Multiloop: Schoeller Group and FIEGE develop sustainable reusable system for online sellers
Schoeller Group, a specialist in reusable systems, and the logistics company FIEGE have become partners in Multiloop, a joint venture that develops reusable packaging for shipping in eCommerce, giving online sellers a budget-friendly option to sustainably lower their ecological footprint.
Joining forces: Schoeller Group and FIEGE, together with Leif Erichson, the former President Europe of the fashion brand Esprit, and the serial entrepreneur Elias Kuby, have formed Multiloop as a joint venture. In contrast to conventional cardboard boxes that dominate the eCommerce sector, Multiloop uses durable, reusable packaging made from recyclable, water-repellent polypropylene. On average, a reusable Multiloop box replaces 30 disposable boxes, reducing up to 86 per cent of CO2. At the end of their lifecycle, the packaging is recycled and used to produce new Multiloop boxes.
Multiloop's reusable parcel boxes and envelopes replace up to 30 single-use cartons and are available in different sizes for almost any shipment. (Photo: Multiloop)
“We advocate re-using before recycling in a way that is easy, affordable, and mass market-ready”, says Leif Erichson, co-founder and Managing Director of Multiloop. “End customers only pay a deposit which is, of course, fully refunded when returning the packaging. Our strategic USP that distinguishes us from the competition is our uniquely convenient returns systems for which we plan to set up around 15,000 return points at supermarkets, petrol stations and kiosks. Our packaging is optimised for logistical purposes which means there is almost no implementation effort for online sellers. Add to this that we are tying Multiloop to an attractive pay-per-use model which every online seller will be able to afford.”
Elias Kuby, also co-founder and Managing Director at Multiloop, adds: “Multiloop combines the best of both worlds: in Schoeller Group we have a partner who has been devising and producing innovative re-use systems for more than 60 years. The logistics company FIEGE contributes key know-how in eCommerce, logistics and the last mile to this partnership. We wish to tap these strategic unions to build Multiloop into becoming Europe’s market leader for reusable shipping packaging in the long run.”
Jens Fiege, who has been running the fifth-generation, more than 150-year-old family business as Co-CEO with his cousin, Felix Fiege explains: “Our society is becoming increasingly sensitive about sustainability. Especially when it comes to eCommerce, more and more end customers are requesting alternative packaging and shipping options. With Multiloop we have devised a solution that makes eCommerce genuinely more sustainable and resource-friendly as well as accessible for everyone.” And Martin Schoeller, Co-Chairman of Schoeller Group, says: “For Multiloop to grow successfully and ensure the best-possible customer experience, we will continuously grow our extensive Europe-wide returns network together with our partners. More sustainability is best achieved hand in hand with others. We greatly look forward to creating Multiloop’s success story on sustainability.”
