A reusable packaging system

Abstract

A reusable packaging system 10, comprises a product container 20, such as bags or boxes, for retaining one or more products, a unique readable code 30, such as a barcode, provided on the product conta

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to reusable packaging. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a reusable packaging system providing usage tracking for reusable packaging, and a method of use of reusable packaging as part of a reusable packaging system with usage tracking. Aspects of the invention relate to a reusable packaging system, a method of use of a reusable packaging system, and reusable packaging for use in a reusable packaging system. BACKGROUND Despite ongoing improvements in the reduction of waste from the packaging industry, single use packaging is still prevalent in some sectors, which leads to a potential detrimental consumption of the Earth’s finite resources, and damage to the environment through disposal of the single use packaging into the environment, such as disposal at landfill sites. In recent times, packaging has been developed to reduce the detrimental effects on the environment, such as by the development of more biodegradable packaging, including the use of materials that can be decomposed by micro-organisms, including cardboard, paper and bio-based plastics made from plant-based starch, seaweed and similar organic material. Packaging is also becoming increasingly reusable or recyclable. Known schemes for reusing or recycling used packaging include glass bottle returns and plastic bag returns where a fixed price may be provided to the user for the return of that used packaging. Technologies for the recycling of product packaging are also continuously improving, increasing the different materials that can be recycled leading to less waste being set to landfill or being incinerated. It is also known to provide packaging that can be reused to transport products or goods from a point of purchase of the products or goods to a different location, such as a user’s home. Such reusable packaging includes reusable bags, for example jute bags and cotton bags which are sometimes known as bags for life, and stronger plastic bags made of thicker plastics materials or more durable plastics materials. Other reusable packaging includes wine carriers configured to fold for storage and be unfolded for use. Some retail environments offer reusable product containers or provide for the use of such reusable product containers, such as reusable or refillable cups in coffee stores and reusable dry goods containers which can be used to purchase and carry grains, seeds, flour, sugar, salt or other dry foodstuffs from stores selling such goods in loose form, that is, without being pre-packaged for sale to an individual user. It is an aim of the present invention to address at least some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a reusable packaging system, a method of use of a reusable packaging system, and reusable packaging for use in a reusable packaging system. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a reusable packaging system, comprising: a product container for retaining one or more products; a unique readable code provided on the product container; and a server storing variable data, the variable data being associated with the unique readable code and being configured to be modified in response to use of the unique readable code at a point of use of the product container. The reusable packaging system may comprise a user network terminal device configured to scan the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container. The unique readable code may be identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive until registered as active by an authorising entity. When the unique readable code is inactive, use of the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container may be prevented. The reusable packaging system may comprise an authorising network terminal device. The unique readable code may be registered as active when the authorising entity inputs the unique readable code into the authorising network terminal device. Input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container may cause the user network terminal device to transmit initialisation data to the server. The server may be configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device. If the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive, the server may prevent modification the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data. The input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container when the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive, may cause the reusable packaging system to cause an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code. Input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container may cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to store information relating to the use of the product container. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit initialisation data to the server upon input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a first occasion. The server may be configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device and modify the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data. The initialisation data may comprise purchase verification data for the product container, to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register a purchase of the product container. The initialisation data may comprise purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products and may further cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products to the server upon input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a second occasion. The server may be configured to modify the variable data to register the first purchase of the first product upon receipt of the purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products to the server. The server may be configured to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the second different product when, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the first purchase of the second different product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the first product to the server, when, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product. The server may be configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product and to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product. The reusable packaging system may comprise a second unique readable code provided on the product container. The server may be configured to modify the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the first product, following registration of the first purchase of the first product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the first product to the server to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product upon input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product. The server may be configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product and to modify the variable data to register the second purchase of the first product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of a second different product to the server, when, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product. The server may be configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product and to modify the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product. The server may be configured to modify the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the second different product, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product. The user network terminal device may be configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the second different product to the server to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product upon input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product. The server may be configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the purchase of the second different product and to modify the variable data to register the second purchase of the second different product. The server may be configured to receive and store, in the variable data, one or more of: data relating to the time of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to the geographic location of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to the frequency of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the one or more products. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of use of a reusable packaging system, comprising: storing variable data on a server, the variable data being associated with a unique readable code provided on a product container; and modifying the variable data in response to use of the unique readable code at a point of use of the product container. The method of use of a reusable packaging system may comprise: identifying, in the variable data stored at the server, that the unique readable code is inactive; and preventing use of the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container until the unique readable code is registered as active by an authorising entity. The method of use of a reusable packaging system may comprise inputting by an authorising entity, the unique readable code into an authorising network terminal device. The method of use of a reusable packaging system may comprise, when the authorising entity has input the unique readable code into the authorising network terminal device, registering the unique readable code as active. The method of use of a reusable packaging system may comprise inputting the unique readable code into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container; transmitting, from the user network terminal device, initialisation data to the server; receiving, at the server, the initialisation data from the user network terminal device; identifying, in the variable data stored at the server, if the unique readable code is inactive; and if the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive, preventing modification of the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data. The method of use of a reusable packaging system may comprise causing an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code when the unique readable code is input into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container and identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive. The method may comprise inputting the unique readable code into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container to modify the variable data stored at the server with information relating to the use of the product container. The method may comprise transmitting initialisation data from the user network terminal device to the server upon a first occasion of inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device; receiving the initialisation data at the server; and in response to receiving the initialisation data at the server, registering an initialisation of the product container. The method may comprise receiving purchase verification data for the product container at the server from the user network terminal device as part of the initialisation data, the purchase verification data for the product container providing verification of purchase of the product container; and registering the purchase of the product container in the variable data stored at the server. The initialisation data may comprise purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products, and may further provide verification of the first purchase of the first product. The method may further comprise modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server. The method may comprise inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a second occasion during a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products; and in response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on the second occasion, transmitting purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server. The method may comprise, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products; and in response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products, transmitting purchase verification data for the first purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server to modify the variable data stored in the server to register the first purchase of the second different product in the variable data stored at the server. The method may comprise, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the first product; and in response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the purchase of the first product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server. The method may comprise, following registration of the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server, modifying the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of a second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the first product, where the second unique readable code is provided on the product container. The method may comprise: inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the first product; and in response to inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product, and modifying the variable data stored in the server to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server. The method may comprise, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the second different product; and in response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product. The method may comprise, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, modifying the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the second different product. The method may comprise: inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the second different product; and in response to inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product. The method may comprise receiving and storing, in the variable data at the server, one or more of: data relating to the time of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to the geographic location of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to the frequency of purchase of the one or more products; data relating to product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the one or more products. