Modernising Logistics: Returnable Transport Packaging Solutions
In today’s fast-paced and environmentally conscious world, modernising supply chains is imperative for businesses striving for efficiency and sustainability. If you don’t start preparing for a greener future now, you’ll be one step behind while others prioritise the future of their business and the planet.
One effective strategy is using returnable transport packaging, specifically through pooling systems. Tosca, a leader in this field, partners with many companies, delivering high-performance, sustainable supply chains through innovative, reusable pooled plastic packaging.
If you want to streamline your supply chain and simplify asset management while contributing to a more sustainable economy, pooling is the answer. Here’s how returnable transport packaging – including returnable crates, pallets, bulk bins, and dollies – can modernise your supply chain with zero capital outlay, predictable pricing, more efficient processes, and simplified management that’s in your control.
THE CONCEPT OF POOLING
Firstly, what is pooling? Pooling refers to the use, and not ownership, of high-quality, durable packaging assets. This system allows businesses to leverage reusable containers without the need for large capital investments. Tosca’s pooling service covers the entire supply chain from end to end, ensuring seamless integration and management of reusable packaging.
We offer a consultancy approach, working with suppliers to solve complexity and problems in supply chains with innovation, technology and expertise.
Tosca’s approach to pooling is tailored to meet the specific challenges of each client. By utilising in-house manufacturing and R&D capabilities, Tosca can create bespoke packaging solutions that fit unique supply chain requirements. This helps reduce cycle times and maximises asset utilisation, for more efficient operations.
POOLING IN PRACTICE: HOW IT WORKS
Did you know Tosca is the only pooler connecting the supply chain end-to-end? We handle the entire cyclical process for all of your reusable assets.
Whether you’re using reusable plastic crates from distribution to retailer, or reusable plastic bulk bins within a factory environment – we can manage the entire process for you with as much or as little involvement as you’d like.
If you’re using returnable transport packaging for business-to-retailer, we deliver your assets – returnable crates, returnable pallets, dollies or point-of-purchase displays – to suppliers as needed. You only pay for a single trip through the supply chain, including servicing and washing. The reusable containers are sent to a retail distribution centre for preparation and stored neatly in the store’s back room or cooler. Retail-ready assets (like Tosca displays) can be placed directly at the point of purchase.
After use, reusables are transported to a salvage sort centre. Tosca collects them from the sorting centre, inspects, repairs if needed, and washes them at one of our 18 service centres, ensuring compliance with the industry’s most rigorous food safety standards.
If you’re using reusable transport packaging for a business-to-business, we deliver the assets, including bulk bins and RPCs, straight to you – whenever, wherever. The reusables are filled with goods – such as perishables, raw products or ingredients – according to your supply chain needs, and shipped to the facility for packaging, processing or conversion. After use, the assets are sent to one of our 50 global Tosca service centres to be inspected, washed and repaired.
WHY CHOOSE POOLING WITH TOSCA?
A key advantage of Tosca’s pooling system is the robustness and longevity of the assets provided. Tosca offers a wide range of reusable packaging options, including crates, pallets and bulk containers, all designed to withstand the rigours of repeated use. This durability ensures consistent performance and contributes to significant cost savings over time.
Pooling with Tosca offers numerous benefits that go beyond the financial savings. Here are some of the key advantages:
Cost Efficiency
Pooling helps businesses minimise the major investments typically required to purchase, manage and maintain packaging solutions. With Tosca, companies pay only for what they need, when they need it. This pay-as-you-go model reduces upfront costs and eliminates the need for large inventories of packaging materials.
Simplified Management
Managing reusable packaging can be complex, but Tosca’s pool management software simplifies this process. Combined expertise and knowledge mean Tosca can work with suppliers to solve complexity and problems in supply chains with innovation, technology and expertise.
You can also guarantee precise and effortless stock traceability with trackable packaging solutions and a customised dashboard for optimised supply chain performance. The software allows companies to track their inventory in real-time, reducing hassle and ensuring that they never run out of necessary assets. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Tosca can manage the entire inventory on their behalf.
All of this means you don’t need multiple partners for your packaging needs. You just need Tosca – reducing complexity and simplifying your supply chain management.
Sustainability
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt reusable transport packaging is its positive impact on the environment. Tosca’s reusable packaging solutions help companies achieve their sustainability goals by reducing fossil fuel emissions, cutting down on waste, and preserving natural resources. Each reusable asset can be used multiple times, significantly lowering the environmental footprint compared to single-use packaging.
So, while you reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste across your supply chain with our innovative, foldable and stackable pooled products, you modernise your supply chain without forgoing sustainability.
Availability and Scalability
Our global network of over 55 depots means assets are available wherever and whenever they’re needed. This extensive network provides the scalability required to support both small and large operations, making it a reliable partner for businesses of all sizes.
It also allows businesses to upscale or downscale their assets depending on demand, supply, seasonality and financial situation.
PACKAGING SOLUTIONS TO SUIT YOUR SITUATION
Tosca offers flexible options to suit different business needs:
1. Build and Manage a New Pool: Tosca helps businesses establish and manage a pool of reusable assets, providing turnkey services including washing and delivery.
2. Manage Existing Pools: For companies with existing reusable assets, Tosca offers management, inspection and repair services to maintain the quality and safety of their inventory.
3. Rent Reusables: Businesses not ready for full pooling can rent reusable assets from Tosca, benefiting from the high-quality packaging without the long-term commitment.
4. Buy Reusables Directly: Businesses can invest in packaging and purchase reusables directly from Tosca, gaining full ownership, access to expert R&D, tailored solutions, and improved sustainability.
READY TO MODERNISE YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN WITH TOSCA?
As businesses continue to seek ways to optimise their operations and reduce their environmental impact, reusable transport packaging presents a forward-thinking approach that meets these goals.
Simplify your supply chain by partnering with Tosca, your single, end-to-end supplier across the EU. With our extensive wash network, resources and portfolio, we ensure simplicity and flexibility throughout the supply chain. By adopting Tosca’s innovative solutions, companies can not only improve their supply chain performance but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Get in touch with one of our pooling experts today.
