Welcome to the world of design
In this discussion, we will explore the third golden design rule:. Eliminate Excess Headspace . Design is not just about what you add, but also about what you remove. Excess headscape can clutter a design and distract from its core message. By understanding the importance of negative space and how it impacts the overall composition, we can create designs that are clean, balanced, and impactful. Join us as we delve into the principles and techniques for eliminating excess headspace in design, and discover how this simple yet powerful rule can elevate your design work to new heights.
Packaging Options: Stand-Up Pouches vs. Bottles
When considering packaging options, the choice between stand-up pouches and bottles is crucial for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact. Both options have their own set of considerations and benefits.
Stand-Up Pouches
- Lightweight, flexible, and space-efficient
- Ideal for confectionery, canned and tinned food, beverages, home care, and personal care items
- Ensure plastic overwrap is used only when necessary
- Eliminate excess headspace to reduce demand for virgin plastic and promote a circular economy
Bottles
- Provide durability and protection, especially for heavier products
- Educate vendors throughout the supply chain about corporate commitments and goals
- Identify partnership opportunities and promote sustainability
- Explore innovative products like the CubiPak for recyclable solutions
Ultimately, the choice between stand-up pouches and bottles should align with the specific needs of the product category and the company’s sustainability goals.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
After reviewing your packaging portfolio internally, it is important to educate vendors throughout the supply chain to ensure everyone is on the same page. When vendors are educated about corporate commitments and goals, it will be easier to identify partnership opportunities and vendors will be more likely to approach companies directly with packaging solutions. Another way to increase recyclability of plastic packaging is to remove problematic elements including: undetectable carbon black; PVC or PVDC; EPS or PS; PETG in rigid plastic packaging; and no oxo-degradable plastics. To help prevent waste from entering the environment and improve the input and output of recycling streams, it is important for companies to regularly review packaging portfolios. Regular reviews can help teams identify opportunities to reduce packaging, remove problematic elements and/or switch to material alternatives. Many companies are already doing this to support corporate sustainability goals and are joining coalitions and pacts, such as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), to further efforts and create widespread industry momentum. Include recycling or reuse instructions on consumer plastic packaging. For flexible pack types, the goal is to have a maximum of 30% headspace or less across product categories (e.g., health & wellness, dry groceries, shelf stable foods, pet food, water & beverages, etc.). Beyond this, it can be beneficial to test packaging changes with smaller product ranges before expanding to other brands or product categories. In some cases, recycled materials will be more expensive than virgin materials but companies can start to reduce costs with volume. Ultimately, the more companies that engage with vendors to promote sustainability and innovation, the more widespread it will become. When having discussions with suppliers, it is important to distinguish between certified compostable and biodegradable options. Suppliers may have a different definition or understanding of the terminology so there needs to be open dialogue, including what you’re hoping to achieve with the packaging and whether or not it can be handled by current composting infrastructure. Eliminate unnecessary plastic (where it doesn’t compromise supply chain and operational efficiencies), use post-consumer recycled content, and switch to reuse models or alternative materials, where possible. Corrugated cardboard is a great alternative when materials need strength and durability while also providing products with a certain level of protection. It often contains recycled content which helps to promote a circular economy while being reusable/recyclable. The lack of dyes/additives used during production also make it easier to recycle.
Aligning on and implementing Golden Design Rules for plastic packaging. These design rules focus on eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging, by reducing headspace and plastic overwraps, as well as increasing recycling value in various types of plastic, including PET thermoformed packaging, flexible consumer packaging and rigid HDPE and PP. Business-to-business plastic packaging is also targeted, with the elimination of all unnecessary packaging that doesn’t reach the consumer. The rules also cover the use of clear and accurate on-pack recycling instructions, which will help consumers to ensure that packaging is sorted for the appropriate end-of-life solution. The first two rules in the series, published in December 2020, focus on increasing the value of PET bottle recycling and removing problematic elements from packaging, such as carbon black, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and EPS (expanded polystyrene), which complicate the recycling process.
