Sustainable Packages

By reviewing the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation's Sustainable Package Guidelines of 2019, we as a class were able to analyse and identify key factors when it comes to creating environmentally conscious packaging.

Jacob and I were asked to research the effective ways that we could reduce wastage by designing for Transport, Reuse, and Recovery.
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Design for Transport
Design packaging that should maximise the efficiency of transport, by utilising shipping space by ‘cubing out’ where appropriate. More efficient distribution packaging can reduce the use of energy, water, material and cost savings. 

Design for Reuse
Reusable packaging, including distribution packaging, should be designed to be practical and environmentally beneficial. Reusing packaging increases the materials useful life, greater return from energy, materials and water used to manufacture. It reduces the need to recover or dispose of single-use packaging.

Design for Recovery
Design to maximize recovery and recycling at end-of-life by using materials sourced from recyclable products. Avoid materials that may contaminate the recycling process, informing consumers about appropriate disposal. Lower environmental impact and increase cost-effectiveness as opposed to virgin materials. 

After we looked at the APCO's documentation, we took a closer look at the Renourish website in regards to maintaining a higher level of recyclable product without compromising on quality. Everyone was given a different section to research, and we were directed to investigate Sourcing the Materials for in-depth systems thinking in regards to design strategies.

Tier One
Major material component of the material must be compostable, biodegradable, agricultural residues such as wheat straw, corn stover, hemp, kenaf, begasse, prairie grasses, etc. Industrial materials such as steel, aluminium and tin can be used for re-manufacture and are safer to use. Paper or materials manufactured by or with renewable energy are priority.


Tier Two
Components must be 100% PCW material for non-food packaging. Food packaging MUST use 10% PCW of the primary, and 100% for secondary. Again, industry materials can be used for a safer re-manufacture. Source materials to be regional to the vendors. Paper or materials manufactured by renewable energy credits.

Tier Three
Major material MUST be 30% PCW (for food, this applies to secondary packaging). Downcyclable materials used. If plastic is used then it MUST be BPA and phthalate free.

After conducting this research, I have enough information to pursue a more eco-friendly packaging for both my Creative Advertising, and my Self-Branding assessments.