Brands and manufacturers can help improve the effectiveness of packaging recycling efforts through their designs. Generally, when designing packaging with recyclability in mind, there are two important considerations: 

1. Optimise your design for the recycling process

Adhering to the following basic ‘design rules’ will improve the recyclability of most types of packaging:

1. Avoid toxins.
2. Use one single material when possible.
3. If multiple materials must be used, make sure that they are easily separable.
4. Communicate the material composition and end-of-life options.

The KIDV (Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging) has put together an online resource with more specific recyclability do’s and don’ts for different packaging types and materials. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it is definitely a good place to start. We strongly encourage you to have a look, as we will revisit them in this episode’s assignment.

2. Apply recycled materials whenever possible

Another important aspect of designing for recyclability is to apply recycled materials in the design of your packaging whenever possible. Doing this will help create further demand for recycled materials, which will in turn improve the economic viability of recycling efforts.