Global Challenge: Sustainable Protective Packaging Solutions

"I love the process of unpacking something. You design a ritual of unpacking to make the product feel special. Packaging can be theatre, it can create a story.” This quote from Steve Jobs represents the quintessential design philosophy at Apple. Designing an awe-inspiring unpacking ritual has become a highly sought-after capability, in industries spanning from electronics over cosmetics to food delivery.  

But all too often, the pursuit of the “packaging theatre” storytelling has come at a heavy environmental cost. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has accelerated the need for a higher level of protective packaging properties. Companies have to balance the need for protection with avoiding excessive quantities of and unsustainable / hard to recycle materials.  

Now more than ever, consumers, brand owners and retailers are hungry for innovative packaging solutions that are much more sustainable. That is why Ubuntoo has teamed up with The Sustainable Packaging Coalition to launch a global challenge on Sustainable Protective Packaging Solutions. It is an open invitation to innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world to make a positive environmental impact. Please help us spread the message by submitting or nominating solutions.  

Thank you again for being an Ubuntoo member. We are now a community of close to 1,700 innovators, academics, professionals and environmentalist from 80+ countries around the world.  

In community,

Venky & Peter

Co-Founders — Ubuntoo

CHALLENGES

Earlier this week, we officially launched the  Protective Packaging Design Challenge, in partnership with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. The Challenge  aims at identifying innovations in protective packaging materials and systems that perform well in terms of both functionality and sustainability.  

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

Lowering prices of food and necessities by eliminating packaging waste Algramo in Chile is using smart returnable packaging containers for everyday staples.

Eco-friendly packaging materials that replace polystyrene and single use plastics Packmile, in India helps companies save packaging costs by switching from single-use to multiple-use packaging solutions.

Reusable container for the takeaway Industry RETURNR has developed a system with reusable containers for the takeway food industry 

Fully recyclable box and bag liners for the perishable shipping market. ClimaCell by Temperpack is an insulating material that can be recycled along with cardboard. 

Visit our News Section to learn more about the latest industry news. Register & try our Daily Digest if you haven’t yet!