Empty Box Program Sustainable savings, one box at a time

Ultimate Logistics’ Empty Box Program extends the life of corrugated boxes well beyond the industry average, helping your business reduce packaging waste, lower shipping costs, and support sustainability goals without altering your operations.

Through our reuse program, Ultimate Logistics keeps boxes in circulation up to four times longer, delivering real savings and measurable impact for companies committed to more sustainable logistics.

Cost savings backed by sustainable practice

According to the American Forest & Paper Association, the cardboard recycling rate in the U.S. was 69–74% in 2024. Even with that, the rise in e-commerce and residential deliveries has continued to increase demand for corrugated packaging, making sustainability and reuse more important than ever.

By focusing on reuse before recycling, we offer a practical and immediate step toward reducing your company’s footprint and supporting long-term sustainability practices.

What we offer

  • A closed-loop reuse model for corrugated shipping boxes
  • Box pickup, inspection, and redistribution after unpacking
  • Each box reused for up to four shipment cycles
  • Up to 75% reduction in packaging costs
  • Less waste to landfills, more circular use
  • A sustainability-driven program with direct cost savings

Our team manages the entire lifecycle, ensuring every reused box remains functional, safe, and aligned with your shipping needs.

How it works

It’s a simple, circular solution that reduces costs and aligns with modern sustainability standards.

  1. Delivered

    We deliver your shipments in reusable corrugated boxes.

  2. Set aside

    After unpacking, you fold and set aside the empties.

  3. Collected

    We collect, inspect, and reassign them to your next delivery.

  4. Reused

    You pay once, and get up to four uses per box.

The bigger picture

According to The Recycling Partnership, returning recyclable materials to productive use would have a national impact:

96M
metric tons fewer in greenhouse gas emissions
154M
barrels of oil saved annually
370,000
full-time jobs supported
20M
cars’ worth of emissions, the equivalent of removing them from U.S. highways

Boxes are just one part of your supply chain, but a smarter approach to packaging can support a more sustainable operation from the ground up.

Who it’s for

The program is a fit for:

  • Businesses looking to reduce packaging expenses
  • Organizations with active corporate sustainability initiatives
  • E-commerce brands and distributors with regular shipping cycles
  • Clients who want a simple, automated approach to waste reduction

If you’re working toward sustainability certifications or simply want to improve operational efficiency, Ultimate Logistics gives you a way to do both at once.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Empty Box Program save my business money?

By reusing corrugated boxes up to four times, the program can reduce packaging expenses by as much as 75%, compared to buying new boxes for every shipment.

What happens to the boxes after delivery?

Once shipments are unpacked, boxes are folded and set aside. Ultimate Logistics then collects them, inspects for quality, and repurposes them for future shipments, creating a closed-loop system.

Is the Empty Box Program environmentally sustainable?

Yes. By extending the lifespan of corrugated boxes, the program reduces landfill waste and lowers the strain on recycling facilities, helping your business meet its sustainability goals while saving money.

Let’s build a more sustainable supply chain together

The Ultimate Logistics Empty Box Program combines cost efficiency with sustainability, helping you meet operational goals and environmental responsibilities while making your shipping process smarter. Contact us today to join the program.