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided reusable packaging comprising: a product container for retaining one or more products; and a unique readable code provided on the product container; wherein the reusable packaging is configured to be used in the method according to any preceding aspect. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a reusable packaging system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of reusable packaging according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of reusable packaging according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the method of use of a reusable packaging system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a flow diagram of the method of use of a unique code to purchase a product container according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a flow diagram of the method of purchase of a product container simultaneously with the purchase of a first product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a flow diagram of the method of purchase of a first product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a flow diagram of the method of purchase of a second different product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a flow diagram of the method of a second purchase of the first product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a flow diagram of the method of use of a second unique readable code to purchase a first product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a flow diagram of the method a second purchase of the second product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a flow diagram of the method of use of a second unique readable code for a second purchase of the second product according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a reusable packaging system according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c illustrate a flow diagram of a method of activation of unique readable codes according to an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Examples of the present disclosure relate to reusable packaging and methods of use thereof. In particular, examples of the present disclosure relate to a packaging use tracking system, in which reusable packaging may be used, and methods of use of such a system. Non-limiting examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 illustrates a reusable packaging system 10 comprising a server 40 which stores data 42 pertaining to the use of a reusable product container 20, 22. The reusable packaging system 10 further comprises one or more terminal device, particularly user network terminal devices 60 operatively connected to the server 40, and which are capable of receiving an input relating to the reusable product container 20, 22. Such product containers 20, 22, may take the form of any type of container, including bags, boxes, or other vessels for receiving and / or retaining one or more products or goods. In some examples, the product container 20, 22 may be a reusable container which may be provided for the reception and / or retention of a variety of products or goods. Those products or goods may be of different types and / or be provided by different manufacturers. The manufacturers may be manufacturers of various types of fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG). In other examples, the product container 20, 22 may be outer packaging, also known as shelf packaging, for specific products or goods. The outer packaging may be provided by the manufacturer of the products or goods. The outer packaging, or shelf packaging, may be a more robust form of packaging than is traditionally supplied with the specific products or goods of a particular manufacturer, for example a cereal box which is formed of a thicker cardboard material. Whilst reference is made herein to operation of the reusable packaging system comprising a single user network terminal device 60, it will be understood that the reusable packaging system 10 may encompass a plurality of user network terminal devices 60, each of which are capable of independent operation and each of which are configured to receive an input relating to the reusable product container 20, 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate two variations of reusable packaging which may be used in the system 10 illustrated in Figure 1. In a first form of reusable packaging as illustrated in Figure 2, a product container 20 is provided. The product container 20 is suitable for receiving and / or retaining one or more products or goods. The product container 20 comprises a unique code, in particular a unique readable code 30 associated with the reusable product container 20. The unique readable code 30 may be printed, etched, stamped or in some other way marked or provided on the product container 20. In examples where the product container 20 is outer packaging for specific products or goods, provided by a manufacturer of products or goods, the unique readable code 30 may be printed, etched, stamped or in some other way marked or provided on the product container 20, by the manufacturer of the products or goods, or may be provided as an adhesive label, or sticker, which can be separately applied to the product container 20, either by the manufacturer of the products or goods, or at a point of sale of the products or goods. The unique readable code 30 may be a readable code, which can be read either by a human user or by a machine. Human readable codes may consist of alphanumeric characters, which may be strings of letters, numerals, or a mix of letters and numerals which are readable or decipherable by the user. Whilst machines could be arranged to read such alphanumeric characters, other readable codes can be provided in a machine-readable code scenario, where such other readable codes may provide more information than a human readable code or the same information in less space on the product container 20. For example, the unique readable code may be a machine-readable code in the form of a barcode. The barcode may take the form of a linear barcode, a data matrix barcode, or a quick response (QR) code. Alternatively, the unique readable code 30 may be contained within a radio frequency identification tag, or another device, attached to or being integral with the product container 20 and from which the unique readable code 30 can be read by, for example, the user network terminal device 60. For example, a QR code or a radio frequency identification tag may be provided as part of an adhesive label to be applied to the product container 20. In a second form of reusable packaging as illustrated in Figure 3, a product container 22 is provided. The product container 22 is suitable for receiving and / or retaining one or more products or goods and comprises two unique codes, in particular a first unique readable code 32 and a second unique readable code 34, each associated with the reusable product container 22. The unique readable codes 32, 34 may be printed, etched, stamped or in some other way marked or provided on the product container 22. In examples where the product container 22 is outer packaging for specific products or goods, provided by a manufacturer of products or goods, the unique readable codes 32, 34 may be printed, etched, stamped or in some other way marked or provided on the product container 22, by the manufacturer of the products or goods, or may be provided as one or more adhesive labels, or stickers, which can be separately applied to the product container 22, either by the manufacturer of the products or goods, or at a point of sale of the products or goods. The unique readable codes 32, 34 may be readable codes, which may be read either by a human user or by a machine. Human readable codes may consist of alphanumeric characters, which may be strings of letters, numerals, or a mix of letters and numerals which are readable or decipherable by the user. Whilst machines could be arranged to read such alphanumeric characters, other readable codes can be provided in a machine-readable code scenario, where such other readable codes may provide more information than a human readable code or the same information in less space on the product container 22. For example, the unique readable codes may be machine-readable codes in the form of barcodes. The barcodes may take the form of linear barcodes, data matrix barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, or a mixture of different barcodes. Alternatively, the unique readable codes 32, 24 may be contained within one or more radio frequency identification tags, or other devices, attached to or being integral with the product container 22 and from which the unique readable codes 32, 34 can be read by, for example, the user network terminal device 60. For example, a QR code or a radio frequency identification tag may be provided as part of an adhesive label to be applied to the product container 22. Unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 may be generated by a manufacturer, to be applied to product containers 20, 22 on a production line, for example. These codes may be considered as unique individual packaging codes (UIPCs). For instance, if a manufacturer is producing a million units of a product on a production line, each instance of the million instances of the product will have a unique readable code 30, or codes 32, 34, applied to it. The server 40 may be any network connected or connectable computing device comprising a processing means 44, which may be in the form of a processor or processing circuitry, a storage means 46, which may be in the form of a memory or memory circuitry, and communication means or input and output means, which may be in the form of communication circuitry, for example in the form of a wired or wireless network connector 48 or transceiver by which the server can be operably connected to and communicate with other devices on, or over, a computing network 80. Each of the processor 44, memory 46 and network connector 48 are connected such that data can be received at the network connector 48, processed by the processor 44, and stored on the memory 46. Further, the processor 44, memory 46 and network connector 48 may be arranged or configured such that data can be retrieved from the memory 46, processed by the processor 44, and transmitted by, or from, the network connector 48. The network connector 48 may allow communication with one or more external devices, such as user network terminal devices 60. The server may be configured to store data, particularly in the form of variable data 42, in the memory 46, where the variable data 42 is associated with one or more unique readable code 30, 32, 34. The variable data 42 is configured or arranged to be modified in response to a use of a unique readable code 30, 32, 34 at a point of use of the product container 20, 22, where the point of use of the product container 20, 22 may be a point of sale of a product or goods for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to receive or retain. The user network terminal device 60 may be any form of fixed or handheld device into which the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 