When discussing sustainable packaging, the first thing that comes to mind is choosing the right material. However, there are several factors that affect our process when designing better solutions.

Sustainability and Packaging

Working in the field of branding our goal is to design packaging that stands out, both esthetically and functionally. Designing packaging with the lowest footprint does nothing for the environment if its left untouched at the point-of-sale.

Economic Sustainability

Whether its seaweed chips, screws, or medical equipment the main goal for the packaging is the same; to preserve the quality of the product from manufacturer to end-user. For most consumer goods the environmental impact of packaging is a fraction of the total footprint, so preserving and protecting the product always comes first.

Preserving Product Quality

Reusing and recycling materials are important topics, but the greatest potential lies in reducing the use of materials. For some the challenge of reduction relates to decreased mechanical strengths, for others it’s related to efficiency at the assembly line, theft protection at point-of-sale or the risks involved in challenging a category standard.

Material Reduction

The packaging industry is predominantly based on linear value chains, the share of materials that end up in an energy recovery facility, a landfill, or in the worst case in nature, is high. We always strive to find solutions that ensures a more circular use of materials; preferably using mono materials or combinations that easily can be separated by the end user or at a recycling plant. There are no standard answers to which is the optimal material, but we prefer materials made of renewable raw materials or recycled materials.

Circular Use of Materials

The packaging system should be designed to optimize the use of materials and secure effective transportation. In some systems the physical packaging is of less importance; for instance, some products are sold by weight and stored in different types of containers at the point of sale. In these cases, it’s the service that needs to be considered.

Packaging Systems

Effective Production and Packing

Waste during packaging production or packing of products can be factors of great importance, both for the environmental footprint and for profit. For instance, a carton is die cut from a large sheet of paper. This makes optimizing the design to utilize as much of the sheet material as possible of the utmost importance.

We do more than develop a single packaging; we develop a packaging system with focus on optimizing the product flow. Most people encounter the Consumer Unit; the packaging you pick up at the store and bring home with you. In addition, most clients also need a Distribution Unit; packaging that contains and protects several Consumer Units during transportation from manufacturer to point of sale.

Product flow

As designers, we recognize our responsibility in the transition towards a more sustainable society.