Mission & Values
Discover the principles that drive us, the values that define us, and the vision that guides us toward a more sustainable future for packaging and logistics.
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Our Mission
“To be Oregon's leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions by extending the life of industrial containers, reducing waste, and helping businesses save money while protecting our environment.”
What We Do
We specialize in the acquisition, inspection, grading, and resale of used industrial containers including cardboard boxes, plastic totes, gaylords, and specialty packaging materials. Every container passes through our rigorous quality control process to ensure it meets the demanding standards of modern logistics and shipping.
By creating a robust secondary market for packaging materials, we help businesses reduce costs while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new containers.
Why It Matters
The packaging industry generates millions of tons of waste annually. Much of this waste consists of containers that are used once and discarded, even though they retain significant functional value. This represents both an environmental tragedy and an economic inefficiency.
Our mission addresses this challenge head-on by proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist. We demonstrate daily that the circular economy is not just a concept but a practical business model that benefits everyone involved.
Economic Value
Helping businesses reduce packaging costs by 40-70% while maintaining quality standards
Environmental Impact
Diverting millions of pounds of materials from landfills and reducing manufacturing demand
Industry Leadership
Setting standards for quality, service, and sustainability in the used packaging industry
Core Values
These eight core values define who we are, guide our decisions, and shape our culture. They are not aspirational statements - they are the principles we live by every single day.
Sustainability First
Environmental responsibility guides every decision we make. By keeping boxes in circulation, we reduce the demand for new materials and minimize landfill waste. We believe that the most sustainable box is one that already exists.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond simple recycling. We actively work to extend the lifecycle of every container we handle, implementing rigorous quality control to ensure maximum reusability. Each box we process reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new containers, preserves natural resources, and demonstrates that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.
Uncompromising Quality
Our rigorous inspection process ensures every box meets our standards. We inspect, grade, and guarantee the quality of each container we sell. Quality is not negotiable - it is the foundation of our reputation.
Every container that leaves our facility undergoes a comprehensive multi-point inspection. Our trained quality control team examines structural integrity, cleanliness, and functionality. We use industry-standard grading systems and provide detailed condition reports. This meticulous approach ensures our customers receive containers that perform exactly as expected, reducing damage rates and protecting valuable cargo.
Absolute Integrity
Honest pricing, transparent grading, and fair business practices are non-negotiable. We build trust through consistent, ethical behavior in every interaction, every transaction, every day.
Integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, honest grading with detailed explanations, and straightforward communication about product availability and condition. Our word is our bond, and we honor our commitments even when it costs us. This unwavering dedication to ethical business practices has earned us the trust of hundreds of businesses across Oregon and beyond.
Exceptional Service
Customer satisfaction drives everything we do. We listen, respond, and adapt to meet the unique needs of each business we serve. Your success is our success, and we work tirelessly to exceed expectations.
Exceptional service means being there when our customers need us, understanding their unique challenges, and providing solutions that work. We offer flexible scheduling, rapid response times, and personalized attention. Our team takes the time to understand your business needs and recommend the right products and services. We do not just sell boxes - we partner with businesses to optimize their packaging operations.
Innovation & Improvement
We continuously seek better ways to serve our customers and protect the environment. Innovation drives our growth, and we invest in new technologies, processes, and partnerships that create value.
Standing still is moving backward. We actively invest in new technologies for container inspection, tracking, and logistics. We explore innovative materials and repair techniques that extend container life. We collaborate with industry partners, environmental organizations, and research institutions to pioneer new approaches to sustainable packaging. Our culture encourages employees to suggest improvements, and we reward creative problem-solving.
Community Partnership
We are proud members of the Oregon business community. We support local organizations, provide employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.
Oregon Boxes is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen. We prioritize hiring local workers, support community organizations through donations and sponsorships, and participate in regional sustainability initiatives. We offer internships to local students, partner with workforce development programs, and maintain active memberships in business and environmental organizations. Our success is intertwined with the health and prosperity of our community.
