Bold Reuse Glossary
Discover the language of reuse systems with Bold Reuse’s comprehensive glossary! Unearth the meanings of terms surrounding reuse, reusable packaging, and the circular economy. Join us in eliminating single-use waste.
Asset
An asset refers to reusable packaging units that are treated as valuable assets within the circular economy, with efficient tracking, maintenance, and optimization to extend their useful life. In the context of Bold Reuse, these reusable units include cups, containers, lids, and items used in transportation.
Asset Tracking
Tracking: the process by which reusable packaging units are tracked and accounted for over the duration of their lifetime, including processes of transportation, storage, recovery, and disposal.
Circular Economy
The circular economy is a sustainable alternative to the linear economy. It describes a closed-loop economic system involving a continuous flow of resources with the goal of halting waste production. Some key concepts of the circular economy include reuse, eliminating waste and pollution, and designing products with longevity in mind.
The linear economy, often referred to as the “take-make-waste” model, follows a linear flow of materials and resources. On the other hand, the circular economy aims to redefine the traditional linear approach by creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes the use of resources.
The main difference between the circular economy and the linear economy lies in their resources management resources. The linear economy follows a linear, one-way flow of resources from extraction to disposal, while the circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system where resources are reused, refurbished, remanufactured, and recycled to keep them in circulation and minimize the need for new resources.
Bold Reuse embodies the circular economy by replacing traditional single-use packaging, foodware and drink ware with reusables that can be reused again and again. We also push the boundaries of traditional reuse practicies and promote innovative ways to extend the life of products and materials.The Bold Reuse platform encourages a shift away from linear “take-make-waste” model and toward a more sustainable and regenerative approach to resource management and consumption.
Closed-Loop
Closed-loop refers to a system in which reusable packaging is returned and circulated within a specific supply chain, eliminating the need for single-use packaging and minimizing waste generation. Reusable items designed and manufactured to have an extended lifespan support a closed-loop system.
After consumption, these items are collected, inspected, and refurbished as needed, ensuring their quality is maintained. The refurbished products are then reintroduced into the market for further use, reducing the need for new production and minimizing waste. This closed-loop model emphasizes resource conservation, reduces environmental impact, and fosters responsible consumption patterns, contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy.
Cost Saving
The circular economy is a sustainable alternative to the linear economy. It describes a closed-loop economic system involving a continuous flow of resources with the goal of halting waste production. Some key concepts of the circular economy include reuse, eliminating waste and pollution, and designing products with longevity in mind.
The linear economy, often referred to as the “take-make-waste” model, follows a linear flow of materials and resources. On the other hand, the circular economy aims to redefine the traditional linear approach by creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes the use of resources.
The main difference between the circular economy and the linear economy lies in their resources management resources. The linear economy follows a linear, one-way flow of resources from extraction to disposal, while the circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system where resources are reused, refurbished, remanufactured, and recycled to keep them in circulation and minimize the need for new resources.
Digital ID's
A digital ID refers to a unique identifier associated with a specific reusable item or container that is used to track and manage the item throughout its lifecycle.
Digital IDs are used to enable efficient tracking, monitoring, and management of reusable items as they are used, transported, and returned within a supply chain or closed-loop system. This digital identifier can take various forms, such as a barcode, QR code, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag, or a combination of these technologies.
A Quick Response (QR) code, is a two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of information, such as text, URLs, contact information, or other data. QR codes are designed to be easily scanned and read by a smartphone or a QR code scanner.
QR codes provide a cost-effective and versatile solution for tracking reusable packaging items throughout their lifecycle. They enable businesses to collect data, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and make informed decisions regarding the management of their reusable packaging systems.
A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, is a small electronic device that uses radio waves to transmit and receive data wirelessly. These chips are commonly used in various applications, including tracking and managing reusable packaging.
RFID chips are a powerful tool for enhancing the visibility, traceability, and management of reusable packaging systems. They provide an automated and efficient way to collect data, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of supply chains and closed-loop packaging systems.
Downstream
A downstream innovation affects a product or material after its first use. For example, this can include developing a new collection, sorting, and recycling technologies.
EPR Laws
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It is a policy approach that assigns producers responsibility for the end-of-life of products. This can include both financial responsibility and operational responsibility, though the amount and type may differ.
Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws is crucial for states to effectively address the growing environmental challenges posed by increasing waste and resource depletion. EPR laws hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from creation to disposal, incentivizing them to design products that are more eco-friendly, easily recyclable, and generate less waste. By shifting the responsibility onto producers, EPR laws encourage innovation in product design and manufacturing processes, driving the adoption of sustainable practices.
Environmental Sustainability Goals (ESG)
ESG stands for Environmental Sustainability Goals. These refer to targets and initiatives aimed at minimizing overall environmental impact, prioritizing sustainability, and promoting responsible resource management.
