflow

  • Integrate reuse bins into the pick-pack workflow. Packers are required to select reused packaging first for participating customers.

  • Use WMS to notify if reused options are available for an order’s dimensions.

Client-Side Reuse Program

• Merchant Box Pool

  • Create a shared “Reusable Carton Library” across multiple clients—standardized sizes, reused internally across orders.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Standards

Objective: Transition to sustainable inputs with minimal lifecycle impact and measurable savings.

Material Types & Sources

Materials in regular rotation - 100% post-consumer recycled corrugated boxes, paper-based void fill, water-activated tape, eco-friendly mailers (recyclable).

Standardized Packaging Sizes

• Adopt 4–6 boxes “core sizes” optimized across all clients.

• Enable bulk ordering, reuse efficiency, and simplified automation.

• Color-code and barcode label each size to aid sortation and reintroduction after returns.

Customer Education & Transparency

Objective: Empower end customers and merchant clients with knowledge, tools, and visibility.

Package-Level Education

• On-Pack Instructions: “This box is made from 100% recycled paper and is curbside recyclable.”

• QR Code on Packages: Links to a sustainability dashboard or video explaining packaging impact and reuse instructions.

• Use storytelling: “By reusing this box, we’ve saved the carbon equivalent of charging 150 smartphones.”

Digital Touchpoints

• Checkout Widgets for Merchants:

  • “Choose green shipping” checkbox (eco-mode = slower, grouped orders).

  • “Offset my shipping impact” via partners like EcoCart, Cloverly, or Pachama.

• Branded Emails/Post-Purchase Messaging:

  • Highlight material sustainability, encourage returns of packaging, and share environmental savings (e.g., “You helped save 0.6kg of CO₂!”).

Client Enablement

• Monthly newsletters for merchants:

  • “How to maximize reuse.”

  • “Best green shipping practices.”

  • Share benchmark data (see metrics section).

Incentive Framework

Objective: Accelerate sustainable choices using financial, marketing, and loyalty incentives.

For Merchant Clients

• Green Partner Certification (GPC):

  • Awarded to clients using >70% eco packaging, participating in reuse programs, or offsetting emissions.

  • Badge can be displayed on their storefront; offer discounted fulfillment rates for certified clients.

• Packaging Credit Pool:

  • Clients earn credits (e.g., $0.10 per reused box used) redeemable for services like expedited fulfillment or storage discounts.

  • Display credits in their fulfillment portal—gamify participation.

For End Customers

• Loyalty for Green Behavior:

  • Return used packaging? Earn a coupon.

  • Choose slower shipping? Get loyalty points.

  • Recycle & scan QR code to enter a monthly giveaway.

• Referral Bonuses:

  • Customers who share your 3PL’s green mission via social media or refer a brand to use your service get rewards.

Sustainability Metrics & Reporting

Objective: Build transparent reporting and benchmarking framework to demonstrate progress.

Core KPIs

CategoryKPITarget ExampleReuse% of orders using reclaimed packaging30% in Year 1, 60% in Year 2Material% of packaging that is recycled/compostable85% of total packaging volumeWastePackaging waste diverted from landfill (lbs/month)10,000+ lbs/year by Year 2EmissionsCO₂ saved from box reuse (tons)Calculated with EPA WARM modelEngagement% of customers opting for green shipping20% by Q4Merchant Buy-in# of merchants in Green Partner Program15 in Year 1, 50 in Year 2

Data Pipeline

• Integrate with WMS/OMS: Tag every order with packaging type, box origin (new vs reused), weight, and material.

• Automated Emissions Calculators: Use APIs from Pachama, Cloverly, or self-built models based on shipping modes & distances.

• Client Dashboards: Real-time insights into each brand’s impact: materials used, CO₂ saved, % reuse, customer opt-ins.

Scalability and Certification

• Certifications to pursue:

  • B Corp (if 3PL is pursuing holistic sustainability)

  • Green Business Certification (local/state-level in US/Canada)

  • EPA’s SmartWay Partner (for freight emissions)

• Expansion Path:

  • Launch pilot reuse program with top 5 clients.

  • Measure baseline impact for 3 months.

  • Roll out tools + dashboards in Phase II.

  • Use results to market to eco-conscious DTC brands.