can be input for transmission to the server 40. Code input means 62 are provided on the user network terminal device 60. The code input means 62 may be in the form of any type of code reader, which many be manually operated, or be operated in an automated, or semi-automated manner. The code input means 62 may comprise a manual user input, for example a keyboard, for inputting the readable code 30, 32, 34 into the user network terminal device 60. In other examples, the code input means 62 may be in the form of an automated, or semi-automated code reader 62, which may be a light emitting diode (LED) or laser scanner, camera, or RFID reader. The user network terminal device further comprises communication means or input and output means, which may be in the form of a wired or wireless network connector 68 or transceiver by which the user network terminal device 60 can be operably connected to and communicate with other devices, such as the server 40, on, or over, a computing network 80. For example, the user network terminal device 60 can communicate over a computing network 80 enabling the transmission of data from the user network terminal device 60 to another device on a computing network 80, such as the server 40, and enabling the receipt of data at the user network terminal device 60 from another device on a computing network 80, such as the server 40. The user network terminal device 60 may be, for example, a mobile phone, with a capability of receiving, either by user input or by an automated or semi-automated input, a unique readable code 30, 32, 34. For example, a camera on the mobile phone may provide the function of the code input means 62. In order to facilitate further functionality, when the user network terminal device 60 is a mobile phone, an application running on that mobile phone may provide access to the camera functionality of the mobile phone and further user functionality, as will be described herein. The user network terminal device 60 may be a barcode reader, such as can be found in many retail environments, with a capability of receiving, by an automated or semiautomated input, a unique readable code 30, 32, 34. For example, a laser scanner on the barcode reader may provide the function of the code input means 62. The user network terminal device 60, for example a mobile phone, may communicate with the server 40 via a computing network 80, such as a local area network, a wide area network, or a cellular network, or via an interconnected system of computer networks, for example over an intranet or the internet. Input of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the user network terminal device 60 at a point of use of the product container 20, 22 on which unique readable code 30, 32, 34 is provided, causes modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. The modification of the variable data 42 allows the variable data 42 to store information relating to the use of the product container 20, 22. Each use of the product container 20, 22 may cause modification of the variable data 42 to, for example, record a purchase of the product container 20, 22, record times and locations of use of the product container 20, 22, or provide information relating to the products or goods purchased by the user at the point of use of the product container 20, 22, which may be a point of sale of the products or goods for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to receive. In some embodiments unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 can be generated independently of the production of the product containers 20, 22. For example, a number of unique QR codes may be generated and stored on a server, which may be the server 40 of the reusable packaging system 10 or a different server. The QR codes can then be provided on the product containers 20, 22, for example by printing the QR codes on the product containers 20, 22, when the product container 20, 22 is purchased or by the printing of adhesive labels, or stickers, which can be applied to the product containers 20, 22. In some embodiments of the invention, an initial purchase of the product container 20, 22 may be required to initialise the reusable packaging system for that product container 20, 22. In other embodiments, the product container 20, 22 may be initialised without a purchase of the product container 20, 22. When the product container 20, 22 is purchased or initialised, a user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit initialisation data on a wired or wireless network to the server 40, upon input of the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 on a first occasion, which may be, for example, by manual user input or the readable code, or scanning or imaging of a barcode or QR code with a code reader 62 in the form of a camera or laser scanner. The initialisation data may comprise purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22, that is, data which verifies the purchase of the product container 20, 22 and / or products that may be purchased to be received in the product container 20, 22. The server 40 is configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device 60 and modify the variable data 42 at the server 40 to register an initialisation of the product container 20, 22 in the variable data 42. The receipt of the purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 comprised in the initialisation data causes modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the purchase of the product container 20, 22. In this manner, the variable data 42 is able to be modified to show that the product container 20, 22 has been successfully purchased. The purchase of the product container 20, 22 may be independent of the purchase of any product or goods which the product container 20, 22 is intended to receive. However, in some cases the initialisation data may comprise purchase verification data which also contains data relating to a first purchase of a first product, and therefore the receipt of the purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product as part of the initialisation data sent from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 causes modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to also register the first purchase of the first product of one or more products for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to be used for. In such a case only one read of the unique readable code 30, 32 may be necessary to effect registration of the purchase of both the product container 20, 22 and the first product. In cases where the product container 20, 22 is purchased without a simultaneous purchase of a product, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit further purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products to the server 60 upon input of the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device on a second occasion. The second occasion in this case is an occasion where the user intends to make a first purchase of the first product, following a previous initialisation of purchase of the product container 20, 22. The server 40 is configured to receive the purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device 60, and is configured, upon receipt of the purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product, to modify the variable data 42 to register the first purchase of the first product of the one or more products. The product container 20, 22 may be capable of receiving and / or retaining a second product, thereby extending the possible usage capabilities of the product container 20, 22, where the second product is different from the first product. The variable data 42 can then be modified to register a first purchase of such a second different product after a fist product has been previously purchased and registered as being purchased in the variable data 42 at the server 40. Following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during the first purchase of the second different product. When the second different product is purchased, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit purchase verification data for the first purchase of the second different product to the server 40, the purchase verification data indicating a purchase of the second different product. In response to receiving the purchase verification data for the first purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device 60, verifying the purchase of the second different product, the server 40 is configured to modify or cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the first purchase of the second different product. In some embodiments, where the product container 20 comprises only a single unique readable code 30, that single unique readable code 30 is used at each further purchase of products that have already been purchased using the product container 20. For example, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product to the server 40, when, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the single unique readable code 30 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. The server 40 receives purchase verification data for the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device 60 relating to the use of the single unique readable code 30 in a second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. As the first product has been previously purchased and the product container 20 is being reused to purchase the previously purchased first product again, the server 40 is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. This therefore, in effect, can be used to modify a purchase price of the first product during a purchase of the first product which is subsequent to the first purchase of the first product. For example, a percentage discount or absolute discount can be applied to subsequent purchases of the first product. This encourages the user of the product container 20 to reuse the product container 20 for any purchases of the first product. The server 40 may also modify or cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. Therefore, the variable data 42 can be modified with each purchase of the first product, to record various aspects of the purchase history of the first product, such as amount of the first product purchased, times the first product was purchased, geographical locations of where the first product was purchased, and product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the first product. Similarly, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product to the server 40, when, following registration of the first purchase of a second product, different to the first product, the single unique readable code 30 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. The server 40 receives purchase verification data for the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second product from the user network terminal device 60 relating to the use of the single unique readable code 30 in a second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. As the second different product has been previously purchased and the product container 20 is being reused to purchase the previously purchased second different product again, the server 40 is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. This therefore, in effect, can be used to modify a purchase price of the second different product during a purchase of the second different product which is subsequent to the first purchase of the second different product. For example, a percentage discount or absolute discount can be applied to subsequent purchases of the second product. This encourages the user of the product container 20 to reuse the product container 20 for any purchases of the first product and / or the second different product. The server 40 may also modify or cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. Therefore, the variable data 42 can be modified with each purchase of the second different product, to record various aspects of the purchase history of the second different product, such as amount of the second different product purchased, times the second different product was purchased, geographical locations of where the second different product was purchased, and product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the second different product. In some embodiments, the product container 22 may comprise a second unique readable code provided on the product container. Where the product container 22 comprises two unique readable codes 32, 34, the first unique readable code 32 can be used to register and verify purchases of the product container 22 and a first purchase of any product or products that the product container 22 is intended to be used with, for example a first