Sustainable packaging: Not so simple

While waiting in a large pharmacy recently, I started looking at the packaging on the products. Every one of the estimated 10,000 items was packaged – some in a single material, others in up to five. This piqued my interest, so I took a course in Sustainable Packaging through EdX and Delft University. What an eye-opener.

The unseen complexity of recyclable packaging.

Packaging – cardboard, paper, cellophane, plastic wrap – makes up a large portion of what we recycle. We know what is recyclable and where to sell it for the best price. What I didn’t know before the course was just how complex and vast the packaging industry is.

We all understand the need to package goods, especially perishables, to protect them from bacteria and damage. We also know packaging provides information about the contents, and sometimes even instructions on how to dispose of it. But there’s more.

What we don’t usually see is the secondary packaging – the layers used for transport and display. Most products are placed in boxes or containers for shipping. Some are boxed and then wrapped again, creating a third layer. These extra materials are often disposed of before the item even reaches the shelf.

From perfume to produce: Simplicity is rare

An example of simple packaging might be a cardboard box with water-based printing and no labels or glue. These do exist, but most packaging is far more elaborate. Take perfume, for instance – often, the box and bow cost more than the perfume itself.

The most exciting development in sustainable packaging is that some experts are now designing ways to do away with it altogether.

Reduce, reuse, recycle – and rethink

Sustainable packaging strategies follow the well-known reduce, reuse and recycle mantra. But many clever minds overseas are pushing even further, closing the loop or eliminating packaging entirely.

• Reduce: Companies like Lush are selling “naked products” with no packaging at all.
• Reuse: Services like Repack provide sealable courier bags that can be returned and reused multiple times. Several major brands now use this system, and customers appreciate not having to throw anything away.
• Recycle: Coca-Cola’s new bottles are made mostly from recycled materials. The cap and label are designed with different densities, so they can be separated easily in a water tank. The glue is water soluble. It’s smart, efficient and forward-thinking.

Innovation in renewables and design

The real game-changer lies in renewable materials and rethinking packaging from the ground up.

Wageningen University is researching bio-based alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics. These new materials degrade naturally, replacing plastic bags with compostable options. One project even explores using tomato leaves to package tomatoes – smart, circular and local.

Then there’s rethinking the product itself. Designer Mirjam de Bruin, from Twenty, developed a concentrated shampoo sold without water. The user simply adds water at home. It’s clever, sustainable and reduces both packaging and transport weight. You can see one of her videos here: YouTube – Twenty Shampoo

What I learned

The biggest takeaway for me is that we don’t need anywhere near the amount of packaging we currently use. With a bit more intention, we can reduce volumes without compromising quality or convenience.

We’ll all be better off if we reduce or even eradicate unnecessary packaging. And the environment will be cleaner, greener and healthier as a result.