Smart Container Loop Develops New Reusable Container System

Smart Container Loop GmbH has launched a new reusable shipping system with an optimized family of reusable containers. The conical containers are characterized by durability, reduced weight, maximum stackability, and traceability, and have been specifically designed for the requirements of parcel logistics in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and electronics. As a subsidiary of the Schoeller Group, the company can draw on many years of experience in reusable container production and parcel logistics, as well as pooling expertise.

(Pullach i. Isartal) Smart Container Loop GmbH, a service company specializing in reusable shipping systems, is introducing a new reusable container system. In addition to the existing collapsible containers, the pooling specialist now also offers its customers conical containers with hinged lids in sizes S, M, and L. The new patented container family has been optimized specifically for parcel logistics in industries such as pharmaceuticals (pharmacies, hospitals, veterinarians, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and practices), cosmetics, and electronics. Compared to conventional container systems, it offers significant advantages. The new durable boxes are not only among the lightest reusable containers of their kind but can also be maximally volume-reduced in empty stacks due to their conical shape. Recycled polypropylene is used for manufacturing. The design of the containers allows for efficient cleaning and drying. Equipped with an RFID transponder and a barcode, the containers are also tracked through a seamless ID-based tracking system. This enables precise oversight of the container pool for all participants in the supply chain.

The first reusable container system with seamless track-and-trace software was developed by Smart Container Loop for the electronics retailer expert. The retail chain, based in Langenhagen near Hanover, completely switched its cardboard shipping to the reusable system from Smart Container Loop in 2019. For this purpose, Smart Container Loop uses two collapsible and thus space-saving container types, each sealed with a lid. In the newly built central warehouse in Langenhagen near Hanover, the containers are now an integral part of the conveyor and picking technology. From there, the electronics retail chain supplies its affiliated retailers throughout Germany and reduces breakage and shrinkage with the Smart Container Loop system. The return logistics are handled by the transport service provider trans-o-flex.

In the pharmaceutical sector, MSD is among the users of the Smart Container Loop reusable systems. The pharmaceutical manufacturer was one of the pilot customers and provided significant input for the development of the containers for the pharmaceutical segment.

“Over the past three years, we have established ourselves as specialists for reusable shipping systems for parcel logistics in the B2B sector and have gained additional large customers from the pharmaceutical sector alongside expert. We have proven that Smart Container Loop has the biggest challenge, the shrinkage of containers, under control through seamless tracking via the tracking and deposit system. If containers are left behind, our customer service clarifies each individual case,” assures Leopold Schoeller, Managing Director of Smart Container Loop. He further emphasizes: “Due to the efficient container and low shrinkage, the system represents a sustainable alternative to the ever-increasing costs of single-use cardboard. Our goal is to offer a full service to make reusable shipping as easy for our customers as cardboard shipping.”

Due to the variety of package sizes, the logistics company has already added three more container types to its range.

Photo: © Smart Container Loop GmbH / Image caption: Leopold Schoeller, Managing Director of Smart Container Loop.