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.

Research theme: Sustainable packaging and smart retail

Field of interest: Communication, Media and Design

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

Financing: VLAIO; PWO

In short

How can we make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste? In the practice-based research project Designing circular packaging, we develop and test circular packaging solutions together with businesses and students. At Packlab, we combine sustainable packaging design, innovative technologies and practical expertise.

Need and relevance

Single-use packaging generates waste and has a significant environmental impact. We therefore investigate how businesses can reduce packaging materials and adopt reusable packaging as a viable alternative.

Our research supports the transition towards a circular economy, where resources remain in use for longer and packaging waste is minimised.

From approach to impact

We explore two packaging design strategies:

Reduce: working with three companies, we analysed and redesigned existing packaging to reduce material use.
Reuse: as part of the Green Deal Anders Verpakt initiative, we investigate how reusable packaging can replace single-use alternatives.

At Packlab, we bring together researchers, students and businesses to develop and test new ideas. Using technologies such as 3D printing, digital cutting and printing, we create realistic packaging prototypes.

This research generates practical knowledge and tangible solutions to help businesses make more sustainable packaging choices.