Packaging eco-design is an essential approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. At a time when ecological concerns are increasing, this approach should be the standard in packaging design. It represents one of the responses to environmental issues associated with our modes of production and consumption.
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) is a private non-profit organization that represents the companies that place containers, packaging and printed matter on the market in Québec in their responsibility to finance the costs of effective and efficient municipal curbside recycling services.
As an expert, ÉEQ optimizes the curbside recycling value chain and implements innovative approaches with a view to sustainable development and circular economy.
The eco-design of packaging is not simply about replacing one material with another. It is a comprehensive process of designing or selecting packaging that considers not only the essential functions of protection, preservation, and presentation of products but also the environmental impacts of each stage of the packaging’s life cycle.
This includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life disposal. Eco-design also involves choosing more sustainable materials, reducing the amount of material used, and designing packaging that is more easily recyclable or reusable.
To illustrate this approach, here are some concrete examples of eco-designed packaging:
Between paper and cardboard packaging and plastic packaging, there is a world of nuances. Replacing plastic with cardboard is not always the ideal solution. The decision depends on the specific characteristics of the materials and the intended use of the packaging.
For certain products, such as food or pharmaceuticals, plastic can offer necessary—and sometimes essential—protective barriers that cardboard cannot provide without additional treatments, which can be controversial. However, in other situations, substituting plastic with cardboard can be appropriate. This is the case for eliminating flexible PVC cases, a plastic that is difficult to recycle, replaced by a simple cardboard band for selling curtains or sheets. In all respects, it is important to question the use and type of plastic according to the protection and marketing needs of the product to be packaged. Sometimes, it is possible to eliminate packaging entirely (e.g., bulk product sales).
Companies may face several challenges in implementing eco-design, despite their willingness to take action. Regulations, a lack of financial and human resources, and the need to make significant changes to production when altering packaging can all be obstacles in the process.
That said, eco-designing packaging offers numerous competitive, reputational, economic, social, and environmental advantages for companies:
The first piece of advice to a company looking to invest in eco-design is to encourage them to analyze their current packaging and understand the specific needs of their products and even their clientele. It is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach, taking into account all aspects related to packaging and its lifecycle. A thorough assessment of the packaging used allows for a reconsideration and identification of opportunities for improvement, such as integrating recycled materials or reducing the mass and volume of packaging, creating a beneficial domino effect.
Duration of the Process
The time required to modify packaging can vary significantly. It can range from several months to several years, depending on the extent of the changes needed, whether it involves sourcing new materials, investing in new production lines, or adapting existing lines. For example, the race for a bottle made from wood fibers has been ongoing for several years, with major players in the brewing, spirits, and soft drink industries working on it, illustrating that some innovations can take several years to reach conceptual maturity.
Innovation in eco-design does not necessarily mean seeking completely new solutions. Sometimes, simplification and standardization can be highly effective forms of innovation. Rather than consistently striving to stand out based on materials, it is often wiser to draw inspiration from proven solutions and adapt them to one’s own needs. This approach could help avoid managing numerous unknowns or different “recipes” in sorting centers in the future.
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) plays a crucial role in supporting companies looking to review their packaging. On their website dedicated to packaging eco-design, the ÉEQ team provides tools, references, and guides. They also regularly offer training sessions and conferences. Additionally, the team conducts diagnostics to help companies assess and improve their packaging choices. In the fall of 2024, ÉEQ will release its first guidelines on packaging eco-design and recyclability, which will be available to producers and their business partners.
The ecodesign of packaging is an essential process to address current environmental challenges. It can enable not only the reduction of overall impacts but also improve the efficiency and profitability of businesses. By adopting this approach, companies can not only comply with increasing regulations and reduce their environmental footprint but also meet consumer expectations regarding sustainability and eco-responsibility.