How our reusable grocery totes can drive efficient e-commerce

Grocery totes might not seem like a big factor in e-commerce operations. But they play a key role in creating a leaner, more efficient last-mile delivery process.

Today, store associates are under a lot of pressure, moving through aisles as fast as possible to fulfill all the online orders. With online grocery shopping projected to account for up to 30% of the food-at-home market by 2030, the pressure on fulfillment operations is only increasing—and so is the competition.

This is where reusable grocery totes can make a real impact. They help speed up order fulfillment, cut labor time, and improve the customer delivery experience—turning operational friction into a streamlined, profitable workflow. Let’s explore how.

Four ways reusable grocery totes improve operational efficiency

Reusable grocery totes might seem like a small detail in the big picture, but their impact on e-commerce grocery operations is anything but minor. From shaving minutes off every order to reducing packaging waste, these totes deliver faster fulfillment, cleaner operations, and a better customer impression.

Streamlining order fulfillment

In online grocery fulfillment, time is money. It’s also brand loyalty. 

Thirty-five percent of customers are willing to abandon their cart in favor of a faster competitor, making speed one of the biggest parts of meeting customer expectations. And as the demand for click-and-collect and delivery grows, retailers prioritizing rapid order fulfillment will gain an edge over slower competitors.

Adopting reusable grocery totes specifically designed for e-commerce is a practical step toward streamlining order handling and accelerating last-mile delivery. By making it easier and faster for store associates to fulfill orders, reusable grocery totes help reduce the time spent on each order, resulting in direct labor savings.

For example, Tosca’s reusable totes make fulfillment processes more efficient because of the following features.

Durability

Tosca’s reusable grocery totes are engineered to be tough enough to handle online grocery orders without the risk of damaging the products inside. 

Whether it’s produce, dairy, or eggs, our totes ensure that goods stay secure and intact. Our reusable totes have a solid base that can retain up to half a gallon of spilled liquid. If there’s a leak, like from a lid or seam defect, the entire order isn’t compromised.

Ergonomic design

Our totes are designed with comfort in mind. They’re lightweight with reinforced, ergonomic handles on all four sides that help associates move containers quickly without hand discomfort. 

This increases productivity and enhances speed, leading to faster order fulfillment and happier customers.

Practical bag hooks

Each tote features bag hooks on the top rim, allowing associates to open and hold up to three bags simultaneously. This makes it easier to pack multiple items at once, reducing the time spent handling each product. With this feature, your associates can keep up with the pace and stay organized while fulfilling orders.

Beyond improving efficiency in picking and packing, the design of Tosca’s reusable grocery totes also maximizes backroom space, helping to streamline operations further.

Optimizing space and store operations

Traditional grocery stores weren’t built for high-volume e-commerce. Their shelving, storage, and backroom layouts were designed for in-person shopping—not for staging dozens of orders at once.

As online order volumes grow, many grocers are running into space constraints that make it harder to stay organized and efficient.

Tosca’s grocery totes are nestable and foldable, so they take up minimal space when not in use. Their structured design also helps teams keep the backroom clean and accessible, so associates can quickly grab the right containers, load them accurately, and move orders out the door without delays.       

Improving customer experience and protecting margins

Bruised apples, cracked eggs, or a leaking juice bottle are enough to send customers to a competitor—or lead to refund requests and re-picks. Either way, it’s a hit to your margins and your brand.

Reusable grocery totes are engineered to protect product integrity, not just in storage or fulfillment, but through the entire last mile.

Whether curbside pickup or home delivery, customers don’t see your backroom—they see the results. They judge the experience by one thing: Did everything arrive fresh, intact, and on time?

Here’s what that experience might look like when comparing your options:

Reducing packaging waste and supporting sustainability

Using reusable grocery totes also addresses one of the most pressing issues in online grocery: packaging waste. Reusable totes help improve sustainability and reduce waste.

• They’re reusable and cost-effective: Tosca’s totes are designed to be sanitized and reused hundreds of times, dramatically cutting the cost and environmental impact of single-use packaging.

• They support the circular economy: Tosca’s totes are aligned with circular economy practices. They’re designed for reuse, reducing the constant need to buy more packaging materials, and once they reach their end-of-life, they can be 100% recycled.
  
• They reduce supply risk: With Tosca’s pooled model, you get guaranteed access to sanitized totes—so you’re never scrambling for corrugate or dealing with last-minute packaging shortages.

By investing in reusable grocery totes, you can contribute to more sustainable delivery while benefiting from the operational efficiencies they provide. This helps reduce costs over time and aligns your brand with sustainable practices.

Unlock better efficiency with our reusable grocery totes

At Tosca, we understand the challenges that come with the growth of online grocery shopping and the need for seamless, efficient operations. Our reusable grocery totes are designed to help you tackle these challenges head-on, whether it’s speeding up order fulfillment, optimizing backroom space, or improving customer experience.

To learn more about how our reusable grocery totes can streamline your e-commerce operations, contact our sales team today.