Where did the reusable shipping bags for online retail actually go? Well, most of them are waiting to be reused. And a small part is now available in a mini format! Our manufacturing partners from Bridge & Tunnel have worked their magic and sewn 180 new small upcycling bags from some of the defective reusable shipping bags. This way, they can be used again and are practical everyday companions, for example for pens, cables, make-up and so on...

We tested the reusable shipping bag for a good year. 26,000 bags were on the road for our online dispatch in the pilot project.

The bags carried 81,000 consignments on their way to our customers. On average, the bags completed three rounds. However, individual bags were on the road up to six times! Judging by their condition, they could have travelled even more.

Only a few hundred bags had to be sorted out. The main reasons are defective zips or labels/labels/inscriptions that could not be removed.

From 100 of the discarded bags, 180 new bags have now been sewn.

Bridge & Tunnel: Upcycling in Wilhelmsburg

In the Wilhelmsburg district, the young label Bridge & Tunnel produces sustainably and fairly: with socially disadvantaged people and refugees who have only recently arrived in Germany. Bridge & Tunnel recycles donated fabrics and materials into new stylish products. You can find out more in the Bridge & Tunnel shop.  

Conny Klotz, co-founder of Bridge & Tunnel, lives (and works) for her vision: "Upcycling is a fantastically sustainable approach to extending the life cycle of clothing. First and foremost, upcycling means turning something old into something new but of higher quality, which is what distinguishes upcycling from downcycling. What excites us most is the combination of aesthetics and ethics. On the one hand, we create unique designs, and on the other, we make a positive contribution to reducing waste and resource consumption. We are proud to take responsibility for our planet and at the same time create unique designs for other companies."

And what's next for reusable bags? In a long-term project, Tchibo will work together with other mail order companies and other stakeholders on an industry solution. Discussions are currently taking place with potential partners. The advantages: Return shipping would be even easier for our customers, as it would be standardised regardless of packaging and shop ("return anywhere"). In addition, the cost-effectiveness for all partners involved would increase as they would all be using the same infrastructure.