The Łukasiewicz Research Network has started the e-Pack project. Its aim of which is to develop a comprehensive ecosystem of intelligent returnable packaging.

The Łukasiewicz Network emphasizes, that such returnable packaging can revolutionize modern logistics, providing the best protection, access to comprehensive information about the shipment and minimizing the carbon footprint of the entire logistics process.

The works are carried out by a consortium of three institutes of the Łukasiewicz Research Network: the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing (Łukasiewicz-ILiM), the Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics (Łukasiewicz-IMiF) and the Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibers (Łukasiewicz-IBWCh). The innovative solution will be used primarily by enterprises from the e-commerce sector selling through multiple channels (e.g. www, telephone, SMS, video-chat).

The returnable packaging ecosystem consists of a durable, reusable packaging equipped with sensors and a low-current package identification system, a drop-off (device for returning packages) and software that allows to manage the logistics process.

Works on the project will last until 2022. Its budget is PLN 5.2 million.