IMPLEMENT IDEAL DIGITAL DEPOSIT SYSTEMS FOR ALL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS
LEVERAGE EXISTING RETURN INFRASTRUCTURE TO AVOID unnecessary INVESTMENTS AND OPERATIONAL COSTS
Ben van der Kemp, policy advisor Erasmus University Rotterdam
PackBack understands that every customer is different. Different consumer groups and operations determine the ideal reuse system to implement. Therefore, at PackBack we don’t believe in cookie-cutter reuse systems. We currently enable two validated models to suit every context and are constantly designing new ones. Understand both models via two cases.
At Erasmus University in Rotterdam we have implemented the account-based system with packaging company DutchCups. Users can use their PackBack app account to borrow reusables without paying a deposit upfront. When a customer borrows a reusable, the packaging is added to their account. They only get charged a compensation fee if a reusable packaging is not returned (on time). This ensures financial compensation of lost packaging. Reusables are returned in smart bins that automatically register returned packaging and notifies users of the successful return.
At the University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam we have also collaborated with Paardekooper on a similar borrow model. In this case we’ve added a smart bin that automatically tracks and reimburses the deposits instantly. One of our partners took care of the collection and washing!