Companies that collect secondary distribution boxes

Companies like American Box and DS Smith specialize in collecting, reselling, or recycling secondary distribution boxes to extend their lifecycle and support circular supply chains.

Key Companies and Services

American Box & Recycling (Philadelphia, USA) has been collecting and reselling used boxes since the 1950s. They serve off-price retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and liquidators, providing a market for secondary packaging of all shapes and sizes. About 85% of the 15 million boxes they handled last year were reused, helping businesses reduce waste and costs while supporting sustainability goals.

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S Smith Recycling (Europe) offers commercial cardboard recycling services, collecting cardboard waste from businesses and processing it into new boxes through a closed-loop system. They work with major brands like Tesco, Lidl, and Carrefour, ensuring that collected cardboard is never sent to landfill and is efficiently recycled into new packaging.

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I Schaefer Plastics provides container distribution, collection, and retrofitting services, including digital management of recycling bins and secondary packaging containers. Their solutions help organizations optimize logistics, reduce labor, and maintain traceability for reusable containers. Satellite3PL (New Zealand) offers third-party logistics services, including warehousing and distribution, which can include handling secondary packaging for e-commerce and retail clients.

While primarily a 3PL provider, they support businesses in managing packaging flows efficiently.

Market Context

The secondary packaging market is growing rapidly, driven by e-commerce, sustainability mandates, and the adoption of returnable transit packaging. Corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and reusable crates are increasingly collected and reused to reduce costs and carbon footprints. Companies are investing in automation, RFID tracking, and pooling loops to improve collection efficiency and container utilization.

Summary

Businesses looking to collect or reuse secondary distribution boxes can partner with specialized recycling and logistics companies such as American Box, DS Smith, SSI Schaefer Plastics, and Satellite3PL. These companies provide solutions ranging from collection and resale of used boxes to closed-loop recycling and digital container management, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability objectives.