Reusable packaging is becoming increasingly important in logistics, fulfilment and internal transport processes. But making a box reusable is not only a question of choosing a durable material. The way packaging is opened, closed and handled throughout its lifecycle can have a major impact on how long it actually remains in use.
In many fulfilment centres and warehouses, cardboard boxes are opened several times during picking, inspection, repacking or return processes. If adhesive tape is used each time, every cycle requires new material and additional handling.
Removing the tape can also leave adhesive residues, tear the outer paper layer or damage the carton surface. Over time, this can reduce the number of times the packaging can be reused. Opening taped boxes often also requires knives or cutters, creating an additional safety consideration for employees.
For reusable packaging concepts, the closing system therefore becomes an important part of the overall design.
BoxLatch: Designed for repeated opening and closing
One example is the EKS BoxLatch, a reusable closure solution for cardboard packaging. Instead of applying new adhesive tape every time a box is closed, BoxLatch allows the packaging to be opened and securely closed again multiple times.
The practical benefits include:
- Less adhesive tape: No new tape is required for every closing cycle.
- Reduced carton damage: The cardboard surface is not repeatedly exposed to adhesive tape and its removal.
- Tool-free access: Boxes can be opened without cutting through tape with knives or cutters.
- Simplified handling: Recurring opening and closing can be integrated more easily into fulfilment and logistics processes.
- More reuse cycles: Protecting the carton from unnecessary damage can help keep the same packaging in use for longer.
For fulfilment centres, warehouses and internal logistics operations, these advantages can make reusable cardboard packaging more practical in everyday use.
Solutions such as BoxLatch also show that improving reuse does not necessarily require a completely new packaging concept. In many cases, adapting individual components can already change how effectively an existing cardboard box performs over multiple cycles.
At E-K-S, we develop packaging components designed to support practical, efficient and reusable packaging concepts. The aim is not only to extend the life of the packaging itself, but also to simplify the processes around it.
Because truly reusable packaging needs to work not only during transport, but during every opening and closing cycle along the way.