What Is a Returnable Container?

Returnable containers are shipping containers that can be returned and reused to cut costs, improve efficiency and reduce waste while promoting sustainability. These containers can be used several times for transporting a product as opposed to a non-returnable or expendable container, which can only be used once. The reusable container supply chain involves four key areas: containers in use for finished goods being produced, containers holding products that are in use at the customer's location, empty containers being sorted, processed and cleaned for return, and those in the return loop.