How to Design Reusable Packaging for closed-Loop Systems

The circular economy is something that a lot of businesses focus on. It's designing packaging that can be used again and again, so you’re not having to source from multiple locations.

This includes packaging that can be reused, especially for multiple uses. The more uses you get out of this the better. Recycling works too, especially if you have a plan for this. Finally, there is repair, which means that, after using the packaging, with a little bit of love and care, it’s as good as new, and can be used again. 

In the circular economy, doing this is essential. For one, it saves a lot of businesses money, but it also reduces the waste that’s generated through product packaging. Finally, it closes that material loop, highlighting exactly what you have, and also keeps the current materials going, so there are less instances of needing to source materials. 

What goes into Reusable Closed-Loop Circular Packaging 

With reusable packaging, there’s a few things that you need to bear in mind. For this, you’re making packaging that can be used again and again, so you need to design for again and again.

You want to use materials that won’t break down easily. This durability is critical as without it, you’re basically missing out on so much from this.

The second thing is the materials that you want to use. These will be items that are easy to clean and reuse. Some glass containers, for example, don’t have anything that will cause the product to stay stuck to the film, so once you’re done using it, you clean it out, and then can use it again.

The goal is to use this multiple times, creating a system where, after you use it again and again, and with each and every use after that you’re able to still get the same results from this. 

Designing for Easy Disassembly 

This is another factor of this type of packaging that not enough people mention. The packaging needs to be designed so that you can disassemble it once more and when you’re done. Try to as well enable the recycling and repair of these individual parts. By doing this, you’ll be able to as well keep it going.

For example, if the box or receptacle that it comes in is able to be reused but the foam or plastic inserts aren’t, then make it so that they can be discarded but the box can be reused. This alone will make things a whole lot easier for you, and as well, ensure that you’re able to create the best results that you can off of the packaging you put forth.

The benefits and Drawbacks of Going circular 

The biggest benefit of going circular is that you’re reducing the overall environmental impact that packaging through this happens to give. You’re creating a more resource-efficient and closed loop system, so you’re basically using the items you have in a more economical manner.

This does save you time and materials too.  you’re not having to shell out more money to cut down trees, so the forests are happy. As well, you’re also saving some money as well through giving customers the incentive to use it again.

It also is good for overall carbon footprint reduction. A little goes a long way with saving the planet, so it’s good for you to do.

The drawbacks are the costs. This can be a lot to put together at first. You also need to make sure that consumers do this, giving incentive to reusing the packaging materials.