Austrian Post Seeks Ideas for Tomorrow’s Package Packaging

The Austrian Post and the Graz Innovation Service Network (ISN) want to know what ideas Austrians have for the package packaging of tomorrow with the project “Re:Postboxing”. Ideas for reducing packaging waste can now be submitted at post.at/repostboxing: What should reusable packaging look like? How should the packaging be returned? What incentives could increase the motivation to return packages?

(Wien/Graz) The best ideas will be selected and awarded by the community and a jury consisting of experts from the logistics, e-commerce, and research sectors. The winners will receive valuable prizes, such as a shöpping voucher worth 500 euros. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to further develop their idea in collaboration with the Post, ISN, and jury members in a workshop.

“Sustainability is actively demanded by senders and recipients, which is why we continuously examine new innovations. Last year alone, we transported 184 million packages, so the potential for reducing packaging waste can be significant. With this competition, we want to know what ideas Austrians have for sustainable package packaging of tomorrow,” explains DI Peter Umundum, Director of Package & Logistics, Austrian Post AG.

The idea competition runs until the end of July. All residents of Austria over the age of 18 can participate. More information can be found at post.at/repostboxing.

Green Post and Green Packaging

The Austrian Post has anchored the topic of sustainability at the core of its corporate strategy. Since 2011, it has been delivering all packages, letters, advertising mail, and print media in a CO2-neutral manner by reducing emissions, generating its own electricity through photovoltaic systems, and compensating for unavoidable emissions with concrete support for national and international climate protection projects. By 2030, all shipments will be delivered completely CO2-free, and the Post is continuously expanding its electric vehicle fleet; since March 2022, only electric vehicles have been purchased for deliveries. In Graz, deliveries have been completely CO2-free since November 2021.

The Post has also been pursuing sustainability in packaging since spring with the pilot project “Green Packaging.” The five retail companies dm, INTERSPAR weinwelt, INTERSPORT, Tchibo, and Thalia are sending selected product groups in reusable packaging, which allows for between ten and 125 shipping cycles depending on the design.

Photo: © Austrian Post AG