SEA ME & zerooo How I brought sustainable e-commerce to life

The Challenge: Digital Thinking for Reusable Systems

Do you know that feeling when a project is not only technically exciting but also has a positive impact on the environment? That's exactly what I experienced during my collaboration with SEA ME and zerooo. This was about much more than just an online shop – it was about digitally mapping a complete reusable system for cosmetic products.

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SEA ME had already taken an important step with its sustainable care and cleaning products. With zerooo, they additionally developed a reusable infrastructure that should be accessible to other brands as well. My task? To technically bring this vision to life.

Customized WordPress Solutions for Sustainable Business Models

The basic structure of the WordPress site and the design came from Design Manufaktur Hamburg. I was able to complement the project with complex technical features that made the reusable system functional in the first place.

The GDPR-compliant store finder was my first centerpiece. It allows users to quickly and easily find all pick-up and drop-off points for SEA ME products – whether at Müller, Budni, or selected unpackaged stores. An interactive map shows at a glance where the next station is. You're familiar with these maps from other websites? The Google Maps display only appears after GDPR approval by the visitor.

WooCommerce Reimagined: Two Customer Worlds, One System

The real challenge was in the business logic. The system had to work simultaneously for two different customer groups:

For end customers, I adapted the ordering process to take into account the special requirements of the reusable system.

For retail partners, I had to implement completely different logic. They can register in the system, list their business as a drop-off and pick-up station, and thus become part of the reusable network. This made intelligent division of shipping boxes and smooth deposit returns directly through the website possible.

The "My Account" section was a small challenge. Here I provided special functions that simplify the deposit cycle and make it traceable. With just a few clicks, customers can see how much deposit they can get back and where the nearest drop-off point is.

Data Protection Meets Sustainability

For a forward-looking project like SEA ME and zerooo, data protection could not be neglected. By implementing the Borlabs Cookie Banner, I ensured that both SEA ME and zerooo comply with current data protection requirements.

The special feature: The cookie banner integrates seamlessly into the sustainable design concept and does not disrupt the user experience – a small but important detail for websites that carry sustainability at their core.

A System That Grows With You

What particularly excited me about this project: I was able to create a system that can grow with the company. With each new retail partner that joins, the network expands in the store finder. Each new product can be easily integrated into the existing deposit and reusable logistics.

The technical implementation offers concrete advantages for the future: New drop-off points can be added via an admin interface without programming effort. The WooCommerce extension is modularly designed so that new product categories or deposit amounts can be easily integrated. And the customized user accounts automatically capture all relevant data for deposit returns – a scalable system that grows with the ambitions of SEA ME and zerooo.

Technical Sustainability in Harmony with Ecological Vision

What makes this project so special? It shows how technical solutions and ecological visions can go hand in hand. The WordPress and WooCommerce adaptations form the digital backbone for a system that avoids waste and conserves resources in the real world.

In collaboration with Design Manufaktur Hamburg