DPD now uses reusable shipping packaging from hey circle

Almost all online retail customers are familiar with this scenario. The doorbell rings and you open the door in anticipation of the expected delivery. The object of desire has finally arrived! You hastily tear open the parcel, unpack it and enjoy your new acquisition. But as soon as you unpack it, your guilty conscience kicks in - once again, a lot of packaging waste has been generated for shipping. In the best case scenario, it is "only" paper and cardboard and it goes into the blue garbage can to be recycled. But often a lot of disposable plastic is used that cannot be recycled. This raises the question for many: "Is that necessary? Can't it be more sustainable?".

This is precisely what DPD is offering through its new partnership with hey circle the answer: "Yes, it works!".

A step towards greater sustainability

DPD is the second largest shipping service provider in Germany, sending over 350 million parcels a year. Imagine the mountain of packaging this creates! In one DPD has now issued the following press releasehas announced a significant partnership with the start-up hey circle. From now on, the shipping service provider will rely on shipping packaging from the reusable pioneer from Munich. The shipping bags and boxes are not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely practical. This decision marks an important step towards sustainable logistics and could have a significant positive impact on reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.

The innovative shipping packaging from hey circle can be used up to fifty times. The range extends from small bags to large boxes in partial pallet dimensions. They are made from robust and durable materials to ensure that they can withstand many shipping cycles. The long service life can ultimately also help to save costs. A returns label is enclosed for the return shipment. Recipients fold up the package, stick the label on and hand it in through the letterbox, at the parcel store or directly to the deliverer with the next delivery. Of course, returns can also be processed in the same way. According to hey circle, the return rate is 98%. The recycling system significantly reduces the need for disposable packaging. Contributing to environmental protection and sustainability can be that simple.

Will all DPD parcels in future only be returnable?

We have to put the brakes on the emerging euphoria a little here. Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. DPD is a shipping service provider and of course does not decide on the packaging used by retailers and sellers. However, new incentives are being set, not least through the cost factor, which can be reduced compared to disposable packaging. It also acts 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.

In any case, the provider is certain that the Returnable shipping is the future of (online) retail. One of the reasons for this is that from August 12, 2026, the new EU Packaging Regulation comes into force and thus introduces new binding obligations for online retailers.

Doris Diebold, founder and CEO of hey circle, comments as follows:

"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 rely on established logistics processes with a new type of packaging. We look forward to gaining lighthouse customers for waste-free shipping together."

Last year, tests were carried out to see how well foldable packaging made from recyclable plastic fits into logistics processes. One of the best-known "test objects" was the clothing manufacturer Trigema. 200 XL boxes shuttled between the production site and storesto reduce waste and save costs.

CO₂ emissions are to be reduced to zero by 2030

DPD has decided to support the sustainable initiative in order to minimize the ecological impact of parcel shipping. The use of reusable packaging is part of a broader strategy. The company has set itself the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions to zero by 2030. The partnership with hey circle is a good example of how companies can work together and make a positive contribution to environmental protection through innovative solutions. It also shows that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand. Environmentally friendly packaging helps to minimize waste and conserve resources. At the same time, they offer customers a convenient and user-friendly solution for shipping their parcels. This is because the simple and uncomplicated return process ensures an efficient recycling process.

Conclusion

The reusable shipping packaging from hey circle and the support from DPD are an important example of how more sustainability can be introduced and implemented in the logistics sector. The partnership definitely sends a strong signal for the future of logistics: sustainable, efficient and customer-friendly.

Let's hope that other companies follow this example and take similar measures. As a retailer or seller, you can make a contribution to this. So take the plunge and become part of the reusable e-commerce movement! Our actions determine the future of the planet and therefore also that of humanity.