Sustainable Packaging
What makes Sustainable Packaging?
- It doesn’t leave an ecological footprint or leaves a small ecological footprint (An ecological footprint is the impact humankind leave’s on the earth, in term to the use of resources and the way we dispose of the end product).
- Packaging which is, in some way, recyclable and/or reusable.
- Using a minimalistic design, which optimizes the smallest amount of packaging.
Types of Sustainable Packaging:
- Bamboo
- Corn-starch cardboard
- Cardboard
- Recycled plastic
- Recycled glass
- Mushroom packaging (mycelium)
- Seaweed packaging (gelatinous agar)
Reduce – Replace – Rethink – Reuse – Return – Recycle – Recover – Renew – Remove
Thinking outside the box: unwrapping a massive packaging problem – Reflection
This Guardian article discusses the issues with online shopping in terms of mail packaging and sustainability. As it may be travelling interstate or globally, the packaging needs to protect the product inside, but this can increase the percentage of non-recyclable waste produced. An example of this is the use of single use coffee filters, which often are not recycled appropriately as the common consumer doesn’t know how or doesn’t bother to.
This shows that as designers, we need to be aware of these issues. If the packaging needs extra care when being recycled, we can incorporate instructions into the design or find other solutions. Like double use objects or collectables, to encourage consumers to keep their packaging.
The article brought up the important point, that although, in the end, it is up to the consumer with how they dispose or recycle their packaging. It is the responsibility of the brand to give them the opportunity to do so.
Materials and Manufacturing for Global Markets – Reflection
The CNBC video discusses the eCommerce market, and the use of corrugated cardboard boxes in transporting packages. Particularly with Amazon, as they are the largest market for cardboard shipping boxes. There has been a substantial growth within companies for cardboard packaging in the shipping box market. This has brought up the issue with the companies carbon footprint, if the cardboard box needs to evolve or go.
Amazon has started using less boxes and different types of packaging. Such as the frustration free packaging – which is packaging used from recycled packaging. Which is now reducing packaging materials, so eCommerce can be the most sustainable course for packaging. They are also using flexible plastic packaging for smaller products.
In relation to my next assignment, I research ‘zero waste’ skincare brands. To use as inspiration for my own skin care redesign.
Flora and Fauna
Flora and Fauna markets itself as an ‘all-natural, vegan and organic’ skincare distributor. They sell an extensive range of skincare products, such as moisturiser, facemasks, toner, cleansers and skincare applicators. They have partnered with Terra-cycle, so customers can return their empty packaging to Flora and Fauna and they will reuse non-recyclable packaging (such as melting down the plastic and using it for other objects). Some brands that they sell are; Acure, Dirty Hippy Cosmetics and Sukin.
Biome
Biome sells such skincare brands as; The Physic Garden and Noosa Basics, but also sells their own brand of skincare. Their brand identity is ‘100% plant, ocean and earth’. Their toner’s in particular are marketed as 100% one ‘naked’ ingredient such as witchhazel or rosewater. The toner packaging is glass bottles, and they promote their naked beauty store which you can re-use the packaging.
Lush
Lush markets itself as fresh, handmade cosmetics. It is the most well-known of the three skincare brands. Lush have opened store fronts called ‘naked stores’ around the world, promoting the use of zero waste products. Their toners are marketed without packaging, to use their ‘toner tabs’ you drop them into a bowl of hot water. They also list all their ingredients in an easy to read format and identify which are natural and which are ‘safe synthetics’.
BMW Car Wrap Presentation
The BMW car wrap presentation was on Friday the 6th of September, it discussed exactly what was needed for the competition and explained BMW’s brand identity. They discussed the importance of ‘Premium mobility solutions’. Some elements were:
- Athletic elegance
- We design more than cars, we awaken passion
- We inspire people on the move
The theme for this years BMW car wrap competition is the Bauhaus Movement. The 20th century movement covered a range of creative mediums; from visual art to furniture design and architecture. It originated from 1919 Germany by Walter Gropius.
An artist I’m particularly inspired by is Wassily Kandinsky. A Russian painter and one of the pioneers of abstract art. Two of his painters are seen to the left. His artwork interested me as I find his use of colour and flowing shapes not only aesthetic, but also a technique which could translate well to the curves of a BMW car.
References:
Nuwer, R., & Kho, J. (2014). Thinking outside the box: unwrapping a massive packaging problem. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/nov/18/online-shopping-holidays-packaging-waste-recycling
Flora and Fauna. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/skincare/
Recycle. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/recycle/
Williams, D. (2019). Lush store investments and innovations bring strong year results. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/lush-store-innovations-results/
Rolfe Classic BMW Car Wrap Competition — Design Canberra Festival. (2019). Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://designcanberrafestival.com.au/highlight/rolfe-classic-bmw-car-wrap-competition/
Borteh, L. (2010). Bauhaus Movement Overview and analysis. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.theartstory.org/movement/bauhaus/
Pellerin, A. (2012). Bauhaus – Art as Life. Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/1938/bauhaus-art-as-life
Alistair Ott 