E-Commerce Returnable Tote Solution

Schoeller Allibert, a European leader in the production of recyclable, reusable and returnable plastic packaging solutions, has launched the latest innovation in its industry-standard Maxinest® family of returnable packaging solutions in the UK, the Maxinest E-Tail. Designed to deliver enhanced logistics efficiency, hygiene and sustainability for today’s challenged retail supply chains, the Maxinest E-tail also meets the needs of the growing micro-fulfilment sector.

Jon Walkington, Sales and Marketing Director at Schoeller Allibert, said: “Online shopping has clearly played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns across the world forcing stores to close and many businesses looking to online sales to keep them afloat. According to a recent study of 4,500 shoppers by global research firm EPiServer, 38% of UK consumers are now buying online at least once a week, more than any other region surveyed. In the US it is 26%, Benelux 22%, Australia 21%, Germany 20% and Sweden 20%. This means that there is a critical need for retailers to manage this exceptional level of e-commerce and everyone is facing supply chain complexity. We are responding to this need with an innovative tote that will help future proof retailer e-commerce operations.”

First, the new Maxinest® E-tail design can be combined with dividers to ensure multiple customer orders can be stored separately in a single container. This ensures it is a highly versatile option for manual and automated handling applications alike. Second, it has a very high nesting ratio of 80% meaning return transportation costs and the logistics carbon footprint are minimised. It is also fully interoperable with the rest of the Maxinest® family, a key consideration when the original Maxinest® is the most proven and popular retailer tote available. To boost hygiene, the Maxinest® E-tail tote incorporates a clever floor design that is flat and non-vented for easy cleaning and to contain any spilt liquids.

Increasing safety and ease of use in operations, the design includes a 6-way handle system – 4 on the end wall and 2 on the long wall. A lower handle recess on the short side also offers easy removal if located on high racking and access is required. Extending the product’s functionality and performance, the Maxinest® E-tail bail arms are manufactured from a special material for increased stacking strength and less deflection. Another key to its success is a flat twin skin, ribbed base to minimise deflection under load and enable use on high-speed conveyors.