Where nesting relies on shape, collapsing relies on hinges, folds or a knock-down structure. Both solve the same problem — empty volume — and both add a handling step, so the question is whether the space saved is worth the labour to fold and set up.
You may also want to explore
Learn
How do empty containers affect freight cost?
Rigid packaging is efficient in one direction. The other direction is where the money leaks.
TermNestable
Empty units sit inside each other, so empties take much less space than fulls.
TermReturnable packaging
Packaging designed to come back and be used again, usually within an agreed loop.
If this becomes a real requirement
CAQUIN sources industrial packaging to specification. Send what you use today, roughly how much, and where it ships — a photo is enough to start.