LivingPackets utilises Twilio IoT to launch a reusable solution that decreases the environmental impact of e-commerce
E-commerce is increasing year-on-year.
In the US, sales grew 14.9% in 2019, amounting to US$601bn in online sales, according to the US Department of Commerce. Worldwide, more than 700 million trees are cut down each year to make cardboard boxes used in e-commerce. The majority of the 100 billion boxes and 8 million tons of plastic, from tape to bubble wrap to foam, are only used once and end up as rubbish.
That’s why LivingPackets, which is headquartered in France, created a reusable box, called THE BOX, for deliveries and an innovative packaging-as-aservice system. The circular logistics platform enables tracking, transaction guarantee and payment features.
THE BOX is packaging reinvented
THE BOX was designed to decrease society’s impact on the environment, and to offer a new and improved delivery experience for e-commerce companies and consumers. THE BOX eliminates packaging waste thanks to its ability to be used for 1,000 trips before reconditioning. In addition, it features an integrated holding mechanism that replaces filling material, a self-locking system that eliminates the need for tape, and a digital address display that removes the need for label printing.
Quality connectivity at a global scale
LivingPackets’ business model involves many devices travelling throughout the world consuming different levels of data. Network usage varies depending upon the functionality incorporated in each package and differs according to whether recorded messaging or video are used, for example
Against this global backdrop, the task of negotiating pricing for different network options across different countries appeared daunting. Initially, LivingPackets executives met telecoms carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). They could only offer strict data limitations and a lack of quality control due to network steering – where the provider instructs the SIM to register on the lowest cost network regardless of its signal strength.
The team at LivingPackets chose a different direction. Twilio provides the service quality and flexible data consumption model desired, while offering instant global reach with top tier networks. “Twilio provides us with full control over our connectivity, just like we give our customers full control over their packaging in the supply chain,” said Alexander Cotte, the Group chief executive of LivingPackets.
Faster time to market
LivingPackets introduced the industry-first, intelligent packaging solution at CES 2020. THE BOX was recognised during the show as the product with the greatest potential to change the world. Each smart unit contains sensors to monitor global positioning system (GPS) location and measure temperature, humidity and shocks. Twilio’s application programme interface (API) and documentation facilitated an easy integration into LivingPackets’ system. Twilio’s SuperSim provides trustworthy cellular connectivity so critical data can be transmitted and made visible to stakeholders on THE BOX app.
“Without Twilio, it would have taken longer for us to launch,” added Cotte. “Twilio gives us control over which networks all of our devices work on, combined with a flexible and scalable cost model. The Twilio team went above and beyond our expectations and helped us significantly reduce our time to market.”
Continue reading this article on Page 12 inside IoT Now Magazine Q4 2021
