After research sustainable shoebox designs I tried to design one myself.
I found myself being the least creative person ever. I kept drawing rectangular shoeboxes that did not have that much sustainabilty. So I did some more research, but this time I decided that I would design a bag to put the shoes in. This enables the packaging to have alternate use after protecting the shoes. I began to think back about Japanese packaging where rope and straw was used with basic origami techniques. This lead me to...
Recycling
bags/magazines by weaving them to create new bags is an environmentally
friendly idea. I chose to design for Creeper shoes as they are bulky and
they are usually bought by people who like unusual things. Therefore
they may be more attracted to unique styles of packaging. The main issue
with this technique is that it would be very time consuming so would be
difficult to produce in mass bulk.
Hessian is a woven fabric usually made from skin of the jute plant which is combined with other vegetable fibres. Although the colour may be seen as quite bland I actually think it fits the style of shoe I have designed for.
Designs
Recycled bag design (no zips etc)
The bag may contain sencils on the front to attract consumer.
I decided to draw out a box idea anyway. The initial idea behind this design was that the box can be reused as shelves afterwards. The box would be recycled egg cartons.
'these boxes will need to both transport, protect and [ideally] provide a secondary use for the packaging after transportation to the purchaser’s home.'
So I decided to look for ANY form of packaging that has a second use or anything that has been made into something new. Basically I found a lot of cool stuff that isn't really related to this task but is too awesome not to share. I WISH I HAD THE CREATIVITY OF THESE PEOPLE.
Packaging that turns into a hanger.
Using the tabs off cans to make this bag. It may not be pretty but it's impressive.
Made from toilet roll tubes.
The above four images show an excellent use of plastic spoons. I need to try this necklace!!
This is just cute.
This is basically what the home section in Urban Outfitters looks like. Love the lamp and LOVE the trolley!
When packaging IS the product.
I would absolutley love this
chair. I like 'hermitting' myself off to do work. Perfect.
Mind. Blown. I would love to know if this actually works.
Light bulb vase.
Simple lampshade which creates crazy shadows on the wall.
I've gone and saved the best till last, you ready for your mind to be blown?!
I'm not going to explain it because I'm still amazed. Just make sure YOU CLICK THIS.
Think that the packaging of products you buy aren't that important? Packaging has a significant amount of influence over what you buy and why you buy them. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all tend to 'judge a book by its cover'. The packaging of a product is the first thing you see, which is why it's important that it tells you about the product, what it's for, why you need it and what values the company has. Businesses that do not invest in eco friendly materials may find that they are losing profit as society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of eco friend products.
So, what makes packaging eco friendly?
*Recycled materials
*Sustainable materials (cotton, bamboo, etc.)
*Biodegradable material (unbleached paper)
*Reusable materials (such as glass bottles)
The most eco-unfriendly aspect of most packaging is how much material they use with product packaging for small items is usually 5+ times larger than it needs to be!
Task 3 stated that I must; design a theoretical prototype multiuse shoe/boot/trainer box that uses recycled or reuseable materials only.
Obviously, research into this area needed to be completed in order for me to get inspiration . Here are what I found to be the most successful. Top 5 (no order).
1) Newton's eco-friendly packaging is my from 100% post consumer recycled material. The shape of the carton is moulded closely to the shape of the shoe, consequently there is no need for tissue paper. Instead of stuffing paper inside of the shoe, in order for them to retain their shape, Newton includes a pair of socks and a reuseable shoe bag! Clever Newton.
2) Pumahave done a lovely job on cutting down the amount of paper they have used in product packaging. They have saved 8,500 tons of paper and the use of water and electricity used for production and transportation has been reduced by 60%. They've eneough took a risk in that it will cost more to begin with, but hopefully it will pan out and eventually lead to profit. Instead of my rambling, check this out...
3) PureProject produced tear-shaped bamboo tubes in which one pair of shoes fits snuggly inside. Although they're not that environmentally friendly to produce, at least the tube can be re-used. There is an illustrated instructions booklet at the top of the tube informing the consumer on how the tube can be reused. It is a unique way to explain how consumers can make use of every last bit of their purchase.
4) Catherine Meuter. Okay, this isn't technically packaging but with shoes this small the packaging is bound to be small.I am a little bit in love with these shoes. After finding them I went on a one woman mission to see if you could buy them. You can't...apparently these are just visions of what could be. The consumer experiences the transformation of the shoe from it's intial flat state into a comfortable and wearable shoe. The shoe is reinforced by the folded parts. I will consider using origami in my design as it will make the box/container stronger.
5) Timberlandearthkeepers come in a 100% recycled material shoebox with a biodegradable handle that includes a latch system preventing the shoes from falling out. Not only is it produced from recycled products but it emphasises the importance of reusing the box and not throwing it away. It can be flattened, stored and reused. It was also designed by a student!
Okay, strictly speaking this is nothing to do with the Green Design course. However, I think it's sort of useful/interesting.
Let me get out this out of the way first;
I finally have an answer to the question
"What good is it planting 3 more trees when you cut one down? Because it's going to take it 50-100 years to grow back again"
Well apparently because of the types of trees and the fact they are being planted in the rainforest, they only take 15 years to grow back. Who knew eh?
WELL ANYWAY, my boyfriend ran this race at the weekend. As I was waiting at the finish line (where I completely missed him but saw four celebrities) I listened to the announcer explaining how 'Sustainabilty was the top agenda for the race'
Copied directly from the googled website (haha)
The winning trophy has been created by master craftsman, Mark Wilkinson, from an Oak Burr found in Richmond Park
Wood is used for the leaf shaped finisher’s medal that everyone receives - it's your 'piece of the parks'
Approximately 50,000 plastic bottles around the course will be recycled by Marks & Spencer
Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon race shirts are made from bamboo and recycled polyester
All discarded running clothes along the route are collected and donated to Oxfam
All participants receive Fairtrade bananas to replenish energy levels after the race
Surplus food will be collected and redistributed to those in need by Fare Share
