Adoption of reusable transit packaging in US industries: a framework for enhanced sustainability

This study examines the adoption of reusable transit packaging in the United States aerospace, machinery, and automotive industries, focusing on current perceptions, barriers to adoption, and potential mechanisms for implementing their broader use. Employing a combination of a survey, semi-structured interviews, and a literature review, the research explores and analyzes industry perceptions and existing approaches regarding reusable packaging. A significant finding is the consensus among respondents on the critical role of packaging choices in meeting their organizations' sustainability goals. The study identifies barriers across the chosen industries, such as the lack of mandatory policies, perceived complexity, insufficient capacity, and cost concerns. Interestingly, companies with existing reusable packaging systems are more inclined to expand their use, implying the effectiveness of internal motivation and the need for external stimuli to drive organizations to use reusable packaging to achieve wider adoption. Finally, the article proposes a framework of facilitating mechanisms, including policy interventions and industry-led initiatives to address these barriers. The research offers a strategic roadmap for enhancing the legislative and operational environment to support reusable packaging by ranking these mechanisms based on business impact and feasibility of implementation.