GS1 Germany's investment arm, butterfly & elephant, invests in Munich startup hey circle to enhance reusable shipping packaging solutions and promote sustainability in the logistics sector.

Target Information

GS1 Germany's investment arm, butterfly & elephant, has made a strategic investment in the Munich-based startup, hey circle. This innovative company specializes in the development of reusable shipping packaging along with a digital solution that tracks their usage. The primary objective of hey circle is to minimize waste and reduce CO₂ emissions in online retail, thereby enhancing the circular economy within the shipping process.

hey circle's system integrates durable, reusable shipping boxes and bags with a software solution that documents cycles, savings, and CO₂ emissions. Each packaging unit is assigned a unique Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI), allowing for precise tracking of each container’s movements and the calculation of associated savings.

Industry Overview in Germany

The reusable packaging industry in Germany is rapidly growing as e-commerce expands and sustainability becomes a key focus for businesses. According to research, reusable packaging solutions c