I love packaging design. It’s been a passion of mine for years and is something I believe can really amplify and reinforce your brand identity in the hearts and minds of your customers.
Unfortunately, Australians throw away around 1.9 million tonnes of packaging each and every year, which is an alarming statistic. So there’s never been a better time to invest in sustainable materials and practises for your brand’s packaging – it’s good for the planet, great for your business and ultimately sends a positive message to your audience.
What is sustainable packaging?
Put simply, sustainable packaging is any packaging that’s created to reduce the footprint it has on the environment. It’s not enough to choose materials labelled ‘bio’ or ‘eco-friendly’ anymore – there needs to be an emphasis on building a circular economy from day one. Why? Because there’s so much waste that can be avoided throughout the entire design and production process.
Why is sustainable packaging important?
We all know that there’s a huge problem with plastics in the environment and if you’re here reading this blog, you likely want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Investing in sustainable packaging shouldn’t be an option anymore – it’s a necessity. As they say: there’s no ‘planet B’ so we need to do everything we can to protect our one and only home.
What is sustainable packaging in design?
As designers, we can have a huge impact on the sustainability of products and product packaging by:
Sourcing materials that are 100% recycled or raw
Minimise the production process and partner with suppliers who also share this same vision
Build a circular economy with the packaging we design, looking for ways to extend the life cycle of our designs.
Labels can be misleading and this is an area where it definitely pays to do your own research. Start by checking out the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and keep asking questions about the sustainability of materials and processes with the partners you work with. Bringing the conversation forward into the design process is
A few examples of the best sustainable packaging design
It can feel daunting to make the switch to sustainable packaging, but there are brands out there who are leading the way with innovative solutions. This is where you can get really creative and start to think beyond the product you’re looking to package and into the lives of your customers.
H&M shopping bag
What’s one type of packaging that most stores have? The humble shopping bag. H&M are completely tapped into the lives of their customers and created a brown paper bag that converts into a clothes hanger.
The bag is made from 80% recycled materials and is a clever way of reducing waste by giving the packaging another life in the customer’s closet. The idea of simply using less materials is a brilliant way to reduce your environmental impact.
Impact International tubes
As well as packaging design, I’m equally obsessed with skincare (I’m South Korean, after all!), so when I heard about Impact International’s fossil fuel replacement tubes, I got really excited!
Using up to 90% recycled materials and locally made in Sydney, these tubes – there are three types, called the Sarah, Craig and Marjorie – are set to change the game. Uniquely designed, they won a few PIDA awards in 2019 for their innovation and sustainability.
Evergreen Skin Co.
Speaking of skincare, I was thrilled to work with the inspiring team at Evergreen Skin Co. on their beauty branding and packaging design. As a brand all about holistic wellbeing and sustainability, it was important that the packaging design reflect this, while also not being too much of a distraction from the incredible products themselves.
Courtney Kim Studio is an environmentally conscious business, so when we do product packaging design for eCommerce brands, we bake in as much sustainability as possible from the get-go. Fine tuning the design process as more and more options become available for sustainable materials is a big part of our focus moving forward.
Sustainable packaging ideas you can try!
It may take you a little time to find your groove when it comes to sustainable packaging. To get you started, here are a few ideas you can try that are quick and easy to implement:
Compostable mailers: Instead of using cardboard boxes or mail bags, invest in compostable mailers to send your products to your customers. Made from a type of biodegradable plastic, they’re a great alternative (plus you can add your branding to them too!).
Eco-friendly tape and labels: If you’re investing in a compostable or recycled mailer, make sure you use eco-friendly tape and labels. We recommend water-activated tape, which has one side that’s adhesive when wet.
Recycled paper: To cushion and protect your products in transit, use recycled paper to fill voids or offer padding, instead of packing peanuts or inflated plastic pockets.
What it comes down to is this: be considered and intentional about your brand experience. How a customer unboxes your products is just as important as how they’re viewed on your website and in-store, so take the time to make sure your packaging reflects your values and company ethos.
Build a sustainable and memorable packaging strategy with us
If you’re new to the sustainable packaging space, I can help. Get in touch if you’re wanting to develop a sustainable packaging strategy specific to your business that won’t just be good for the planet, but will also enhance how your customers engage with your brand.