Packlab circular packaging: researching sustainable packaging

We design packaging according to the principle of the circular economy. In this vision, we strive for closed cycles in which products, their components and their materials lose as little value as possible at end-of-use. In practical pilot cases in co-creation with students, researchers and the field, we investigate how to design packaging that is not simply thrown away as 'waste' after use. To this end, we follow the 3R design strategy: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Onderzoeksthema: Duurzame verpakkingen en slimme retail

Interessegebied: Communication, Media and Design

Looptijd: 1/09/2021 - 31/08/2023

Financing: VLAIO; PWO

Designing circular packaging

Reduce: three cases with companies

During the first year of this practice-oriented scientific research project, we mainly focused on 'reduce' as a design strategy and three cases were developed in collaboration with three companies. The existing packaging was analysed and redesigned using the design thinking methodology. Below you can consult the final report of each of the three cases.

Reuse: reusable packaging

In this second year of research, we focus on reusable packaging, i.e. on the second design strategy 'reuse', and this is done in the framework of Green Deal Anders Verpakt. Arteveldehogeschool is one of the 80 partners cooperating to find solutions to use less single-use packaging by avoiding or reusing it and in doing so also reducing the environmental impact of the packaged product.

Cocreation with students, researchers and the field

The 'Packlab' is a meeting place where we bring together the field, researchers and students to design the packaging of the future.

In addition to the researchers, third-year students from the bachelor's programme Media Management and Technology Print Media will work for a semester on concrete packaging cases from the field. Other students are also involved in concrete cases through various courses.

Expanding infrastructure to make packaging

The Packlab concept was welcomed by VLAIO, the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is co-funding our new prototyping lab research infrastructure.

The prototyping lab also:

further expanded 3D printing, including through full colour 3D printing;
fully experimented with sensors in the Internet of Things lab to develop smart displays and product packaging.

The prototyping lab is thus a hotspot for themes such as digitalisation and sustainability.

We feature:

a printer that can print on both cardboard and plastic film;
a digital cutting table

This is a great addition to the current infrastructure in the Graphic and Digital Media course, allowing us to create very realistic packaging prototypes in just about any shape, both physically and virtually in 3D.