Revolutionizing supply chain sustainability with reusable packaging

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In today’s logistics industry, traditional packaging methods create significant environmental challenges through excessive waste generation and resource consumption. For a major European automotive customer with multiple factories and hundreds of suppliers across Europe, finding a sustainable packaging solution without compromising operational efficiency presented a considerable challenge.

THE SOLUTION

CEVA implemented a closed-loop reusable packaging system that eliminated the need for single-use cardboard packaging. The customer uses standardized reusable packaging to transport small auto parts that are essential for manufacturing. With the success of this project, CEVA manages millions of package entries for the customer, standardizing packaging across all suppliers and enhancing inbound logistics efficiency.

Through optimized transport operations, CEVA introduced smart space utilization plans and strategic pooling and redistribution methods. Once the reusable boxes are emptied at the customer’s facilities, CEVA collects, processes and redistributes the boxes to other suppliers using an efficient pooling model.

This innovative service manages the entire lifecycle of reusable plastic packaging, covering:

Operational flow and planning design
Strategic inventory management across multiple locations
Customer service and coordination with hundreds of suppliers
Maintenance and washing of the plastic boxes

Logistics and transport of the reusable packages

TANGIBLE RESULTS

The implementation of CEVA’s reusable packaging system has delivered impressive environmental and operational benefits.

cardboard waste

22,000 tonnes

eliminated

tCO2e

18,000

reduction in emissions (59% decrease compared to disposable cardboard boxes)

100%

recycling rate for plastic packaging at end-of-life

Across all CEVA operations in 2024, reusable packaging prevented 38,000 tCO2 emissions, representing a 61% reduction. This partnership demonstrates how innovative logistics solutions address environmental challenges and enhance operational efficiency. CEVA’s customer has significantly reduced their environmental footprint while maintaining seamless supply chain operations across their complex European network.