Belgian postal operator bpost has launched a pilot project allowing customers in Antwerp to send items without packaging or labels by simply dropping them off in a parcel locker.
Starting on January 6, private customers and businesses sending items up to 2kg from the Antwerp region can opt for the new shipment method via the My bpost app, with the only condition being the item is sent from and to a bpost parcel locker.
The pilot project involves more than 30 lockers in Antwerp and its surrounding areas, with the aim of offering the new shipping option throughout Belgium in the course of 2025.
According to bpost, it is the first operator in the market to offer this packaging- and label-free option and it has been launched in response to the rapid growth of the circular economy in Belgium.
How it works
When a customer wants to send an item, they simply create a digital shipping label with the recipient’s address. Initially, this will only be available via the My bpost app, but later it will also be accessible through the bpost website.
A barcode is generated in this process, which is then scanned on the customer’s smartphone to enable them to open the parcel locker and place the item inside, without packaging or a paper label. The item will then be sent to the parcel locker closest to the recipient, or a parcel locker of their choice.
Once the parcel has arrived at its destination, the recipient will receive a notification through the My bpost app or by email and will be able to collect the parcel from the parcel locker, again using their smartphone. The sender will be able to track the parcel’s progress via Track & Trace.