product and a second product different from the first product. The second unique readable code 34 can then be used at each further purchase of products that have already been purchased using the product container 22. In this way, the first unique code can be effective only during the purchase of the product container 22 and the first purchase of any product or products that the product container 22 is intended to be used with, after which it is effectively switched off or disabled, and any further input of the first unique readable code 32 in relation to the purchase of a previously purchased product will have no effect, that is it will not elicit a response from the server 40, such as the provision of a product cost modifier for the purchase of the previously purchased products. In one embodiment, after purchase of the product container 22 and a first purchase of any product or products that the product container 22 is intended to be used with, for example a first product and a second product different from the first product, a subsequent read of the first unique code may cause a null or error response from the server to the user network terminal device such that the user network terminal device can present a message, such as an error message, to the user indicating a misuse of the first unique code. Following modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 20 indicating the registration of a first purchase of the first product, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product to the server 40 to indicate any second or subsequent purchase of the first product. In particular, the user network terminal device 60 transmits purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product to cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server to register the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product upon input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. The server 40 is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. The server 40 is configured to then modify the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the second, or subsequent, input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during any second, or subsequent, purchase of the first product. Similarly, following modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 20 indicating the registration of a first purchase of a second product, different to the first product, the user network terminal device 60 is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the second product to the server 40 to indicate any second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. In particular, the user network terminal device 60 transmits purchase verification data for a second, or subsequent, purchase of the second product to cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server to register the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product upon input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. The server 40 is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. The server 40 is configured to then modify the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register the second, or subsequent, input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during any second, or subsequent, purchase of the second different product. The requirement of purchase verification data being sent, either as part of initialisation data, or separate to the initialisation data, from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 to register a purchase of the product container 20, 22 and / or register a first purchase of a particular product of one or more products for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to be used for, means that a product container 20, 22 which has not been used to send purchase verification data to the server 40, either for the container itself or for a particular product, can be prevented from operating as a dynamic reusable packaging system 10. In particular, the product container 20, 22 may be prevented from being used to subsequently provide modified purchase prices for purchases of products. In the scenario when the purchase of the product container 20, 22 has not been verified, then no modified purchase prices can be provided for any subsequent product purchases, therefore negating the benefit of the reusable packaging system 10 in the scenario that the product container 20, 22 has not been verified for some reason, for example if the product container 20, 22 has been stolen. This reduces the usefulness of the product container 20, 22 to any potential thief, thereby reducing thefts of such product containers 20, 22. In the scenario when the purchase of the product container 20, 22 has been verified, but that a first purchase of a product has not been verified, then no modified purchase price for any subsequent purchase of that product using the product container 20, 22 can be applied. Such a subsequent purchase of a product may however give rise to verification of a first purchase of that product, as described above, assuming that the purchase of the product container 20, 22 has itself been verified. Since the reusable packaging system 10 can be used in the purchase of one or more products, the server 40 may be configured to receive and store, in the variable data 42, data relating to the time of purchase of the one or more products, and / or data relating to the geographic location of purchase of the one or more products, and / or data relating to the frequency of purchase of the one or more products, and / or data relating to product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the one or more products. Thus, the variable data 42 can store information relating to the use of the product container 20, 22 in the purchase of the one or more products. The variable data 42 may store information related to all products purchased using the product container 20, 22. In some embodiments, the variable data 42 may be modified independently of the use of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34. For example, a third party which manages the server 40 or the reusable packaging system 10 may be able to modify the variable data 42 in some other manner to provide a different user experience in the use of the reusable packaging system 10. For example, the third party may have knowledge, from the variable data 42, that a particular product has been bought in the past using a particular product container 20, 22. The variable data 42 may indicate that the previous purchase of the product was not recent and encourage the user to make a purchase using the product container 20, 22 by offering to apply an increased product cost modifier to the next purchase of the product. Therefore, a larger discount may be provided by the variable data 42 on the next purchase of that product. In some embodiments such indications could be provided to the user via an application on a mobile phone acting as the user network terminal device 60, or may be provided through some other means, such as email, when such details of the user are held in the variable data 42 at the server 40. The variable data 42, or associated data, may include data relating to the user of the product container 20, 22, either obtained at the point of purchase of the product container 20, 22 or later as part of a registration process, which may be for example as part of a subscription model for the purchase of products using the product container 20, 22. If the user has registered their contact details as part of the registration process, for example an email address or telephone number, then the user details may be stored in the variable data 42, or associated data, and used to communicate with the user to inform them of increased cost modifiers to be applied to one or more future purchase of the product using the product container 20, 22, thereby enabling the communication of modified discounts on future purchases of the product. Whilst it has been described that the interaction between the server 40 and the product container 20, 22 is carried out through a user network terminal device 60, it will be understood that the product container 20, 22 may be used at one of any number of user network terminal devices 60 that are operatively connected to the server 40 via the computing network 80. Therefore, whilst a first purchase of a product may be made via a first user network terminal device 60-1, a second purchase of that product may be made by a second user network terminal device 60-2, the second user network terminal device 60-2 being a different user network terminal device 60 to the first user network terminal device 60-1. Figure 1 illustrates the optional second user network terminal device 60-2 in dashed lines. Further user network terminal devices 60 may be used for other subsequent product purchases. The geographical location of the user network terminal devices 60, for example a first user network terminal device 60-1 and a second user network terminal device 60-2, may be stored at the server, or transmitted to the server 40 during a purchase of a product using the product container 20, 22 and used in the modification of the variable data 42, to track the geographic use of the product container 20, 22. During the purchase of a product, which was previously purchased at a first user network terminal device 60-1, where a cost modifier for the subsequent purchase of the same product may be applicable, a different second user network terminal device 60-2 may be used to read the relevant unique readable code on the product container 20, 22, and receive data from the server 40 relating to a cost modifier or discount to be applied to the purchase of the previously purchased product at the second user network terminal device 60-2. Optionally, further readable codes 36 can be provided on the product container 20, 22, which may be read by the user to be input into a user network terminal device 60, such as a mobile phone, or read by the user network terminal device 60, such as a mobile phone, itself, to provide further information to the user. Such further information may include geographical locations where the user can buy the or each product for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to be used. As previously noted, unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 may be generated by a manufacturer, to be applied to product containers 20, 22, for example on a production line. In some embodiments, the product containers 20, 22, having unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 applied thereto, will be transported from the manufacturer, ultimately to an authorised entity, such as a retailer, potentially via an intermediary distributor. There may therefore be a requirement to track the product containers 20, 22 having the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 for tracing and security. In order to provide tracing and security for the product containers 20, 22 the product containers may be provided in batches, which can be more easily tracked. The batching of product containers 20, 22 may be done as part of the production line process, or at a later stage. Each product container 20, 22 is sorted, potentially as part of the production line process for the product, or via a separate sorting machine, into a case or box. Each case or box may contain a plurality of product containers 20, 22. Each case or box can be printed, or provided, with a unique case code (UCC) which holds information relating to the product containers 20, 22 held within the case or box. Therefore, the unique case code holds information, or is linked to information, on each of the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 applied to the product containers 20, 22 held within the case or box. Cases or boxes can be further sorted for transportation on a pallet or skid. A plurality of cases or boxes can be arranged on a pallet. The pallet is then printed, or provided, with a unique pallet code (UPC) which holds information, or is linked to information, relating to the cases or boxes. Therefore, ultimately, the unique pallet code holds information, or is linked to information, on each of the unique case codes, which in turn hold information, or is linked to information, on each of the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 applied to the product containers 20, 22 held on the pallet. The product containers 20, 22 can now be transported, via a distributor, to an authorised entity, such as a retailer. In some embodiments, on receiving the pallet, the distributor, using a scanning device, such as a handheld scanning device or other scanning machine or device, may scan the unique pallet code, which can provide a registration of the receipt or delivery of the pallet, and therefore the product