3 “Unpackaged” Products from REI

When REI began offering in-store recycling for the cardboard boxes that came with their boots, it soon became clear that customers had almost no desire to take the boxes home. This insight fueled REI’s goal of reducing packaging by 35% by 2013. Click through to see some ways they are working towards this goal.

REI reducing packaging sustainable

Before: this cooking set came in a full-coverage cardboard box and each piece in the set was individually poly-bagged.

After: The bags were eliminated and the box size reduced. The amount of cardboard consumed was also reduced by a die-cut design that shows off the product.

REI reducing packaging sustainable

Before: Trekking pole tips were vacuum-sealed to a paper backing

After: The product is held in place by its backing, which is made of 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Content.

REI reducing packaging sustainable

Before: Each bike tube was packaged in a cardboard box similar in size to an energy bar. There was almost as much packaging as actual product.

After: Shrink-wrapping the bike tube greatly reduces packaging and protects the bike tube until it’s needed. A QR code on the back gives bike riders information on how to change a flat.

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