A comprehensive guide to the Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action (PWCoA) Golden Design Rules. The following companies are engaged in supporting and implementing a packaging design program in alignment with the Golden Design Rules, where they are currently feasible or applicable for their company’s packaging portfolio. Guidance and global standards for Canadian companies to adjust their packaging design and contribute to a circular economy for plastics packaging. Need additional support in implementing the Golden Design Rules for your company’s specific plastic packaging portfolio? Connect with PAC Global for courses or to connect with one-on-one resources.
Excess headspace in packaging contributes to unnecessary plastic usage. By minimizing this space, manufacturers can reduce the amount of plastic required for each package. This not only cuts down on the production of new plastic but also eases the burden on recycling systems. Less plastic in circulation means fewer chances for it to end up polluting natural environments. By embracing this strategy, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future, meet consumer demands for eco-friendly practices, and realize significant cost savings.
- The CubiPak is a product that eliminates excess secondary packaging by offering up to six separate pouches that can be easily separated by a quick-tear perforation. This innovative product helps the environment by getting rid of excessive cardboard sleeves, shrink wraps, and labels. The CubiPak is 100% recyclable. The Golden Design Rule #4 is to reduce plastic overwraps by only using them when necessary. By removing unnecessary overwraps, companies can reduce the demand for virgin plastic and the absolute amount of plastic being placed on the market. The CubiPak offers quick-tear perforation, making it easy to separate pouches. The CubiPak is available in 4 oz to 750 ml sizes with options for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 pouches. It is ideal for juices and ready-to-drink beverages like protein and alcohol beverages. High-speed filling options are available for the CubiPak. The CubiPak has been chosen by brands to help them tell their story. The Chamber Pouch is another innovative product offered by Arranti. Arranti offers packaging solutions that exceed expectations and can help share a product’s story with customers.
Syringe Brim-full Method.
Environmental Impact
Excess headspace in packaging contributes to unnecessary plastic usage. By minimizing this space, manufacturers can reduce the amount of plastic required for each package. This not only cuts down on the production of new plastic but also eases the burden on recycling systems. Less plastic in circulation means fewer chances for it to end up polluting natural environments. Reducing headspace makes packaging more efficient. It leads to using less material, which in turn reduces the weight and volume of the packaging. This efficiency is not limited to the production phase but extends throughout the product’s lifecycle, including transportation, storage, and disposal. By embracing this strategy, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future, meet consumer demands for eco-friendly practices, and realize significant cost savings. As the world moves towards more sustainable business models, such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a greener, more efficient future.
Another way to increase recyclability of plastic packaging is to remove problematic elements including: undetectable carbon black; PVC or PVDC; EPS or PS; PETG in rigid plastic packaging; and no oxo-degradable plastics. To help prevent waste from entering the environment and improve the input and output of recycling streams, it is important for companies to regularly review packaging portfolios. Regular reviews can help teams identify opportunities to reduce packaging, remove problematic elements and/or switch to material alternatives. Many companies are already doing this to support corporate sustainability goals and are joining coalitions and pacts, such as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), to further efforts and create widespread industry momentum. Include recycling or reuse instructions on consumer plastic packaging. Eliminate unnecessary plastic (where it doesn’t compromise supply chain and operational efficiencies), use post-consumer recycled content, and switch to reuse models or alternative materials, where possible. For flexible pack types, the goal is to have a maximum of 30% headspace or less across product categories (e.g., health & wellness, dry groceries, shelf stable foods, pet food, water & beverages, etc.). Beyond this, it can be beneficial to test packaging changes with smaller product ranges before expanding to other brands or product categories. In some cases, recycled materials will be more expensive than virgin materials but companies can start to reduce costs with volume. Ultimately, the more companies that engage with vendors to promote sustainability and innovation, the more widespread it will become. After reviewing your packaging portfolio internally, it is important to educate vendors throughout the supply chain to ensure everyone is on the same page. When vendors are educated about corporate commitments and goals, it will be easier to identify partnership opportunities and vendors will be more likely to approach companies directly with packaging solutions. It is important to ensure that packaging helps to prevent products from being damaged (e.g., dents, scratches, food spoilage, etc.) as this will result in increased product returns and waste. If this is a regular occurrence, it can also negatively impact a brand’s reputation. Corrugated cardboard is a great alternative when materials need strength and durability while also providing products with a certain level of protection. It often contains recycled content which helps to promote a circular economy while being reusable/recyclable. The lack of dyes/additives used during production also make it easier to recycle. When selecting packaging, companies need to consider what their corporate sustainability goals are. For example, is there a commitment to recyclability, compostability, circular economy etc. Beyond this, companies need to consider whether sufficient infrastructure exists to properly handle the material (this may vary by jurisdiction).
