The Essentials of Sustainable Packaging Core Content

The Essentials of Sustainable Packaging course offers comprehensive content on the business and environmental aspects of packaging sustainability. It covers optimization strategies, design considerations for recovery, and sustainable sourcing concepts. The course consists of five modules and includes case studies to explore various sustainability considerations in packaging.

The curriculum begins by discussing the drivers for sustainable packaging in business, marketing, and public relations. It then focuses on optimizing packaging design to minimize waste in product and transportation, tailored for both retail and e-commerce environments. The course also analyzes human behavior's impact on recycling and effective communication of recyclability to consumers. Considerations for sourcing materials sustainably, including certifications and environmental tradeoffs, are addressed. Finally, the course explores packaging's role in the fourth industrial revolution and climate change to enhance resilience.

By completing this approximately three-hour course, learners will gain insights into the role of packaging in waste systems, the importance of balancing packaging needs, and designing recoverable packaging. They will also understand sustainable material sourcing and how packaging aligns with planetary boundaries.

Learner feedback highlights the practicality of the course, its value for beginners in sustainability, and the engaging presentation style that avoids a lecture-based approach.