Closed Loop Programs
Discovery
Fill out the form and we'll setup discovery call
Analysis
We'll run the numbers to determine value
Sample
Sample loads validate reprocessing needs
Trial Run
Rigorous testing with you and your vendor(s)
Launch
Implement program, you get paid, vendor(s) save money!
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Why Closed Loop?"
Earn More – Sell unpacked boxes for higher returns than recycling or landfill.
Lower Costs – Help vendors reuse boxes, reducing procurement expenses.
Cut Waste – Keep boxes in circulation to support sustainability goals.
Boost Efficiency – Ensure a steady, reusable box supply with less disruption.
Simplify Logistics – We handle pickup, sorting, and redistribution.
Ensure Quality – Consistent, reusable boxes that meet our strict standards.
Stay Compliant – Improve ESG reporting and meet sustainability regulations.
Why UCB?
Proven Experts – Industry leaders in closed-loop solutions and box recovery.
Nationwide Network – Seamless service across the U.S. with trusted partners.
Turnkey Service – We handle everything—collection, sorting, storage, and delivery.
Sustainability Focus – Reduce waste and meet circular economy goals.
Custom Solutions – Tailored programs to fit your business needs.
Trusted by Top Brands – The go-to partner for major corporations.
What does a Closed Loop program look like?
Stack and load your boxes in trailer
Click. When full, click a button online
Pick up. Automatically notified, trailer gets picked up
UCB processes your load, following strict quality standards
Payment. You get paid!
Vendor orders used boxes instead of new
Inspection. Used boxes are removed as they fail inspections, brand new boxes take their places
Rinse and repeat, UCB manages ongoing efforts
How to make the most money
What and where – Certain boxes hold more value based on size, strength, and location.
Unpack with care – Avoid tearing, crushing, or excessive markings
Sort and stack by size – Flatten, stack to 52" tall, and strap tightly.
Store with care - keep cool and dry, away from pests and dust
Optimize trailer space – Maximize the number of boxes while ensuring safe loading.
Reduce rehandling needs – Minimize restacking or reprocessing for higher payouts.
Save on logistics costs – Live load pickups eliminate expensive drop trailer fees.
- Logistics Support
- No space to store boxes? No problem! We offer hassle-free logistics solutions to keep your operation running smoothly:
- Live Load – We arrive, load, and haul away immediately—no storage needed.
- Storage Trailer – Keep a non-roadworthy trailer on-site for loading at your convenience, cross docked on a live load pickup once full.
- Hook-and-Swap Trailer – Get an empty trailer dropped while we pick up a full one, ensuring seamless operations.
Get a Consultation
- Training and Labor Support
- Can't get the boxes ready for sale yourself? No problem! We offer flexible solutions to ensure your boxes meet top value standards:
- Expert Training – Our team will train your staff on best practices for sorting, stacking, and prepping boxes.
- Off-Site Processing – Ship material to our facilities, and we’ll handle the reprocessing for you.
- On-Site Support – Need extra hands? We can provide trained staff to sort, stack, and prep boxes at your location.
Get a Consultation
- Recycling Support
- Need help managing all your recyclables? No problem! We make recycling more convenient by consolidating multiple waste streams into a single pickup along with your gaylords and boxes — so you only need one dock door instead of multiple trailers.
- Pallets – Wooden and plastic pallets for reuse or recycling.
- Bulk Bags – Efficient removal of used FIBCs and super sacks.
- Cardboard Scrap (OCC) – Maximize returns on your excess corrugate.
- Plastics – From shrink wrap to rigid plastics, we’ll take care of it.
- Metals – Consolidate scrap metal for easy recycling.
Get a Consultation
Closed loop
Case Studies
Proven Success in Closed Loop Solutions
For over 15 years, we’ve helped Fortune leading companies turn their used gaylord totes and boxes into a profitable and sustainable advantage. Our Closed Loop programs have saved millions in packaging costs, reduced waste, and streamlined supply chains—all while supporting corporate sustainability goals.
See how our partners have benefited—financially and environmentally.
Situation: The #1 most sustainable food manufacturer in the world, known best for spices and seasonings, sought to validate their own reuse and recycling efforts after a conference watching our Fou...
Read more
Situation: A global food manufacturer, known for its extensive portfolio of household brands, had an existing reuse program where all gaylord totes were sent to another company for fumigation and r...
Read more
Situation: A leading plant-based foods manufacturer, specializing in non-dairy spreads, creams, and cheeses, is committed to environmentally responsible production. The company strives for a Zero-...
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Got questions? We've got answers! In this section, we address the most common inquiries about our services.
Contact usCheck our How It Works page for more details. In short, we buy the boxes from you for more than the recycling rate, we then process and sell those boxes back to your original vendor for cheaper than the cost of brand new boxes.
Yes! We can set it up as a commodity based sales process, or we can set it up as a service. Both have their pros and cons.
This is honestly the best and most cost effective way to do it! UCB cannot add any value if you can handle it all on your own. But if you can't, that's where UCB can provide this as a turn-key solution.
We have meticulously designed an inspection process in our facilities to segragate all gaylords or boxes into 3 grades (A+B+C). Grade A stays in the closed loop system, Grade B leaves the closed loop system but can still be sold into the secondary marketplace, Grade C gets recycled.
In short...unpack with care, sort and stack by size and stack to 52" tall, store with care, optimize trailer space, reduce rehandling needs, save on logistics costs, and avoid using drop trailers (if possible).
