5 Designs We Love

Designed in part to help combat the problem of overflowing landfills, sustainable packaging is better for both the environment and your bottom dollar. By reducing the quantity of an item’s packaging and reconsidering the materials used in its manufacturing, CPG brands are able to diminish physical and financial waste. Most importantly, as illustrated in the examples below, sustainable packaging can also be functional, unique, and capable of instantly attracting customers.

1. Tomorrow Machine

While some companies have attempted the edible packaging trend, few have been as successful as the concept series This Too Shall Pass. Designed by Swedish design firm Tomorrow Machine, the proposed bio-based packaging uses everything from agar-agar seaweed gel to beeswax. The firm’s vision is to “build a better world through research, new technologies & intelligent material.”

The raspberry smoothie packaging is made out of agar-agar seaweed and water, which shrinks when exposed to excessive heat and time.

The olive oil packaging is made of hardened caramelized sugar coated with wax. It cracks open like an egg and the package melts away when it comes in contact with water.

 2. Innventia

Swedish research company Innventia partnered with Tomorrow Machine to create a line of expanding bowls and self-opening packages, which save space and are made of 100% bio-based and biodegradable material. The mechano-active material will react to heat and open itself to transform from a compressed package to a serving bowl once the internal temperature reaches a fixed point.

3. Saltwater Brewery

Traditional plastic beer rings are harmful to the environment, and particularly to the ocean. Saltwater Brewery worked to combat that problem with unique six pack rings that are not only visually appealing, but also biodegradable, compostable, and environmentally friendly. In fact, the rings are edible to help – rather than harm – the underwater life. Made partly of wheat and barley (which are also used to make the beer), they can break down easily and provide an adequate fish snack. The edible rings are also complemented by the IPA’s aquatic design and name.

4. Fitzroy Navy Rum Bottle

This unique bottle takes the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” to another level. Design agency Fitzroy designed the luxe rum bottle packaging with unique bottle caps made from melted-down Coca-Cola labels. They turned old, discarded labels into something beautiful enough to be given as a gift. According to Fitzroy, the company is “giving the popular term ‘get wasted’ an entirely new meaning.”

5. Re-Pack Milk

This student project from Brazil reimagines milk packaging as a whole. Milk packaging is traditionally made of a range of different materials that can be difficult to break down and separate during the recycling process. This innovative Re-Pack Milk packaging separates the outer cardboard and inner flexible cornstarch bioplastic packaging for effortless recycling. It also has a simple, straightforward design that stands out among the competition.