Cost-Per-Cycle Calculator
When boxes are reused, the only number that matters is cost per shipping cycle — not upfront unit cost. Compare standard 5-wall, HTP-41, and used inventory across your expected reuse loop.
| Configuration | Unit cost | Cycles per box | Cost / cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 5-wall, new | $30.00 | 8 | $3.75 |
| HTP-41 5-wall, new | $39.00 | 8 | $4.88 |
| Standard 5-wall, used (mid-tier) | $15.00 | 5 | $3.00 |
Highlighted row = lowest cost per cycle for the inputs above. Used inventory is shown at 50% of new cost as a typical mid-range benchmark; actual used pricing varies by grade and rotation.
How to use the result
- One-way shipping (1 cycle): cost per cycle = unit cost. Used boxes win on price; new boxes win if appearance matters.
- Moderate reuse (3-8 cycles): standard kraft new boxes usually beat HTP-41 because you're not exercising HTP-41's extra cycle life.
- Long reuse (12+ cycles): HTP-41 typically wins on cost per cycle by 30-50% over standard kraft.
- Captive ship-back loops: HTP-41 almost always pays back. Standard 5-wall used inventory is the right call when you can accept variable cycle-age.