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Designing for Sustainability

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Packaging for Sustainability

Abstract

Packaging for sustainability initiatives can be identified through strategic and operational planning processes, but they are primarily delivered through design. Packaging design is an already complex process that considers many aspects of marketing, packaging function and cost. Designing for sustainability adds further complexity to this process. To integrate these new requirements into the packaging design process efficiently and effectively we propose the use of a packaging sustainability framework. A framework is presented that applies a triple bottom line approach to packaging design based on four design principles: effectiveness (fit for purpose), efficiency (efficient use of materials, energy and water), cyclic material flows (renewable/recyclable materials and minimal waste) and safety (non-polluting and non-toxic). Each principle is outlined, and practical design strategies and case studies are provided to demonstrate their application.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The percentage is higher for some products, e.g. 16% for cereals, 23% for fresh fruit, 20% for fruit produce, 28% for alcohol, 23% for snack foods and 46% for soft drinks [35].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Design, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia

    Helen Lewis

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  1. Helen Lewis
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Correspondence to Helen Lewis .

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  1. , Centre for Design, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3001, Victoria, Australia

    Karli Verghese

  2. , RMIT University, Centre for Design, Melbourne, 3001, Victoria, Australia

    Helen Lewis

  3. Birubi Innovation, Brooklyn Ave 5, Dandenong, 3175, Victoria, Australia

    Leanne Fitzpatrick

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Lewis, H. (2012). Designing for Sustainability. In: Verghese, K., Lewis, H., Fitzpatrick, L. (eds) Packaging for Sustainability. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-988-8_2

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