Every day, approximately two million cardboard packages are discarded in the Netherlands after just one use. These boxes and bags are torn apart and sent into an energy-intensive recycling system. This can, and must, be done differently. Reusable shipping packaging provides a direct, scalable solution. Each order fulfilled using reusable materials reduces waste, lowers emissions, and contributes to a cleaner, more circular economy. 

BOXO is a mission-driven, steward-owned company offering reusable shipping packaging and a nationwide return system for webshops and packaging companies in the Netherlands. Positioned at the heart of the e-commerce ecosystem, BOXO collaborates with online retailers, shipping platforms, couriers, and packaging suppliers to make reusable packaging the new standard. Since its founding in 2021 by Marcel, Okke, and Lucas, BOXO has focused on two main objectives: 

- Developing a universal return infrastructure for reusable shipping packaging—BOXO Return; 

- Producing reusable packaging, Boxobags, locally and socially in the Netherlands. 

From Single-Use to Circular Shipping 

The rise of e-commerce has led to overflowing recycling bins, stray boxes on the streets, and increasing frustration among residents. Municipal waste systems are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of packaging waste. Reusable packaging reduces pressure on local waste systems, lowers municipal costs, and improves neighborhood cleanliness. To support this transition, BOXO is working with municipalities to set up local drop-off points for used packaging. 

Making the switch to circular packaging significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, water usage, and deforestation. Research shows that reusable packaging within a decentralized return system like BOXO Return results in up to 90% lower CO₂-equivalent emissions compared to single-use cardboard packaging—even when recycled. The Netherlands aims to be fully circular by 2050. The R-ladder, a framework ranking strategies for circularity, puts refuse, rethink, reduce, and reuse at the top—offering the greatest savings in raw materials. Reusable packaging fits squarely into the top rungs—delivering environmental savings far beyond what recycling alone can offer. 

The BOXO Return system is designed for minimal environmental impact. Returned packaging is collected locally, grouped efficiently, and transported via existing logistics routes—avoiding the need for additional transport. Once processed at a BOXO hub, packaging is cleaned using only a damp cloth and mild soap. After inspection, the packaging is redistributed to webshops and packaging companies, again using existing routes. Research confirms that recycled cardboard emits up to 90% more CO₂-equivalent emissions than reusable packaging within systems like BOXO Return.