Design packaging to reduce environmental impacts
Design packaging to minimise waste
Guide
Designing your packaging to minimise waste is usually the most cost-effective option and the best for the environment. You can do this in a number of ways.
Techniques for reducing production losses include:
- choosing a package shape that minimises waste material
- using computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems to plan more efficient packages or component layouts
- using fewer, larger pack sizes instead of a greater number of smaller ones
Techniques for eliminating packaging include:
- reducing packaging to zero
- eliminating unnecessary layers of packaging
- reducing or eliminating the use of adhesives and tapes
- using embossing or in-mould direct printing to avoid using labels
Techniques for reducing packaging voidspace fillers include:
- reducing unnecessary voidspace in containers - for example where there is a cartonboard pack around plastic inner packaging
- avoiding using fillers - such as expanded polystyrene blocks or bubble-wrap
- considering using air as the packing medium to protect fragile products
Techniques for lightweighting and downsizing include:
- eliminating one or more layers to reduce the overall package weight
- replacing blister packs with cardboard packs
- not using plastic film windows
- using double-walled instead of triple-walled corrugated board when strength is needed
- strengthening individual materials to allow you to reduce overall material use
- reducing the average thickness of the packaging where possible
- using CAD/CAM and associated tools
- avoiding putting strength into secondary transit packaging if this is not necessary
Techniques for reducing energy include:
- using low melting-point adhesives
- considering alternative inks, adhesives or coatings
- reducing the sealing temperature for films
Techniques for improving transport efficiency include:
- choosing packaging shapes that will maximise case and pallet utilisation and transport efficiency
- considering using distribution pack sizes that maximise pallet use and transport efficiency
- adapting packaging to slightly underhang if the pallet dimensions are not exact multiples of the pack dimension
See how to design packaging for easy distribution.