Packaging Design Essentials
Last week, the Packaging Speaks Green Conference was held in Milan, Italy. This event highlighted the importance of sustainable packaging solutions for both the global environment and consumer trust.
In his keynote speech on day one of the event, Robert Luongo from the Italian Trade Agency stated:
“To be innovative today is to be part of the circular economy”
He went on to highlight that environmentally-friendly packaging was a necessary factor in the reduction of carbon emissions and achievement of climate targets across Europe.
The fact that consumers are looking to manufacturers and retailers to take action and make packaging greener was also raised. Consumers want to reduce their impact and are seeking out brands which help them to do so. Recycled and recyclable packaging has been widely recognised as one of the top five considerations that inform purchasing decisions.
Having been greenwashed by brands making environmental claims with no substance, consumers are also lacking trust. Packaging designers are encouraged to put efforts into genuinely sustainable solutions.
Rethinking Packaging Design
Rethinking packaging design should consider why the packaging material has been chosen and if there is a viable greener alternative. Sticking to a single packaging material is one of the simplest ways to make recycling easier and more convenient.
The next step is to look at the volume of packaging used and if this can be reduced without compromising on product protection. Could a change to the design make the packaging easier to reuse, refill or recycle?
Brands are also encouraged to include clear labelling and, if achieved, certification from widely recognised organisations such as the FSC® on the packaging. If the packaging is not 100% sustainable, but there is currently no viable alternative, be open and honest; transparency is the way to build consumer confidence.
From retail packaging to postal boxes, huge volumes of packaging are used every hour to ensure that products are protected and presented in their best light. Changes to packaging design might be small, yet when multiplied across companies and industries, the impact is considerable.
Further information on sustainable solutions can be found on the Packaging Speaks Green website.
UK FSC® certified packaging companies include Aylesbury Box Company.