It’s important for companies to adopt ESG principles in order to make sure they’re doing their part for sustainability, ethical behavior, and responsible governance. By thinking about ESG in their operations, companies can be proactive about managing risks, stay on top of regulatory changes, and make a great impression on investors, customers, employees, and communities. When companies embrace ESG, they’re helping drive innovation, be more efficient, and stay strong in the long run. Plus, it helps create a culture of accountability and social awareness.
In the end, when companies go all in on ESG, everyone benefits – the company’s bottom line, the environment, and the global business community as a whole.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is the process of overseeing and controlling the stock of reusable packaging units, optimizing their utilization, minimizing waste, and ensuring availability when needed.
Inventory management is essential to reusable packaging systems because it ensures the efficient circulation and utilization of reusable containers. Effective inventory management helps track the movement of these containers within the supply chain, preventing losses and minimizing the need for constant replacements.
By optimizing inventory levels, companies can reduce storage costs, improve logistics planning, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Accurate inventory data enables timely maintenance and repairs of reusable packaging, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a reusable asset refers to the entire lifespan of an asset including raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management, considering environmental and social impacts across all stages. The lifecycle of reusables is different from disposables, and it typically repeats many times.
Life Cycle Analysis
A comprehensive assessment of the environmental and social impacts of reusable packaging systems throughout their entire life cycle, considering factors such as energy consumption, emissions, waste generation, and resource use.
Life cycle analysis (LCA) holds paramount importance for waste management practices due to its ability to comprehensively assess and optimize the environmental, economic, and social impacts of waste management strategies throughout their entire life cycle. LCA enables decision-makers to make informed choices by considering the various stages of a product or waste’s existence, from raw material extraction and production to use, disposal, and potential recycling or recovery.
By applying LCA to waste management, organizations and policymakers can identify the most sustainable and efficient methods for minimizing waste generation, optimizing resource use, and reducing environmental pollution. This holistic approach helps in selecting strategies that not only reduce the immediate environmental impact but also prevent the shifting of burdens from one stage to another. LCA also promotes the development of circular economy practices, such as recycling and reusing materials, by quantifying the benefits of these strategies in terms of resource conservation and emissions reduction.
Linear Economy
A linear economy, often referred to as a traditional or conventional economy, is a model of economic and production systems that follows a linear flow of resources: extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of products, consumption by users, and disposal of waste after their useful life. In this linear model, resources are used to create products that are then discarded at the end of their lifecycle, typically as waste or pollution.
Source: Ellen MacArthurt Foundation
Logistics
Logistics refers to the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow of storage of goods, where reusable packaging plays a crucial role in optimizing transportation and reducing waste.
Efficient logistics are integral to the triumph of reusable packaging systems for several critical reasons. They facilitate the seamless circulation of packaging containers throughout their lifecycle, guaranteeing a constant supply and preventing disruptions. Logistics optimize costs, energy use, and resource allocation, while also fostering coordination among various stakeholders involved. By tracking container movements, logistics ensure inventory control and sustainability goals are met. Ultimately, they underpin the success of reusable packaging by enabling smooth operations, cost-effectiveness, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental benefits.
Returnable
Packaging intended to be returned to the supplier or manufacturer after use for cleaning, refurbishment, and reuse, closing the loop in the supply chain.
Return Rate
The percentage of reusable items that are successfully returned and re-entered Bold Reuse’s inventory after being used by customers or clients.
Return rate = total items returned/total items sold
Reusable
Packaging that is designed to be used multiple times, reduces the need for single-use alternatives and promotes resource efficiency. The lifecycle of a reusable involves the repeat of a cycle. A “reusable” could be packaging, or any item designed to withstand multiple uses.
A reusable refers to an item, typically packaging or a container, that is designed to be used multiple times for various purposes instead of being discarded after a single use. Reusables are intended to reduce the need for single-use items and minimize waste generation. They are often crafted from durable materials that can withstand multiple cycles of use and cleaning. Reusables can include items like water bottles, tote bags, food containers, and packaging crates, among others. The concept of reusables supports sustainability by promoting resource conservation and reducing environmental impact compared to disposable alternatives.
Return rate = total items returned/total items sold
A reusable refers to a reusable packaging unit designed to hold and protect goods during storage and transportation, contributing to the reduction of packaging waste. Reusable containers are designed for durability and repetition of the reuse cycle.
Bold Reuse utilizes a variety of different reusable containers made from different materials.
Reusable Container
A reusable refers to a reusable packaging unit designed to hold and protect goods during storage and transportation, contributing to the reduction of packaging waste. Reusable containers are designed for durability and repetition of the reuse cycle.
Bold Reuse utilizes a variety of different reusable containers made from different materials.
