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Why choose an ecodesign approach?

Applying ecodesign principles to packaging means more than just following regulations. It means following an economically, socially, and environmentally advantageous model.

Ecodesign is good for business

Economic benefits

  • Better control of total packaging system costs (supply, transport, distribution, etc.).
  • Increased sales and better supply chain management.

Competitive and reputational benefits

  • Differentiation from the competition as an agent of change in the market.
  • More interest and loyalty from eco-conscious consumers.

Social and environmental benefits

  • Improved management of material resources (raw materials, energy, water, etc.).
  • Reduced health and safety risks (by eliminating toxic substances, for example).
  • Enhanced trust with trust employees, suppliers, and customers.

Ecodesign promotes sound waste management practices

Specifically, it supports the 3Rs1 waste management framework, a list of waste management actions in order of priority.

  1. Reduce at the source: Produce less waste when designing packaging, as well as during distribution and use.
  2. Reuse: Design packaging that can be used repeatedly while retaining its appearance and properties.
  3. Recycle: Incorporating waste materials into the packaging manufacturing process to give them a second life.

Ecodesign takes all three of these steps into account: Even if a type of packaging is designed primarily with reduction or reuse in mind, recycling should still be considered during the design process, so that the maximum amount of material can be recovered.

1Environment Quality Act (EQA, 2020: section 53.4.1).

Ecodesign provides a better understanding of the environmental footprint and life cycle of packaging.

Implementing an ecodesign approach means examining every stage in the life of packaging, from the extraction of raw materials to the end of its useful life. By assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of each of these stages, we can make the best decisions to reduce the packaging footprint.

1. Resource procurement

All the processes and technologies used to extract, exploit, and transform raw materials.

2. Manufacturing

The processes and technologies used to manufacture the product packaging, and to assemble and process products.

3. Distribution

Storing, handling, and transporting packaged products.

4. Use/Consumption

The water and energy required when the consumer uses or consumes the product.

5. End of life

The end-of-life stage can take many forms, including reuse, repurposing, recycling, composting, recovery, and elimination. For packaging and printed paper, reaching the end-of-life stage does not necessarily mean that they or their materials have actually reached the end of their useful life.

Le documentaire Tout déballer : regard sur le cycle de vie d'un emballage

Coréalisé par Éco Entreprises Québec et l’École de design de l’UQAM, le documentaire Tout déballer (2022) retrace le processus de sélection, de conception, de mise en marché et de transformation d'un emballage vers une deuxième vie. Il met en lumière l'importance de faire des choix responsables et réfléchis à chacune de ces étapes, tant pour les consommateurs que pour les entreprises qui mettent en marché des produits emballés.

Visionner le documentaire

See also

Demystifying the ecodesign approach
How to apply an ecodesign approach to packaging
Recyclability: an ecodesign strategy