Rethinking Return Logistics: RE-ZIP x Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid)
Instead of routing every single RE-ZIP package back individually, customers can now drop off their RE-ZIP packaging at Folkekirkens Nødhjælp’s stores. From there, packaging is collected locally and returned in bulk — cutting down on transport trips, emissions, and cost per return.
This pilot is made possible through the EU LIFE Programme, which co-funds RE-ZIP’s work to build more circular packaging infrastructure across Europe.
Turning errands into return points
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp already has a nationwide network of stores that people visit as part of their everyday errands. By tapping into that existing infrastructure, RE-ZIP turns everyday errands into return points, with no new infrastructure required. At the pilot stores, RE-ZIP:
- Placed dedicated return boxes for customers to drop off used packaging
- Set up local, bulk collection instead of individual package returns
- Reduced the number of transport trips needed per return
What this means for circular logistics
Even though this is “just” a smaller pilot, it’s what circular logistics looks like in practice: fewer individual shipments, more consolidated returns, and a packaging loop that gets more efficient as the network of drop-off points grows.
We’re grateful to the EU LIFE Programme for supporting this kind of experimentation — and to Folkekirkens Nødhjælp for opening up their store network to make it possible.
Next time you’re near a Folkekirkens Nødhjælp store in Denmark, bring your RE-ZIP packaging along.
The LIFE RE-ZIP project is co-funded by the European Union under project LIFE22-ENV-DK-LIFE-RE-ZIP-101113962. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.