MELBOURNE, Australia — Bonson Packaging’s RePlay Returnable System has received three Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the 2026 Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA), highlighting growing industry recognition for reusable packaging systems that combine circular economy principles with digital technology.

Presented by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) during foodpro 2026 in Melbourne, the awards recognize RePlay across multiple aspects of packaging design, including sustainability, consumer engagement and product functionality.

Four Awards Highlight Multi-Dimensional Packaging Design

The RePlay Returnable System received:

• Gold – Sustainable Packaging Design (Reuse)
• Gold – Marketing Design
• Gold – Labelling & Decoration Design
• Silver – Food Packaging Design

The recognition reflects an industry trend toward evaluating packaging as a complete system rather than focusing solely on material selection.

Reusable Packaging Replaces Single-Use Deli Containers

RePlay is designed to reduce single-use packaging in supermarket deli departments.

The system allows shoppers to purchase freshly prepared food in reusable containers by tapping a payment card or smartphone. After use, consumers return the containers to dedicated RePlay smart return bins within four weeks to avoid a deposit charge.

The system is currently being deployed with participating retailers, including Foodstuffs North Island in New Zealand.

By combining reusable packaging with digital return technology, the program aims to improve return rates while making reuse more convenient for consumers.

Digital Technology Supports Circular Packaging

Unlike conventional reusable packaging programs that rely on manual tracking, RePlay integrates digital technology into the return process.

Smart return stations and digital identification enable retailers to monitor container circulation more efficiently, helping create a practical closed-loop packaging system.

The approach reflects increasing interest across the packaging industry in combining reuse models with digital infrastructure to improve traceability, operational efficiency and consumer participation.

Collaboration Drives Circular Economy Solutions

Bonson Packaging CEO David Tsui said the awards recognize the collaboration between multiple project partners involved in developing the reusable packaging platform.

According to the company, the project demonstrates how packaging manufacturers, retailers and technology partners can work together to deliver commercially viable alternatives to disposable food packaging.

Reuse Gains Momentum Alongside Recycling

The recognition comes as reusable packaging continues to gain attention alongside recyclable and recycled-content packaging solutions.

With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies and circular economy targets expanding across global markets, retailers and packaging suppliers are increasingly exploring reuse systems that reduce packaging waste rather than relying solely on recycling.

Industry observers note that future packaging innovation is expected to combine reusable formats, digital tracking technologies and consumer-friendly return systems to support higher packaging recovery rates while reducing dependence on single-use materials.

Last Updated on 04/08/2026 by Jota Machinery