A means of closing the containers is usually needed such as lids, covers, straps, staples, tape, latches, clips, bands, Hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.
At endpoints in these single or multi-site linear or circular closed loops, the temporary closures are removed for reuse and boxes taped for secure shipping to their next or a final destination.
Laws have been passed in Maine[6] and Oregon[7] to make it the responsibility of producers of waste to pay into a fund based on the amount and the ability of the materials used in their packaging to be recycled.
A circular economy is a large-scale model that involves the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling of existing material in a global environment.
The supply chain accounts for more than 90% of the environmental impact experienced by most consumer goods companies,[9] more than 800 million tons of cardboard and paper are disposed of yearly in the USA.
[11] Recycling (or reusing) that same ton of corrugated board produces less than 50% of sulfur-dioxide than if made from raw materials and saves more than 9 cubic yards of landfill.
Closed loop opportunities exist in assembly lines, pick and pack fulfillment centers, kitting operations, warehouse management systems, and moving and storage businesses.