Reusable food and drinkware offer significant environmental advantages over single-use counterparts. By minimizing waste generation, conserving resources, and reducing pollution, they contribute to a greener planet. Reusables also curb energy consumption and emissions associated with production, while promoting sustainable behaviors and aligning with the circular economy concept. Not only do they save costs over time, but they also drive a positive shift in consumer behavior toward responsible consumption.
Reusable Container
Reusable packaging and items are designed for durability and to withstand several uses.
A company or organization providing a reusable inventory (i.e. Bold Reuse!)
The components and overall schema involved in the procurement, distribution, return, and sanitization of reusable packaging. Reusable packaging systems encourage and support circular economic activities.
Reusable packaging systems are designed to reduce the environmental impact of single-use packaging materials by using containers and packaging that can be reused multiple times.
Learn more about how Business are Succeeding with Reusable Packaging
Reusable Transport Packaging (RTP)
Reusable Transport Packaging (RTP) refers to a system of durable and sustainable packaging solutions designed to transport goods multiple times throughout the supply chain. RTP includes containers, crates, pallets, and other packaging items that are constructed to withstand the rigors of shipping, handling, and storage while maintaining their structural integrity. Unlike single-use packaging, which is discarded after a single journey, RTP items are intended for repeated use, offering economic and environmental benefits. The use of RTP helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of packaging materials by promoting a circular economy approach to logistics and distribution.
Reuse
The process of utilizing an item more than once and extending its lifecycle beyond disposal after a single use.
Reusing items is environmentally superior due to its ability to conserve resources, save energy, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By extending the lifespan of products, reuse reduces the demand for raw materials and minimizes pollution from manufacturing and disposal. This practice not only benefits the environment but also leads to cost savings and encourages sustainable behaviors.
Single-Use
“Single-use” refers to products or items that are designed for one-time or short-term use before being discarded. These items are typically not intended to be reused or refurbished and are often disposed of after a single use. Single-use products can include packaging materials, containers, utensils, and other consumer goods. While they offer convenience, they can contribute to waste generation and environmental issues due to their limited lifespan and frequent disposal.
The concept of single-use has gained attention in discussions about sustainability and waste reduction, as alternatives that promote reuse and longer product lifespans are being sought to mitigate environmental impacts.
Reusing items is environmentally superior due to its ability to conserve resources, save energy, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By extending the lifespan of products, reuse reduces the demand for raw materials and minimizes pollution from manufacturing and disposal. This practice not only benefits the environment but also leads to cost savings and encourages sustainable behaviors.
Single-Use Reduction
Minimizing the use of disposable packaging and products in favor of reusables, extending product life cycles, and supporting the circular economy.
Reducing single-use items is crucial for addressing waste management challenges, conserving resources, mitigating pollution, and promoting more sustainable consumption patterns. It is a fundamental step toward creating a more environmentally responsible and resilient future.
Our mission here at Bold Reuse is to end single-use waste by making reuse easy for all. We actively help our customers transition from single-use to reuse by implementing, tracking, and managing their reusable inventory.
Upstream
Upstream refers to processes that focus on source reduction and preventing waste from the beginning of a product’s lifecycle. Developing upstream solutions requires attention to the initial stages of a product’s life cycle involving the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the item before reaching consumers. This can include developing new materials, product designs, or business models.
Emphasizing efficient and effective upstream processes, such as designing durable and easily reusable packaging materials, sourcing environmentally friendly materials, and establishing strong relationships with responsible suppliers, sets the foundation for a robust reusable packaging framework. These upstream efforts ensure that the materials entering the system are of high quality, long-lasting, and aligned with sustainability goals.
By addressing challenges and optimizing processes at the source, such as minimizing waste during production and transportation, companies can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of reusable packaging. Upstream solutions not only enhance the eco-friendliness and efficiency of reusable packaging systems but also contribute to reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, and a more responsible approach to resource utilization.
Waste Aversion
Upstream refers to processes that focus on source reduction and preventing waste from the beginning of a product’s lifecycle. Developing upstream solutions requires attention to the initial stages of a product’s life cycle involving the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the item before reaching consumers. This can include developing new materials, product designs, or business models.
Emphasizing efficient and effective upstream processes, such as designing durable and easily reusable packaging materials, sourcing environmentally friendly materials, and establishing strong relationships with responsible suppliers, sets the foundation for a robust reusable packaging framework. These upstream efforts ensure that the materials entering the system are of high quality, long-lasting, and aligned with sustainability goals.
By addressing challenges and optimizing processes at the source, such as minimizing waste during production and transportation, companies can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of reusable packaging. Upstream solutions not only enhance the eco-friendliness and efficiency of reusable packaging systems but also contribute to reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, and a more responsible approach to resource utilization.