How can creative concept design help reduce waste in packaging?

1 What is concept design?

Concept design is the process of generating and developing original ideas for a product, service, or system that meets a specific need or goal. Concept design involves research, brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, testing, and refining, often in collaboration with other disciplines and stakeholders. Concept design is not limited by existing norms or constraints, but rather seeks to challenge them and explore new possibilities.

2 Why is concept design important for packaging?

Packaging is not just a functional element that protects and transports goods, but also a communication tool that conveys a brand identity, a value proposition, and a user benefit. Packaging can also influence consumer behavior, satisfaction, and loyalty. Therefore, concept design for packaging can help create more effective, engaging, and memorable experiences for customers, as well as more efficient, profitable, and responsible outcomes for businesses and society.

3 How can concept design help reduce waste in packaging?

Concept design can help reduce waste in packaging by applying the principles of circular design, which aim to eliminate waste and pollution, keep materials and products in use, and regenerate natural systems. This involves designing for durability, repair, and reuse instead of disposability and single-use; modularity, adaptability, and customization instead of standardization and uniformity; recyclability, compostability, and biodegradability instead of landfill and incineration; minimalism, efficiency, and optimization rather than excess, redundancy, and overpackaging; and renewable, recycled, and bio-based materials rather than fossil-fuel and virgin materials.

4 What are some examples of concept design for packaging that reduce waste?

There are many examples of concept design for packaging that reduce waste and demonstrate circular design principles. For instance, Loop is a platform that offers a range of products from different brands in reusable and refillable containers that are collected, cleaned, and refilled by the service provider. Miwa is a system that delivers food products in smart capsules made of biodegradable materials which are returned to the supplier for composting. Notpla is a material made from seaweed and plants that can form edible and biodegradable packaging for liquids, sauces, and solids. Additionally, Precious Plastic is a global community empowering people to create their own machines, tools, and products from recycled plastic waste with open-source instructions, tutorials, and workshops.

5 How can you start concept design for packaging that reduce waste?

If you are interested in concept design for packaging that reduce waste, you can start by identifying a problem or opportunity related to packaging waste that you want to solve or explore. Research the context, the users, the stakeholders, and the existing solutions related to this issue. Generate and select ideas that address the problem or opportunity in a creative, feasible, and desirable way, using circular design principles and tools to guide your ideation process. Sketch, prototype, and test your ideas with real users and feedback. Iterate and improve your ideas based on the results. Lastly, communicate and present your concept design to potential partners, clients, or investors. Demonstrate the value and impact of your concept design for packaging that reduce waste.