Safety & Responsibility
The safety of our employees, customers, and community is paramount. We maintain rigorous safety protocols, provide comprehensive training, and foster a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
A safe workplace is a productive workplace. We implement comprehensive safety training programs, maintain equipment to the highest standards, and continuously monitor our operations for potential hazards. Every employee is empowered to stop work if they observe unsafe conditions. We conduct regular safety audits, maintain industry certifications, and invest in protective equipment and facility improvements. Our commitment to safety extends to our customers through proper handling procedures and clear safety documentation.
Continuous Learning
We invest in our team through ongoing education, professional development, and skill-building opportunities. Knowledge is power, and we empower our employees to grow and excel.
Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their development. We provide industry training, support professional certifications, and offer educational assistance programs. We encourage attendance at conferences and workshops, facilitate knowledge sharing within our organization, and create pathways for career advancement. By developing our team, we ensure the highest levels of expertise and service for our customers while creating rewarding career opportunities.
Our Vision for the Future
We envision a future where no usable container goes to waste. Our goal is to create a thriving circular economy for industrial packaging in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, where containers are continuously reused, repaired, and ultimately recycled - maximizing their utility while minimizing environmental impact.
A Circular Economy Model
The linear "take-make-dispose" model of the past is unsustainable. We are building a circular system where packaging materials maintain their value through multiple lifecycles. This model reduces raw material extraction, manufacturing energy consumption, and waste generation.
As we grow, we will expand our services to include container repair, refurbishment, and eventual recycling - ensuring that every container achieves its maximum potential before being responsibly processed into new materials.
Industry Transformation
We aim to shift industry perceptions of used packaging from "waste" to "resource." Through education, advocacy, and demonstration, we are proving that pre-owned containers can meet the same quality standards as new materials at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
Our vision includes establishing industry-wide standards for container grading, quality assurance, and lifecycle management that will make the secondary packaging market as reliable and trusted as primary markets.
Strategic Milestones
Zero-Waste Operations
Achieve zero landfill waste from our facility operations through comprehensive recycling, composting, and material recovery programs.
Regional Expansion
Expand operations throughout the Pacific Northwest with additional facilities in Washington, Idaho, and Northern California.
Carbon Neutrality
Achieve carbon neutral operations through renewable energy, electric vehicles, carbon offsets, and optimized logistics.
Containers processed annually by 2028
Service coverage by 2029
Renewable energy by 2030
Team members by 2026
Sustainability Goals & Environmental Metrics
We measure what matters. These concrete metrics track our environmental impact and hold us accountable to our sustainability commitments.
2024 Environmental Impact
2025-2030 Targets
Key Sustainability Initiatives
Solar Power Installation
Installing 500kW solar array in 2025 to power 60% of facility operations with clean energy.
Electric Vehicle Fleet
Transitioning delivery vehicles to electric models, starting with three EVs in 2025 and full fleet conversion by 2028.
Waste-to-Value Program
Converting all non-reusable materials into recyclable feedstock, achieving zero landfill waste from operations.
Customer-First Philosophy
Our customers are not transactions - they are partnerships. We succeed only when our customers succeed, and we are committed to delivering exceptional value at every touchpoint.
Understanding Your Needs
Every business has unique packaging requirements. We take time to understand your specific needs - dimensions, quantities, durability requirements, budget constraints, and delivery schedules. This deep understanding allows us to recommend solutions that actually work for your business.
Our team asks questions, listens carefully, and provides honest guidance even if it means recommending a solution that generates less revenue for us. Your long-term success is more valuable than any individual sale.
Our Customer Commitments
Rapid Response
Average response time under 2 hours during business hours. We understand that packaging needs can be urgent, and we prioritize quick communication.
Accurate Descriptions
Our grading system is honest and consistent. What we say is what you get, with detailed condition reports and transparent photography.
Flexible Solutions
From pickup to delivery, bulk orders to small quantities, standard containers to custom specifications - we adapt to your needs.
Problem Resolution
On the rare occasion something goes wrong, we take ownership immediately and make it right. No excuses, no delays, just solutions.
Long-Term Partnership
We invest in relationships, not transactions. Regular customers receive priority service, preferential pricing, and proactive notifications about new inventory.
Customer Satisfaction Rate
Average Response Time
Order Accuracy Rate
Customer Retention Rate
Quality Standards
Used does not mean unreliable. Our comprehensive quality control process ensures every container meets rigorous standards before reaching our customers.
