Reusable Packaging Comparison & Switch

The challenge

Wolseley operates a large UK distribution network, moving products from three main warehouses to hundreds of distribution centres. This system relied heavily on single-use cardboard transport boxes, generating recurring material costs and unnecessary carbon emissions. Wolseley partnered with Reath to assess whether reusable transport packaging could provide measurable financial and environmental benefits at scale. Using the Packaging Comparator, Reath modelled Wolseley's real distribution flows, revealing strong savings potential and informing the design of the pilot.

What we did

• Reath's Packaging Comparator showed clear cost and carbon benefits for switching to reuse.
• Boxes were filled at Wolseley's three main warehouses and distributed through existing delivery routes.
• Trucks returned empty boxes to warehouses, enabling continuous reuse cycles.
• Reath's traceability tools provided real-time visibility, return-rate insights and performance data.

More case studies