A comprehensive guide to the Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action (PWCoA) Golden Design Rules. The following companies are engaged in supporting and implementing a packaging design program in alignment with the Golden Design Rules, where they are currently feasible or applicable for their company’s packaging portfolio. Guidance and global standards for Canadian companies to adjust their packaging design and contribute to a circular economy for plastics packaging. Need additional support in implementing the Golden Design Rules for your company’s specific plastic packaging portfolio? Connect with PAC Global for courses or to connect with one-on-one resources. Aligning on and implementing Golden Design Rules for plastic packaging. These design rules focus on eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging, by reducing headspace and plastic overwraps, as well as increasing recycling value in various types of plastic, including PET thermoformed packaging, flexible consumer packaging and rigid HDPE and PP. Business-to-business plastic packaging is also targeted, with the elimination of all unnecessary packaging that doesn’t reach the consumer. The rules also cover the use of clear and accurate on-pack recycling instructions, which will help consumers to ensure that packaging is sorted for the appropriate end-of-life solution. The first two rules in the series, published in December 2020, focus on increasing the value of PET bottle recycling and removing problematic elements from packaging, such as carbon black, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and EPS (expanded polystyrene), which complicate the recycling process. Reducing headspace in packaging does more than minimize material usage; it serves as a critical strategy for enhancing sustainability in the packaging industry. Companies decrease their consumption of virgin materials, like plastics from non-renewable resources, by reducing the unused space within packages. This effort not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the environmental impact of producing and disposing of excess packaging materials. Syringe Brim-full Method. Headspace is crucial for manufacturers to protect their products and maintain freshness. However, this space must conform to certain global standards. For instance, excessive headspace that misleads consumers about the product quantity can lead to package rejection. Notably, experts consider 30% the maximum allowable headspace. Unnecessary headspace is essentially “packaged air,” so minimizing it can yield direct savings on packaging materials, as well as reduce logistical and transportation emissions and costs. – The CubiPak is a product that eliminates excess secondary packaging by offering up to six separate pouches that can be easily separated by a quick-tear perforation. – This innovative product helps the environment by getting rid of excessive cardboard sleeves, shrink wraps, and labels. – The CubiPak is 100% recyclable. – The Golden Design Rule #4 is to reduce plastic overwraps by only using them when necessary. – By removing unnecessary overwraps, companies can reduce the demand for virgin plastic and the absolute amount of plastic being placed on the market. – The CubiPak offers quick-tear perforation, making it easy to separate pouches. – The CubiPak is available in 4 oz to 750 ml sizes with options for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 pouches. – It is ideal for juices and ready-to-drink beverages like protein and alcohol beverages. – High-speed filling options are available for the CubiPak. – The CubiPak has been chosen by brands to help them tell their story. – The Chamber Pouch is another innovative product offered by Arranti. – Arranti offers packaging solutions that exceed expectations and can help share a product’s story with customers.
Consumer Perspective
The perspective on packaging has shifted towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. By embracing strategies to reduce packaging headspace, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future, meet consumer demands for eco-friendly practices, and realize significant cost savings. As the world moves towards more sustainable business models, such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a greener, more efficient future.
Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging. Reducing headspace not only aligns with environmental consciousness but also enhances the consumer experience. Efficient packaging often means easier storage and disposal for the end-user, improving product attractiveness and convenience.
To help prevent waste from entering the environment and improve the input and output of recycling streams, it is important for companies to regularly review packaging portfolios. Regular reviews can help teams identify opportunities to reduce packaging, remove problematic elements and/or switch to material alternatives. Many companies are already doing this to support corporate sustainability goals and are joining coalitions and pacts, such as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), to further efforts and create widespread industry momentum.
Include recycling or reuse instructions on consumer plastic packaging. When selling goods in physical retail locations, goods are often shipped in-bulk directly to distribution centers/stores. In comparison, as ecommerce becomes more popular (particularly due to the pandemic), products have to be packaged individually while prioritizing durability since there are more touchpoints along the ecommerce supply chain (e.g., manufacturer, distribution center, postal service, etc.). After reviewing your packaging portfolio internally, it is important to educate vendors throughout the supply chain to ensure everyone is on the same page. When vendors are educated about corporate commitments and goals, it will be easier to identify partnership opportunities and vendors will be more likely to approach companies directly with packaging solutions.
Eliminate unnecessary plastic (where it doesn’t compromise supply chain and operational efficiencies), use post-consumer recycled content, and switch to reuse models or alternative materials, where possible. When exploring packaging/material alternatives, it is important to recognize that different product categories (e.g., food, general merchandise, clothing, etc.) will have their own unique set of considerations.
For more detailed guidance, the Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action (PWCoA) Golden Design Rules provide a comprehensive guide to navigating sustainable packaging practices.
360-Degree Sustainability
Sustainability has become a key focus for businesses across various industries. As the global community strives for a greener and more efficient future, companies are increasingly embracing sustainable practices in their packaging strategies. By reducing packaging headspace, businesses can not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also meet consumer demands for eco-friendly practices and realize significant cost savings.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of packaging, making it essential for companies to align with environmental consciousness. Efficient packaging not only enhances the consumer experience but also offers easier storage and disposal for the end-user, improving product attractiveness and convenience.
To support corporate sustainability goals, companies are reviewing their packaging portfolios regularly. This includes identifying opportunities to reduce packaging, remove problematic elements, and switch to material alternatives. Many companies are also joining coalitions and pacts, such as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), to further their efforts and create widespread industry momentum.
The Golden Design Rules, developed by The Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action, provide a clear framework to drive innovation and scalable actions that will result in less plastic packaging overall and easier-to-recycle plastic packaging by 2025. These rules focus on eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging, reducing headspace and plastic overwraps, and increasing recycling value in various types of plastic. They also cover the use of clear and accurate on-pack recycling instructions, which help consumers ensure that packaging is sorted for the appropriate end-of-life solution.
Embracing 360-degree sustainability in packaging not only aligns with consumer demands and environmental consciousness but also contributes to a circular economy for plastics packaging. By implementing the Golden Design Rules and aligning with industry initiatives, companies can play a crucial role in shaping a greener, more efficient future.
Case Studies
When it comes to packaging considerations and material alternatives, companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. Many are reviewing their packaging portfolios to identify opportunities to reduce packaging, remove problematic elements, and switch to material alternatives. This is in line with efforts to prevent waste from entering the environment and improve recycling streams.
Several industry initiatives, such as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), are driving momentum towards sustainable packaging practices. Companies are aligning on and implementing Golden Design Rules for plastic packaging, which focus on eliminating unnecessary packaging and increasing recycling value. These rules also emphasize the importance of clear and accurate on-pack recycling instructions to help consumers sort packaging for appropriate end-of-life solutions.
The benefits of embracing sustainable packaging strategies are significant, including contributing to a more sustainable future, meeting consumer demands for eco-friendly practices, and realizing cost savings. By adjusting packaging design and contributing to a circular economy for plastics packaging, companies play a crucial role in shaping a greener, more efficient future.