Our Inspection Process
Visual Inspection
Every container is examined for structural damage, contamination, excessive wear, and cosmetic issues.
Structural Testing
Boxes are tested for strength, crush resistance, and stacking capability to ensure they perform under load.
Grading & Classification
Containers are assigned grades (A, B, C) based on condition, with detailed notes on limitations or considerations.
Final Verification
Before shipment, orders are verified for accuracy, condition, and proper documentation.
Grade A Containers
Like-new condition with minimal cosmetic wear. These containers show little to no signs of previous use and perform identically to new materials. Perfect for customer-facing applications or businesses requiring pristine packaging.
Grade B Containers
Good condition with minor wear or cosmetic imperfections that do not affect functionality. May show scuffs, minor stains, or previous labeling. Fully functional and reliable for most shipping and storage applications.
Grade C Containers
Acceptable condition with visible wear but still structurally sound. May show significant cosmetic issues, repairs, or staining. Ideal for internal use, one-way shipping, or applications where appearance is not a priority.
Community Commitment & Social Responsibility
We are part of the fabric of Oregon, and we take our role as a corporate citizen seriously. Our success is meaningless without a thriving, healthy community.
Local Economic Impact
Oregon Boxes provides 25 direct jobs with competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and pathways for career advancement. We prioritize hiring from our local community and provide on-the-job training that builds valuable skills.
Beyond direct employment, we support the local economy by partnering with Oregon-based suppliers, service providers, and contractors whenever possible. Our purchasing decisions keep dollars circulating within our community.
Local Jobs
Annual Community Giving
Community Initiatives
Education Partnerships
We partner with local schools and vocational programs to provide internships, facility tours, and educational presentations about sustainability, logistics, and careers in the circular economy.
Nonprofit Support
We donate containers to nonprofit organizations for moving, storage, and operations. We also provide financial support to environmental, education, and community development organizations.
Volunteer Programs
Our employees receive paid time off to volunteer with local organizations. We organize company volunteer days for environmental cleanup, community events, and charitable projects.
Fair Employment Practices
We provide living wages, comprehensive health benefits, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities. We believe that taking care of our team is both morally right and good business.
Social Responsibility Goals
Diversity & Inclusion
Building a diverse workforce that reflects our community, with inclusive policies and equitable opportunities for all employees.
Living Wages
All employees earn living wages that meet or exceed regional cost of living, with annual increases and performance bonuses.
Community Investment
Dedicating 2% of annual revenue to community programs, nonprofit partnerships, and environmental initiatives.
How We Live Our Values
Values are meaningless unless they are practiced daily. Here is how our principles translate into concrete actions, decisions, and behaviors.
In Operations
- We inspect 100% of containers, rejecting those that do not meet our standards even when it reduces short-term profit
- Our facility uses LED lighting, motion sensors, and energy-efficient equipment to minimize environmental impact
- We optimize delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining rapid service
- Every piece of waste generated in our facility is sorted for recycling or composting - we send zero waste to landfills
In Customer Service
- We respond to inquiries within 2 hours during business hours, and often much faster
- When customers report issues, we take immediate ownership and implement solutions without defensiveness or delay
- We provide honest recommendations even when it means steering customers toward less expensive alternatives
- Regular customers receive proactive communication about new inventory, special pricing, and industry insights
In Team Management
- We pay living wages with annual increases, comprehensive benefits, and profit-sharing bonuses
- Every employee receives safety training, ongoing education opportunities, and professional development support
- We maintain clear pathways for advancement with defined criteria and transparent evaluation processes
- Safety is never compromised for productivity - any employee can stop work if they observe unsafe conditions
In Community Relations
- We donate containers and financial support to nonprofits working on environmental, education, and community development initiatives
- Our team participates in community cleanups, educational programs, and volunteer projects with paid time off
- We prioritize local suppliers, service providers, and contractors to keep economic benefits within our community
- We provide internships and educational opportunities for local students exploring careers in sustainability and logistics
Join Our Mission
Partner with us to reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Together, we can prove that environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand.