packagingnews.co.uk

eBay turns to packaging to boost green credentials

Online auction site eBay is to incorporate reusable boxes for eBay sellers in a bid to reduce packaging waste.

Sellers will be able to request the box which is sent to them by eBay. The box, which is made from FSC certified and recycled material is then sent back between sellers and buyers.

According to eBay, if each box is reused at least five times the company could help "protect nearly 4,000 trees, save 2.4m gallons of water and conserve enough energy to power 49 homes a year".

The figures are from a pilot of 100,000 boxes that will roll out in the US in October. It is not yet clear when the programme will be launched in Europe.

Each box has space for buyers and sellers to write personal messages while the history of each box can be tracked through a "virtual community" where customers can connect online.

The idea was one of the winning entries at eBay’s Innovation Expo earlier this year, where staff were invited to develop prototypes for new products.