Tel Aviv, Israel May 30, 2024 – oceansix Future Paths Ltd., a leader in advanced recycling and manufacturing technological solutions, and its recent acquisition, RePack, a leading provider of reusable packaging solutions, have been selected to participate in the prestigious Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. This recognition highlights RePack’s innovative approach to tackling the single-use packaging challenge and marks a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize e-commerce deliveries.
A Global Recognition for RePack’s Vanguard Solutions
Chosen from hundreds of applicants worldwide, RePack will join 14 other pioneering European companies in the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The selected companies will participate in a comprehensive four-week program that offers an unparalleled platform to enhance business operations, pilot innovative technologies with Amazon, and establish strategic partnerships.
Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, specialized mentorship, and access to a robust network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability and logistics sector. They will also have the opportunity to pitch their innovative solutions for potential trials within Amazon’s European operations, possibly earning up to €2 million in financial support.
“Being selected for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a key achievement for RePack,” said Peter Peltonen, RePack’s COO. “This Program will not only help us scale our solutions but also refine our strategies with guidance from industry leaders in logistics and e-commerce. Working with reusable packaging providers aligns perfectly with Amazon’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions .”
Aligning Innovations for a Circular Vision
RePack will collaborate closely with Amazon’s Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund, and Climate Pledge Friendly teams. This collaboration aims to align RePack’s innovations with Amazon’s ambitious sustainability objectives, providing tailored support to accelerate progress.
“We are pleased for the recognition of RePack’s innovative solutions by an industry leader such as Amazon and thank the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator committee for the trust in our team,” added Elad Hameiri, CEO of oceansix. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to advance circular services for packaging deliveries and we’re confident that RePack’s participation will drive significant progress in sustainable packaging solutions, setting new standards for the industry.”
Other Packaging Providers Participating in the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator
- Hipli (FR) is a packaging provider for e-commerce businesses. Empty bags can be sent back to businesses for cleaning and reuse after delivery. Hipli has signed contracts with more than 220 French and European e-commerce companies, including Belgium’s leading postal operator, Bpost.
- Re-Zip (DK) is reusable packaging that rewards customers for returning items, often in the form of a voucher for the webshop from which they ordered.
- Opopop (FR) is a reusable and returnable packaging company that builds long-lasting products using surplus waterproof materials (solid, washable, and repairable) from the textile industry.
- KIUD (EE)—KIUD has developed a durable packaging solution made from 100% textile fibers that can be reused and recycled via conventional textile waste streams. Compared to cardboard, KIUD’s packaging reduces water consumption by 89%, CO2 by 82% and land use by 86%.
Repack’s Journey
Repack, founded in 2011, aims to reduce the environmental impact of online shopping by offering packaging that can be returned and reused multiple times. This concept was inspired by Finland’s successful bottle deposit return system.
RePack’s system uses durable, recyclable plastic mailers made from woven polypropylene. These mailers are designed to be returned by customers via standard postal services, significantly reducing waste compared to single-use packaging. The mailers are folded to letter size for easy return, cleaned, and reused in subsequent deliveries. This closed-loop system has been shown to reduce packaging waste by up to 96%.
The company has gained traction in Europe and has expanded its operations to the United States. It has partnered with numerous brands, including H&M, The North Face, and Levi’s, to integrate its reusable packaging into their logistics. RePack’s solution offers long-term environmental benefits, potentially offsetting costs through regulatory incentives and consumer willingness to support sustainable practices.
RePack has also received several awards for its innovative approach, including the Pactec Innovation Prize in 2013, the Fennia Prize in 2014, and the Nordic Council Environment Prize in 2017. It was recently acquired by oceansix.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
