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An ecodesign approach requires a re-evaluation of product packaging, from production through end-of-life. Here are some key points to consider.

What is the ideal packaging?

  • Made from a single recycled material requiring minimal manufacturing steps.
  • Produced locally, ideally in the same place as its product.
  • Easy to recycle.
  • Contains no toxic substances.
  • Preserves the product perfectly until it reaches the consumer.
  • Provides all the necessary nutritional and environmental information.
  • Provides sorting instructions for its various materials.
  • Is safe and easy for the user to handle.
  • Can be repurposed and its end-of-life has been carefully considered.

Three ecodesign strategies for packaging

Reduction, procurement, and recyclability will help you:

  • Improve existing packaging.
  • Choose packaging from a supplier or distributor.
  • Initiate an ecodesign approach to new packaging.

Your ideal strategy will depend on your priorities and business commitments.

1) Reduction

Reduction is the most important element of good waste management. When applied to ecodesign for packaging, the result is high-performance packaging with the right quantity of materials. Reduction also aims to reduce the amount of packaging on the market and simplify existing packaging.

  • Improve the packaging-to-product ratio:
  • Reduce the amount of ink used with eco-inking.
  • Design for reuse to extend the useful life of the packaging.
  • Share information on reducing waste in packaging or printed matter.

2) Procurement

In order to control the origin of materials, traceability and transparency are non-negotiable. That’s why it is important to source from suppliers who demonstrate sound management of their environmental footprint.

  • Incorporate recycled content to give new life to recovered materials, reduce raw material extraction, and increase demand for recycled materials.
  • Eliminate the use of substances that are known to be toxic, harmful, or hazardous (e.g., PFAS, BPA).
  • Source locally whenever possible.
  • Choose suppliers that use environmentally responsible practices, such as those with sustainability commitments or certifications.
  • Choose materials from sustainable or renewable sources that are certified (e.g., FSC certification).
  • Share information on procurement practices.

3) Recyclability

You need to consider the potential recyclability of your packaging, right from the design stage. Will it be compatible with existing recycling infrastructure and collection systems?

  • Whenever possible, choose packaging made from materials subject to the recovery and recycling targets in the Regulation respecting a system of selective collection of certain residual materials (cardboard, printed matter, fibre containers and packaging, rigid and flexible plastics, glass, ferrous metals, and aluminum).
  • Avoid packaging made from materials that cannot be recycled (PVC, degradable and compostable plastics, wood, cork, ceramics, porcelain).
  • Opt for single-material packaging to facilitate collection and sorting.
  • Wherever possible, avoid small items or packaging components that could slip through the sorting centre equipment.
  • Avoid using black plastic packaging with carbon black pigments.
  • Share information on recyclability, for example by displaying clear and precise sorting instructions on the packaging.
  • Reduce the label’s surface area so that the material in the body of the packaging can be easily identified by the optical sorter at the sorting centre.

Recyclability is determined by several characteristics of the package’s primary material, label, and associated components. Visit our recyclability section to learn more.

Understanding recyclability