“Digital Tracking and IoT-Enabled Reusability Solutions”
- A significant and accelerating trend in the global returnable transport packaging (RTP) market is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable real-time tracking, inventory management, and predictive maintenance of reusable packaging assets across the supply chain
- For instance, in March 2024, ORBIS Corporation introduced a line of RFID-enabled reusable plastic pallets, allowing companies to monitor asset movement, enhance visibility, and reduce loss or theft in logistics operations. This advancement has helped improve ROI on RTP systems and increase operational efficiency in warehousing and transportation
- IoT integration in RTP enables features such as automated return tracking, geo-fencing, and temperature monitoring for sensitive goods. Companies can now remotely access data such as asset location, usage frequency, and condition, optimizing asset utilization and extending lifecycle
- Moreover, the rise of digital twins—virtual models of physical packaging assets—has allowed companies to simulate supply chain scenarios and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies using real-time data captured through sensors embedded in transport packaging
- As a result, RTP solutions are increasingly being linked with cloud-based supply chain management platforms and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This integration allows logistics teams to coordinate RTP cycles with production schedules, reducing downtime and improving order accuracy
- These advancements are reshaping how companies manage packaging logistics, with major firms such as Schoeller Allibert and Tosca developing smart RTP systems that are reusable, traceable, and tailored for circular supply chains. In September 2023, Tosca launched a new intelligent container line featuring condition sensors for perishable food supply chains across Europe
- The rising demand for data-driven, reusable, and sustainable packaging solutions across multiple industries is driving RTP manufacturers to invest in technology-enabled products. This trend is expected to transform returnable packaging from a simple logistical tool into a critical asset in intelligent, sustainable, and automated supply chains