containers 20, 22 contained on the pallet. Other information may be stored at this stage, including the identification of an employee who has scanned the pallet, the time of delivery of the pallet, the location of delivery of the pallet, and recording of any issues with the product containers 20, 22 on the pallet, as well as other auxiliary information. The pallets, the cases or boxes, or the individual product containers 20, 22 may then be stored in a specific location, such as on warehouse racking or shelving at the distributor site. At the entrance and exit of each of these specific locations, a scanning device may be used to scan the entry or exit of the pallets, the cases or boxes, or the individual product containers 20, 22 via the respective unique pallet codes, the unique case codes, or the unique product codes 30, 32, 34. In this way, the location of each of the product containers 20, 22 that has been delivered can be tracked to a specific location in storage. More granular location identification can be provided, such as the identification of a particular racking or shelving row, or identification of a specific rack or shelf upon which the product containers 20, 22 are stored. Such tracking can help minimise lost or misplaced stock, thereby optimising the storage process, and provide a level of security against theft. Onward transportation of the product containers 20, 22 may then be provided to a receiver, in the form of an authorised entity, such as a retailer or other business. The process of scanning product containers 20, 22, via unique readable codes 30, 32, 34, and / or scanning unique case codes, and / or unique pallet codes can continue until the product containers 20, 22 reach the authorised entity, to maintain suitable tracking of the product containers 20, 22. A further variation of the above described reusable packaging system 10 may be provided in the light of the transportation of product containers 20, 22 from a manufacturer, where one or more unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 have been applied to the product containers 20, 22, to a receiver, in the form of an authorised entity such as a retailer, where the product container 20, 22 may be purchased, as noted above. In this variation, the unique readable code 30, or codes 32, 34 on a product container 20, 22, may be rendered inactive in relation to their use as noted above in relation to a purchase of the product container 20, 22, for instance a purchase of the product container 20, 22 by a user or consumer. In particular, in the scenario where one unique readable code 30 is applied to the product container 20 (though it will be equally understood that the arrangements and methods could apply to the scenario described above having two unique readable codes 32, 34), the unique readable code 30 may be identified, in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, as being inactive, or in an inactive state, and may remain inactive, or in the inactive state, until registered as active, or registered to be in an active state, by an authorised, or authorising, entity. The authorising entity may be an authorised, or registered, retailer for example. This then prevents or minimises misuse of the product container 20, by preventing purchases of products and / or the application of incentives or discounts on subsequent purchases of products using an inactive unique readable code 30 until the authorising entity has activated the unique readable code 30. When the unique readable code 30 is inactive, use of the unique readable code 30 at the point of use of the product container 20 may be prevented. An authorising entity, who is able to switch the unique readable code 30 from inactive to active may be, for example, the retailer who wishes to activate the unique readable codes 30 prior to placing the product containers 20 on shelves in a store. An advantage of the feature of having unique readable codes 30 that may be switched from an inactive state to an active state, is that the extended functionality of the product container 20, when reusing the product container 20, can be switched off, therefore making the product container 20 of less use, or value, to a person who has not validly purchased the product container 20. In some embodiments, the reusable packaging system 10 may comprise an authorising network terminal device 160, as illustrated in Figure 13. The authorising network terminal device 160 may be a network terminal device which has increased permissions over a user network terminal device 60, for the modification of the variable data 42 at the server 40. The authorising network terminal device 160 may be any form of fixed or handheld device into which the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 can be input for transmission to the server 40. Code input means 162 are provided on the authorising network terminal device 160. The code input means 162 may be in the form of any type of code reader, which many be manually operated, or be operated in an automated, or semi-automated manner. The code input means 162 may comprise a manual user input, for example a keyboard, for inputting the readable code 30, 32, 34 into the authorising network terminal device 160. In other examples, the code input means 162 may be in the form of an automated, or semi-automated code reader 162, which may be a light emitting diode (LED) or laser scanner, camera, or RFID reader. The authorising network terminal device 160 further comprises communication means or input and output means, which may be in the form of a wired or wireless network connector 168 or transceiver by which the authorising network terminal device 160 can be operably connected to and communicate with other devices, such as the server 40, on, or over, a computing network 80. For example, the authorising network terminal device 160 can communicate over a computing network 80 enabling the transmission of data from the authorising network terminal device 160 to another device on a computing network 80, such as the server 40, and enabling the receipt of data at the authorising network terminal device 160 from another device on a computing network 80, such as the server 40. The authorising network terminal device 160 may be, for example, part of a checkout till at an authorising entity’s premises or store, such as a retail store, with which an authorising entity can scan the unique readable code 30, 32, 34. Alternatively, the authorising network terminal device 160 may be a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, with which an authorising entity can scan the unique readable code 30, 32, 34. The authorising network terminal device 160 has a capability of receiving, either by user input or by an automated or semi-automated input, a unique readable code 30, 32, 34. For example, a camera on the authorising network terminal device 160 may provide the function of the code input means 162. In order to facilitate further functionality, when the authorising network terminal device 160 is a mobile phone, an application running on that mobile phone may provide access to the camera functionality of the mobile phone and further functionality for the authorising entity. The authorising network terminal device 160 may be a code reader, such as a barcode reader on a checkout till at a point of sale, such as can be found in many retail environments, with a capability of receiving, by an automated or semiautomated input, a unique readable code 30, 32, 34. For example, a laser scanner on the barcode reader may provide the function of the code input means 162. The authorising network terminal device 160 may communicate with the server 40 via a computing network 80, such as a local area network, a wide area network, or a cellular network, or via an interconnected system of computer networks, for example over an intranet or the internet. Input of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the authorising network terminal device 160 prior to a purchase of the product container 20, 22 on which unique readable code 30, 32, 34 is provided, by a user, causes modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. The modification of the variable data 42 allows the variable data 42 to store information relating to the use of the product container 20, 22. In particular, the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 may be registered as active following input of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the authorising network terminal device 160 by the authorising entity. In use, input of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the user network terminal device 60 at the point of use of the product container 20, 22 may cause the user network terminal device 60 to transmit initialisation data to the server 40. The server 40 may be configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device 60. If the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 is identified, in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, as being inactive, the server 40 prevents modification the variable data 42 to register an initialisation of the product container 20, 22 in the variable data 42. Therefore, by having an inactive unique readable code 30, 32, 34, a purchase of the product container 20, 22 can be prevented or prohibited, and the extended functionality of a purchased product container 20, 22, as noted above, can be prevented or prohibited. In some embodiments, the input of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the user network terminal device 60 at the point of use of the product container 20, 22 when the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 is identified, in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, as being inactive, can cause the reusable packaging system 10 to output, or cause, an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code 30, 32, 34. The alert may be a message presented on the user network terminal device 60 and / or the authorising network terminal device 160. A visual or audible alert may be provided. In some instances, the input of the inactive unique readable code 30, 32, 34 into the user network terminal device 60 may alert authorities to the use of a product container 20, 22 that has not been validly purchased. Figures 4 to 12 illustrate steps or blocks of methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 of use of a reusable packaging system 10, such as system 10 that is illustrated in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 4, block 405 of method 400 comprises storing variable data 42 on a server 40, the variable data 42 being associated with a unique readable code 30, 32, 34 provided on a product container 20, 22. At block 410 the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 is input into a user network terminal device 60 at the point of use of the product container 20, 22 to modify or cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. At block 415 the variable data 42 is modified, in response to use of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 at a point of use of the product container 20, 22, with information relating to the use of the product container 20, 22. Therefore, by reading the unique readable code 30, 32, 34, on the product container 20, 22, using, for example, a code reader 62 on a user network terminal device 60, where the user network terminal device 60 is operably connected to the server 40, the variable data 42 stored in memory 46 on the server 40 is modified to register the use of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34. Therefore the reading of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 provides for dynamic modification of variable data 42 stored on a remote server 40 in order to track the usage of the product container 20, 22, thereby allowing for optimisation of the use of the product container 20, 22 for the purchase and future purchases of a product or a number of products. The modification of the variable data 42 may comprise an override of existing data or appending of new data, such as data indicative of the status of initialisation or purchase of the product container 20, 22, or data indicative of the purchase of the one or more products for which the product container 20, 22 is intended to be used for. In relation to the purchase of a product, the number of times a product is purchased can be registered using a simple counter in the variable data 42 which can be overwritten upon each purchase of the product to tally purchases of that product. If further information about purchases of a product is to be stored in the variable data 42, such as the time of purchase of the product or geographic location of the purchase of the product, then data can be appended, for example in the form of tabulated data, to the variable data 42, which can then be retrieved and processed to provide information about previous purchases, where such data can then be used to optimise the use of the product container 20, 22 by the user. Figure 5 illustrates a method 500 for the purchase of a product container 20, 22 with the reusable packaging system 10. At block 505 the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 on a first occasion. At block 510 initialisation data is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as a result of inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 on the first occasion. In some embodiments purchase verification data for the product container is sent from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as part of the initialisation data, the purchase verification data for the product container providing verification of purchase of the product container 20, 22. At block 515 the initialisation data is received at the server 40. In embodiments where the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for the product container, the purchase verification data for the product container is also received at the server 40. At block 520, an initialisation of the product container 20, 22 is registered in the variable data 42 in response to receiving the initialisation data at the server 40. Optionally, at block 525 the purchase of the product container 20, 22 is registered in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. Therefore, the initialisation and / or purchase of the product container 20, 22 causes modification of the variable data 42 at the server 40. Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 for the purchase of a product container 20, 22 simultaneously with the purchase of a first product with the reusable packaging system 10. At block 605 the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 on a first occasion. At block 610 initialisation data is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as a result of inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 on the first occasion. In some embodiments purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 and first purchase of the first product is sent from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as part of the initialisation data, the purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 and first purchase of the first product providing verification of purchase of the product container 20, 22 and verification of a first purchase of a first product. At block 615 the initialisation data is received at the server 40. In embodiments where the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 and first purchase of the first product, the purchase verification data is also received at the server 40. At block 620, the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register an initialisation of the product container 20, 22 and the first purchase of the first product in the variable data 42, in response to receiving the initialisation data at the server 40. Optionally, at block 625 the purchase of the product container 20, 22 and first purchase of the first product are registered in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. Therefore, the initialisation and / or purchase of the product container 20, 22 and purchase of a product causes modification of the variable data 42 at the server 40. Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 for the purchase of a first product, subsequent to the purchase of a product container 20, 22, with the reusable packaging system 10. At block 705 the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 on a first occasion. At block 710 initialisation data is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as a result of inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 on the first occasion. In some embodiments, purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 is sent from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 as part of the initialisation data, the purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 providing verification of purchase of the product container 20, 22. At block 715 the initialisation data is received at the server 40. In embodiments where the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22, the purchase verification data for the product container 20, 22 is also received at the server 40. At block 720, an initialisation of the product container 20, 22 is registered in the variable data 42 in response to receiving the initialisation data at the server 40. Optionally, at block 725 the purchase of the product container 20, 22 is registered in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. At block 730 the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 on a second occasion during a first purchase of a first product of one or more available products. At block 735 in response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device 60 on the second occasion, purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product, relating to the purchase of the first product, is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40. At block 740 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register the first purchase of the first product in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 for the purchase of a second product, different to the first product, subsequent to the method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 or the method 700 illustrated in Figure 7. At block 805, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during a first purchase of a second different product. At block 810, in response to inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 during a first purchase of a second different product, purchase verification data for the first purchase of the second different product is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to modify the variable data 42 stored in the server 40. At block 815 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register the first purchase of the second different product. Figure 9 illustrates a method 900 for a second purchase of the first product subsequent to the method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 or the method 700 illustrated in Figure 7. At block 905, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code 30, 32 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the first product. At block 910, in response to inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the first product, purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to indicate the unique readable code 30, 32 has been input during a purchase of the first product. At block 915 data is transmitted from the server 40 to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the purchase of the first product. That is, cost modifier data can be sent to the user network terminal device 60 indicating that the subsequent purchase of the first product can be made with the additional application of a cost modifier, which may be a purchase discount for the first product. At block 920 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. Figure 10 illustrates a method 1000 for a second purchase of the first product using a second unique readable code 34, subsequent to the method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 or the method 700 illustrated in Figure 7. At block 1005, following registration of the first purchase of the first product in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, a second unique readable code 34 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the first product. At block 1010, in response to inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to indicate the second unique readable code 34 has been input during a purchase of the first product. At block 1015 data is transmitted from the server 40 to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product. That is, cost modifier data can be sent to the user network terminal device 60 indicating that the subsequent purchase of the first product can be made with the additional application of a cost modifier, which may be a purchase discount for the first product. At block 1020 the variable data 42 stored in the server 40 is modified to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40. Optionally, at block 1025 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during a subsequent purchase of the first product. Figure 11 illustrates a method 1100 for a second purchase of the second product using the unique readable code 30, 32, subsequent to the method 800 illustrated in Figure 8. At block 1105, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the second different product. At block 1110, in response to inputting the unique readable code 30, 32 into the user network terminal device 60 during the second purchase of the second different product, purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to indicate the unique readable code 30, 32 has been input during a purchase of the second product. At block 1115 data is transmitted from the server 40 to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product. That is, cost modifier data can be sent to the user network terminal device 60 indicating that the subsequent purchase of the second different product can be made with the additional application of a cost modifier, which may be a purchase discount for the second different product. At block 1120 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register the second purchase of the second different product. Figure 12 illustrates a method 1200 for a second purchase of the second different product using a second unique readable code 34, subsequent to the method 800 illustrated in Figure 8. At block 1205, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, the second unique readable code 34 is input into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the second different product. At block 1210, in response to inputting the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during a second purchase of the second different product, purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product is transmitted from the user network terminal device 60 to the server 40 to indicate the second unique readable code 34 has been input during a purchase of the second product. At block 1215 data is transmitted from the server 40 to the user network terminal device 60 to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product. That is, cost modifier data can be sent to the user network terminal device 60 indicating that the subsequent purchase of the second different product can be made with the additional application of a cost modifier, which may be a purchase discount for the second different product. At block 1220 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register the second purchase of the second different product. Optionally, at block 1225 the variable data 42 stored at the server 40 is modified to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code 34 into the user network terminal device 60 during a subsequent purchase of the second different product. Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c illustrate steps or blocks of a method 1400 of use of a reusable packaging system 10, such as system 10 that is illustrated in Figures 1 and 13 and as described above. As illustrated in Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c, which are all linked through the references A, B, and C, at block 1405 of method 1400 the process of generating and potentially activating a unique readable code 30 or unique readable codes 32, 34 is started. At block 1410 a unique readable code 30 is, or unique readable codes 32, 34, as described above in relation to the arrangements shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, are, generated by a manufacturer, to be applied to a product container 20, 22, for example on a production line. In particular, in the scenario where one unique readable code 30 is applied to the product container 20 (though it will be equally understood that the arrangements and methods could apply to the scenario described above having two unique readable codes 32, 34), each product manufactured on the production line will have its own unique readable code 30, depending on the required functionality of the product container 20. At block 1415, the unique readable code 30 remains inactive prior to initialisation or activation at a receiver, which may be an authorising entity, such as a retailer, which defines a point of sale for the product container 20 and therefore the point of use of the unique readable code 30. In particular, the method may comprise identifying, in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, that the unique readable code 30 is inactive; and preventing use of the unique readable code 30 at the point of use of the product container 20 until the unique readable code 30 is registered as active by an authorising entity. Block 1420 comprises inputting, by an authorising entity, the unique readable code 30 into an authorising network terminal device 160. The instance of the input of the unique readable code 30 may then be stored at a server 40. Block 1425 is a decision block defining flow paths when the unique readable code 30 is either activated by an authorising entity or is not activated by an authorising entity. At block 1430, when the authorising entity has input the unique readable code 30 into the authorising network terminal device 160, the unique readable code 30 may be registered, in the variable data 42 at the server 40, as active. At blocks 1435 to 1445, the previously described processes or methods of the purchase of a product container 20 or a product may be provided. For example, at block 1435 the process or method of purchasing a product container 20 as illustrated by method 500, or purchasing a first product subsequent to the purchase of a product container 20, as illustrated by method 700, may be provided. In these processes, initialisation data is sent to the server 40 from the user network terminal device 60 such that the variable data 42 at the server 40 is modified to show the initialisation of the unique readable code 30 from the consumer or user point of view. This initialisation of the unique readable code 30 from the consumer point of view may, in some embodiments, provide for subsequent purchases, using the same product container, to be incentivised thereby providing an environmental benefit in the use of the reusable packaging system 10. At block 1450, further inputs of the unique readable code 30 may be provided at the user network terminal device 60, for further product purchases or subsequent purchases of the same product. At block 1455, it is determined if the unique readable code 30 has been initialised following an earlier initialisation of the unique readable code 30 from a purchase of the product container 20 or a previous purchase of the product. At block 1460, if the unique readable code 30 has been initialised following an earlier initialisation of the unique readable code 30 from a purchase of the product container 20 or a previous purchase of the product, then the subsequent purchase is permitted. On the subsequent purchase, an incentive may be granted for the reuse of the product container 20. The process then ends at block 1470. At block 1465, if the unique readable code 30 has not been initialised by an earlier initialisation of the unique readable code 30 from a purchase of the product container 20 or a previous purchase of the product, then subsequent purchase is not permitted. In some embodiments, the a message may be displayed at the user network terminal device 60 identifying that the unique readable code 30 has not been initialised by an earlier initialisation of the unique readable code 30, and directing the user of the user network terminal device 60 to purchase the product at an authorised entity, such as a registered retailer who is responsible for the initialisation of the unique readable code 30 by the purchase of such products. The process then ends at block 1470. From block 1425 if the unique readable code 30 is not activated by an authorising entity, such as the retailer, inputting the unique readable code 30 into the authorising network terminal device 160, such that the unique readable code 30 may be registered as active, at block 1475 the unique readable code 30 is maintained in an inactive state, or an inactive unique readable code 30 is maintained. At block 1480, the unique readable code may be input into a user network terminal device 60 at the point of use of the product container 20. Initialisation data is then transmitted, from the user network terminal device 60, to the server 40, and is subsequently received, at the server 40. In the variable data 42 stored at the server, it is then identified that the unique readable code is inactive, and any modification of the variable data 42 to register an initialisation of the product container 20 in the variable data 42, for the purchase of the product, is prevented or prohibited. Additionally, at or after block 1480 in some embodiments, the method of use of a reusable packaging system 10 may comprise causing an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code 30 when the unique readable code 30 is input into a user network terminal device 60, at the point of use of the product container 20, and identified, in the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, as being inactive. The process then ends at block 1470. The blocks illustrated in Figures 4 to 12, and Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c, may represent steps in a method. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted. Alternative processes may be provided for the use of the reusable packaging system 10. In particular, in some embodiments, after an initial purchase of a product container 20, 22, the unique readable codes 30, 32, 34 may be used to facilitate a remote purchase of a product. A remote purchase of a product is a purchase made remotely from the location at which the products or goods to be purchased are located. In situations where a unique readable code 30, 32, 34 on the product container 20, 22 has not been scanned to verify the purchase of the product container 20, 22 remote purchasing of a product may be prohibited. Prohibition of remote purchasing may be indicated by a flag in the variable data 42 at the server 40. The removal of the prohibition of remote purchasing may only be effected by modification of the variable data 42 at the server 40 via the process of verifying the purchase of the product container 20, 22 at a point of sale. A user network terminal device 60, for example in the form of a mobile phone, may be used by the user to scan the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 on the product container 20, 22 for a remote purchase of a product. In some embodiments, an application on the user network terminal device 60 which provides access to an input for the unique readable code 30, 32, 34, for example in the form of an input box for an alphanumerical code or a camera to scan a unique readable code 30, 32, 34 in the form of, for example, a barcode or QR code, may be used to remotely order a product. Whilst the same processes as described above may be carried out for the purchase of a product, the scan of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 initiates communication between the user network terminal device 60 and the server 40 to cause modification of the variable data 42 stored at the server 40, this can in turn cause an order for the product to be placed, or initiate further communication to the user network terminal device 60 to prompt the user to provide further information relating to, or a confirmation of, the order. The further information may include, for example a date and time required for delivery of the product, a location for the delivery, or a modification to the amount of product to be delivered. The product will then be delivered in secondary packaging which is disposable and may be biodegradable or recyclable, and may be less robust than the product container 20, 22. The product may then be removed, by the user, from the secondary packaging and placed in the product container 20, 22, which may be a reusable container as previously described, such as outer packaging, or shelf packaging, from a first purchase of the product which may be product manufacturer shelf packaging. Purchases of products via this remote ordering process, where the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 linked to the variable data 42 at the server 40, can then provide similar discounts as previously described. For example, after a first purchase of a first product, a percentage discount or absolute discount can be applied to subsequent purchases of the first product through the remote ordering process. The application on the user network terminal device 60 may communicate with the server 40 and provide access to variable data 42 held at the server 40 for a plurality of product containers 20, 22, thereby providing information relating to past purchases of various products and goods by the user. In this manner, the application can provide an interface for the use of a plurality of product containers 20, 22, and may display data at the user network terminal device 60 to provide shopping basket type functionality for products and goods which have an attachment to the user by virtue of past purchases of the products and goods by the user. In this way the application can be used to identify potential products and goods to be reordered or repurchased by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the product container 20, 22 may comprise a readable code, which may be one of the previously described unique readable codes 30, 32, 34, or a further separate readable code, that, upon reading by the user network terminal device 60, initiates communication between the user network terminal device 60 and the server 40. The server 40 may query the user network terminal device 60 as to its geographical location. Details of the geographical location of the user network terminal device 60 may be provided by the user, or by operation of a GPS system or similar system which is part of the user network terminal device 60. The geographical location of the user network terminal device 60 is provided to the server 40 in order for the server 40 to process the supplied geographical location to determine the closest product dispensing facility for the product to which the product container 20, 22 is used for. At the product dispensing facility, the user can refill the product container 20, 22 with the desired product. In some embodiments, the use of the product container 20, 22 itself, and in particular the scanning of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 on the product container 20, 22 will cause communication between a user network terminal device 60 at the product dispensing facility and a server 40, to provide determination of any prior use of the product container 20, 22 for that product and allow the delivery of, or the dispensing of, the product and / or the application of a price modification to the purchase of the product. In other embodiments, the user may first have to confirm that they are reusing the product container 20, 22 and then scan the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 on the product container 20, 22 as confirmation. The product container 20, 22 may have a limited number of uses. The maximum number of uses may be a predetermined value. The predetermined value may depend on the robustness of the product container 20, 22. Upon expiry of the final use of the product container 20, 22, the user may be prompted, at the user network terminal device 60, to return or recycle the product container 20, 22. For example, the user network terminal device 60 may indicate to the user that the product container 20, 22 may be picked up for recycling or disposal, identify the closest recycling centre for the product container 20, 22, or provide details of how to post the product container 20, 22 back for recycling or disposal. A last scan of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 may provide a repayment to the user for following one of the indicated recycling and / or disposal options for the product container 20, 22. In some embodiments, when the user no longer wishes to use the product container 20, 22, they may be able to select or identify, using the user network terminal device 60, that they no longer wish to use the container. If the user identifies that they no longer wish to use the product container 20, 22, then the user network terminal device 60 may indicate to the user that the product container 20, 22 may be picked up for recycling or disposal, identify the closest recycling centre for the product container 20, 22, or provide details of how to post the product container 20, 22 back for recycling or disposal. A last scan of the unique readable code 30, 32, 34 may provide a repayment to the user for following one of the indicated recycling and / or disposal options for the product container 20, 22. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A reusable packaging system, comprising:a product container for retaining one or more products;a unique readable code provided on the product container; anda server storing variable data, the variable data being associated with the unique readable code and being configured to be modified in response to use of the unique readable code at a point of use of the product container.

