DPD Germany dispatches over 350 million parcels every year. In order to make parcel shipping more sustainable, Germany's second-largest shipping service provider is now cooperating with hey circle. With its innovative shipping solution, the reusable pioneer from Munich offers an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to disposable shipping packaging.
The reusable shipping boxes from hey circle offer great advantages for both customers and the environment. Customers benefit from an environmentally friendly, stable and reusable packaging material that protects their shipments more securely and produces significantly less waste thanks to its durability. The reusable boxes and bags can be used for numerous rounds between online retailers and their customers and partners - a clear advantage over conventional disposable packaging. The long service life means that costs can be saved in many cases, as packaging does not always have to be bought new. This applies, for example, to closed loops and retailers with high goods return rates.
‘Our partnership with hey circle is another important step on the way to more sustainable parcel shipping,’
says Dr Karsten Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer at DPD Germany.
‘We see our role as offering customers innovative, environmentally friendly solutions that can be easily integrated into the existing shipping process. With the reusable shipping bags from hey circle, we are setting an example for more sustainable logistics.’
As part of the sales cooperation, DPD Germany will act as an intermediary between hey circle and its own business customers. The cooperation will also be used to convince joint customers of the respective product offerings.
Hey circle is convinced that reusable shipping is the future of retail.
‘DPD and hey circle have a common goal: a comprehensive reusable concept for e-commerce. Through the partnership, shipping companies will learn that they can utilise established logistics processes with a new type of packaging. We are looking forward to working together to win lighthouse customers for waste-free shipping,’
says Doris Diebold, founder and CEO of hey circle.
DPD and hey circle already tested last year how well the foldable packaging made of recyclable plastic fits into the logistics processes. There was also a test with the clothing manufacturer Trigema: 200 XL boxes travelled between the production site and shops in order to reduce waste and save costs.
How reusable shipping works with hey circle
Shipping with hey circle works in a similar way to cardboard boxes: companies rent or buy the bags and boxes. The goods are packed, a return label is enclosed and the packaging is sealed with a zip and security seal. For shipping to private customers, hey circle has a plugin that makes the reusable option visible in the checkout. The box or bag can be used without a deposit, but must be returned in any case, otherwise it will be charged. It is returned directly to the retailer with or without the goods, empty and folded or assembled. It can be given directly to the DPD delivery driver or taken to one of the more than 8,500 Pickup parcel shops across Germany. Back at the warehouse, it is checked and prepared for the next shipment. All shipping cases are covered with shipping bags and boxes up to partial pallet size.
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About DPD Germany
DPD is represented throughout Germany with 79 depots and over 8,500 Pickup parcel shops. More than 8,500 employees and 11,000 delivery staff are on duty for customers every day. DPD transports over 350 million parcels in the German parcel market every year. By 2027 DPD will provide its shippers and consignees with access to a total of around 20,000 Out of Home points, consisting of parcel shops and parcel stations. With innovative technologies, a focus on industry-specific solutions (e.g. shipping tyres and wheel rims) and a consistent focus on the needs of all customers, DPD makes parcel shipping in the B2B and B2C sectors simple, convenient and flexible.
DPD Germany is part of Geopost, one of Europe's leading providers of parcel delivery and e-commerce solutions, operating in more than 50 countries and offering over 120,000 out-of-home points in Europe. Geopost generated a turnover of 15.7 billion euros in 2023 and delivered 2.1 billion parcels worldwide.
