oceanBag

Reusable Transport Packaging Systems

Two people giving a high-five over large white bags in an indoor setting.
OceanBag logo with QR code, European consortium for big bag reuse.

Saving the ocean, one (big)bag at a time

The oceanBag project sets out to create a scalable system for reusing Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (Big Bags) in the Netherlands, reducing single-use plastic waste and CO2 emissions.

  • Impact: Aims to cut single-use Big Bag consumption in the Netherlands by 5% (475,000 bags annually).

  • Collaboration: Unites leading manufacturers, recyclers, and logistics providers in designing and setting standards for a profitable system.

  • Recognition: Secured funding from the Moonshot program by the Versnellingshuis, affirming its potential for scalability and impact on the Dutch Circular Economy.

Logo of Versnellingshuis Nederland circulair, featuring concentric blue and orange circles with text stating the organization's name.

Consortium partners

  • Searious Business: Project coordination, economic and environmental evaluations, and business case modelling.

  • LC Packaging: Supplier and (re)conditioning services.

  • Worldbag: Responsible for cleaning, inspection and quality control.

  • Bas van den Ende: Recycler and supplier of regranulate.

  • Bexter: Digital platform provider for tracking and monitoring.

  • Re3v: Pooling and logistics partner.

  • Procter & Gamble: User of big bags for the production of household products.

  • Weylchem: User of Big Bags for the

    supply of chemicals to Procter & Gamble.

Logos of Searious Business, LC Packaging, Bas van den Ende Kunststoff Recycling, Worldbag, Bexter, WeylChem, and P&G.
Infographic illustrating recycle and reuse process for big bags, including coordination, digital infrastructure, cleaning, repairing, and recycling facilities, and end-user roles.
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PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION

Ø26.1: By 2030, at least 40% reusable packaging within a system for reuse

By 2040, at least 70% reusable packaging within a system for reuse

Ø26.2: By 2026, All packaging used between operator or linked partner sites is reusable within a system for reuse

Plus…

•Packaging waste fee - € 2 per bag (based on € 0.80 per kg)

•Single-use plastic tax - € 0.50 per bag

5 years for companies to shift, but solo efforts involve:

  • High costs (e.g., R&D, infrastructure).

  • Significant risks and uncertainties.

  • Non-standardized processes incompatible with partners.

Collaboration is essential for scaling a viable reuse system

Large white reusable bag labeled "oceanBag" on a wooden pallet, designed for bulk storage.

Get ahead, start reusing!

Lower Environmental Impact: Reduce your environmental footprint and CO2 emissions.

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Cost Savings: Save money through reusable Big Bags at a similar price as single-use options.

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Legislation Compliance: Ensure your operations meet regulatory requirements.

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Waste Elimination: Minimize waste by reusing instead of discarding bags.

Blue circle icon with hand dropping graph into trash can.

Does your company use Big Bags in Europe? Be part of this innovative project and make a difference.

Contact us to learn how you can get involved!

Get involved

REUSABLE PACKAGING PROJECTS

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