2. A reusable packaging system according to claim 1, comprising:a user network terminal device configured to scan the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container.

3. A reusable packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive until registered as active by an authorising entity, wherein, when the unique readable code is inactive, use of the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container is prevented.

4. A reusable packaging system according to claim 3, comprising:an authorising network terminal device;wherein the unique readable code is registered as active when the authorising entity inputs the unique readable code into the authorising network terminal device.

5. A reusable packaging system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container causes the user network terminal device to transmit initialisation data to the server, wherein the server is configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device and, if the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive, prevent modification the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data.

6. A reusable packaging system according to claim 5, wherein the input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container when the unique readable code is identified, in the variable datastored at the server, as being inactive, causes the reusable packaging system to cause an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code.

7. A reusable packaging system according to claim 2 or claim 4, wherein input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container causes modification of the variable data stored at the server to store information relating to the use of the product container.

8. A reusable packaging system according to claim 7, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit initialisation data to the server upon input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a first occasion; and the server is configured to receive the initialisation data from the user network terminal device and modify the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data.

9. A reusable packaging system according to claim 8, wherein the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for the product container, to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register a purchase of the product container.

10. A reusable packaging system according to claim 9, wherein the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products and further causes modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product.

11. A reusable packaging system according to claim 9, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products to the server upon input of the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a second occasion, and the server is configured to modify the variable data to register the first purchase of the first product upon receipt of the purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product.

12. A reusable packaging system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products to the server and the server is configured to cause modification of the variable data stored at theserver to register the first purchase of the second different product of the one or more products when, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the first purchase of the second different product.

13. A reusable packaging system according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the first product to the server, when, following registration of the first purchase of the first product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, and the server is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product and to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product.

14. A reusable packaging system according to any of claims 10 to 12, comprising: a second unique readable code provided on the product container;wherein the server is configured to modify the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the first product, following registration of the first purchase of the first product.

15. A reusable packaging system according to claim 4, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the first product to the server to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product upon input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, and the server is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product and to modify the variable data to register the second purchase of the first product.

16. A reusable packaging system according to claim 12, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of a second different product to the server, when, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, the unique readable code is input into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of thesecond different product, and the server is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product and to modify the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product.

17. A reusable packaging system according to claim 14, when also dependent on claim 12, wherein the server is configured to modify the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the second different product, following registration of the first purchase of the second different product.

18. A reusable packaging system according to claim 17, wherein the user network terminal device is configured to transmit purchase verification data for a second purchase of the second different product to the server to cause modification of the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product upon input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product, and the server is configured to transmit data to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the purchase of the second different product and to modify the variable data to register the second purchase of the second different product.

19. A reusable packaging system according to any preceding claim, wherein the server is configured to receive and store, in the variable data, one or more of:data relating to the time of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to the geographic location of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to the frequency of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the one or more products.

20. A method of use of a reusable packaging system, comprising:storing variable data on a server, the variable data being associated with a unique readable code provided on a product container; andmodifying the variable data in response to use of the unique readable code at a point of use of the product container.

21. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 20, comprising:identifying, in the variable data stored at the server, that the unique readable code is inactive; andpreventing use of the unique readable code at the point of use of the product container until the unique readable code is registered as active by an authorising entity.

22. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 21, comprising:inputting, by an authorising entity, the unique readable code into an authorising network terminal device; andwhen the authorising entity has input the unique readable code into the authorising network terminal device, registering the unique readable code as active.

23. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 21 or claim 22, comprising:inputting the unique readable code into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container;transmitting, from the user network terminal device, initialisation data to the server;receiving, at the server, the initialisation data from the user network terminal device;identifying, in the variable data stored at the server, if the unique readable code is inactive; andif the unique readable code is identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive, preventing modification of the variable data to register an initialisation of the product container in the variable data.

24. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 23, comprising:causing an alert to indicate use of an inactive unique readable code when the unique readable code is input into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container and identified, in the variable data stored at the server, as being inactive.

25. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 20 or claim 22, comprising:inputting the unique readable code into a user network terminal device at the point of use of the product container to modify the variable data stored at the server with information relating to the use of the product container.

26. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 25, comprising:transmitting initialisation data from the user network terminal device to the server upon a first occasion of inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device;receiving the initialisation data at the server; andin response to receiving the initialisation data at the server, registering an initialisation of the product container.

27. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 26, comprising:receiving purchase verification data for the product container at the server from the user network terminal device as part of the initialisation data, the purchase verification data for the product container providing verification of purchase of the product container; andregistering the purchase of the product container in the variable data stored at the server.

28. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 27, wherein the initialisation data comprises purchase verification data for a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products, and further provides verification of the first purchase of the first product, the method comprising:modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server.

29. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 27, comprising:inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on a second occasion during a first purchase of a first product of the one or more products; andin response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device on the second occasion, transmitting purchase verification data for the first purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server.

30. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 28 or claim 29, comprising:following registration of the first purchase of the first product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products; andin response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a first purchase of a second different product of the one or more products, transmitting purchase verification data for the first purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server to modify the variable data stored in the server to register the first purchase of the second different product in the variable data stored at the server.

31. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to any of claims 28 to 30, comprising:following registration of the first purchase of the first product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the first product; andin response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the purchase of the first product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server.

32. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to any of claims 28 to 30, comprising:following registration of the first purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server, modifying the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of a second unique readable code into the user networkterminal device during purchase of the first product, where the second unique readable code is provided on the product container.

33. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 32, comprising:inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the first product; andin response to inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the first product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the first product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the first product, and modifying the variable data stored in the server to register the second purchase of the first product in the variable data stored at the server.

34. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 30, comprising:following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the second different product; andin response to inputting the unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product.

35. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 32, when also dependent on claim 30, comprising:following registration of the first purchase of the second different product, modifying the variable data stored at the server to register any subsequent input of the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during purchase of the second different product.

36. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to claim 35, comprising:inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during a second purchase of the second different product; andin response to inputting the second unique readable code into the user network terminal device during the second purchase of the second different product, transmitting purchase verification data for the second purchase of the second different product from the user network terminal device to the server, transmitting data from the server to the user network terminal device to provide a product cost modifier to be applied to the second purchase of the second different product, and modifying the variable data stored at the server to register the second purchase of the second different product.

37. A method of use of a reusable packaging system according to any of claims 20 to 36, comprising:receiving and storing, in the variable data at the server, one or more of:data relating to the time of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to the geographic location of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to the frequency of purchase of the one or more products;data relating to product cost modifiers applied to the purchase of the one or more products.

38. Reusable packaging comprising:a product container for retaining one or more products; anda unique readable code provided on the product container;wherein the reusable packaging is configured to be used in the method according to any of claims 20 to 37.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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