Again has developed an end-to-end reusable packaging supply chain solution for online organic grocery retailer, Abel & Cole, enabling the reuse of thousands of items of packaging.
Our impact
Together we are achieving:
- Receiving returns from all 9 local depots.
- Partnering with brands across multiple categories.
- Reusing 215k items of packaging per year.
- Saving 14,000 KgCO₂e per year.
The reverse logistics model
Again's supply chain model with Abel & Cole
- Abel & Cole deliver goods in reusable packaging to consumers' doorsteps.
- Abel & Cole's delivery driver collects back the used packaging from consumers' doorsteps.
- The used packaging is brought to a local Abel & Cole Depot and placed in one of Again's uniquely tagged Crate Systems.
- Abel & Cole aggregate all of the Again Crate Systems at its Core Distribution Centre (DC), and Again receives the Crates at a CleanCell.
- At Again's CleanCell, the used packaging is sorted, cleaned and redistributed to brands for refill.
The end-to-end supply chain solution
From packaging design to logistics, tracking data and analytics along the way, Again makes it easy for grocery retailers and their suppliers to integrate reusable glass bottles into their existing supply chain.
Packaging design
Again partners with brands to ensure bottles are fit for reuse.
Collection Logistics
Again’s crate system integrates into Abel & Cole’s distribution network and fleet.
Sorting & Tracking
All packaging and crates have a unique identifier which allows scanning along the supply chain, enabling data-driven insights into supply chain optimisation, return rates and centre performance.
Packaging reconditioning
Again’s CleanCell system sorts, de-labels, washes, dries and visually inspects every item of packaging.
Redistribution for Refill
Qualified packaging is robotically palletised to be redistributed to brands for refill. Cleaned bottles and jars are available for purchase on our Again Store platform - back to the original brand or to another.
Data and Analytics
Again provides Abel & Cole and its brands with reporting on return rates by fulfilment centre, number of units reused, kgCO2e savings and supply chain analysis.
