TAMPA, FL - In a recent blog post, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) detailed why COVID-19 is accelerating digital transformation and an urgency for what it calls tech-enabled reusables.

“COVID-19 has been referred to as black swan event,” the post remarked. “A black swan is an unpredictable turn of events that is beyond the expected and has potentially severe consequences. These occurrences are characterized by their severe impact and extreme rarity. To be certain, the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains on an unprecedented scale.”

With this in mind, associations like RPA are especially crucial to strengthening global supply chain networks. Members of RPA in particular offer solutions that provide visibility and real-time insights into tracking container flow. The use of GPS and IoT-enabled reusables is an easy solution, as many of RPA-affiliated providers offer devices, cloud-based tracking systems, and simple user interfaces that deliver immediate insights without the need to integrate with existing IT.

COVID-19 presented challenges that required a nimble response throughout the food and beverage sector, the blog post went on to note. Supermarket and e-commerce sectors felt strong demand and heightened concerns about pallet and container hygiene surfaced during the early days of the pandemic. Technology-enabled solutions that minimize interaction between a delivery driver and receiving personnel have become increasingly popular during the pandemic.

The blog post noted that, although logistics pain points have been created or exasperated by COVID-19, technology-enabled reusable packaging is available today to help supply chain stakeholders create product visibility and to build healthier supply chains.

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Reusable Packaging Association