Around 1.5 billion parcels are shipped in France each year, particularly by e-retailers, according to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution (Arcep). Packages made of 80% cardboard and 20% plastic, with a lifespan of three days on average. “It fills our trash cans,” emphasizes Opopop, which has just raised 700,000 euros, including 500,000 in capital from Ponton Family Office and business angels to develop. It is one of the start-ups that have emerged in recent years to offer reusable packaging to e-retailers.
The manufacturing materials vary from one start-up to another, but the packaging can generally be reused a hundred times. Often, a return label is provided or an envelope is incorporated into the package, in both cases pre-paid, which allows the consumer to return it by post. After reconditioning, these packaging are put back into the circuit.