One of the biggest campaigns of 2018 - the eradication of single-use plastics, has exposed the difficulty of sourcing alternative packaging solutions. So, we bring you this Masterclass to help you find more sustainable solutions for packaging your products.
We have structured this Masterclass to start with how to go about choosing the right type of sustainable packaging for your brand, with some technical insights into reusable, recyclable and innovative solutions, before moving on to an incredible interview with Maggie Marilyn, an exciting sustainable brand who have introduced an innovative packaging alternative. We've then got our Offset Warehouse Eco-Packaging matrix, showing you our top picks of companies to approach to start your eco-packaging journey and finish up with interviews with entrepreneurs who focus on ethical packaging production to inspire you with their resourceful, eco-packaging solutions.
In this Masterclass you'll learn:
- How to choose sustainable packaging for your product
- How to utilise fabric for packaging, and why paper isn't so good
- What bioplastic really is and how you can use it for your brand
- What the complex differences in biodegradable, bioplastic and recyclable are
- How biomimicry can revolutionise design, including how to use mycelium and mango
- A case study of a well-known brand successfully using compostable packaging
- A matrix of eco packaging that you can research and use for your brand
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How to choose sustainable packaging for your product
with Saloni DoshiSummary
This is a 20 minute Lesson from eco-friendly packaging brand EcoEnclose. They are a company passionate about bringing innovation and eco-solutions to shipping supplies, by developing packaging made with as much recycled content as is humanly possible, and that can be easily recycled into new packaging in its next life. We talk to their co-owner, Saloni Doshi, about eco-packaging and get the lowdown on what precisely eco-friendly packaging is, and the argument for recyclable packaging versus biodegradable packaging.
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Packaging made from Fabric
with Melissa TatkoSummary
Melissa Tatko is the Head of Business Development for a social enterprise called Re-wrap, who make high-quality cotton products, from tote bags to knot wraps. Re-wrap's products are so durable, they last for decades rather than years, helping to reduce the need for single-use plastic bags, and as a result, waste in general.
A tote bag is an environmentally friendly option in comparison to a plastic bag as it has a longer lifespan for reuse, is made from a renewable resource and can biodegrade. In this Masterclass, we take a look at businesses creating packaging from fabric, such as Re-wrap, and their fantastic, easily accessible alternatives to disposable packaging and bags.
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Introduction to Bioplastic for Packaging
with Avishag SeligmanSummary
TIPA, an Israeli startup co-founded in 2010 by Daphna Nissenbaum, develops and produces fully compostable flexible packaging using breakthrough technology. TIPA offers viable solutions for the replacement of conventional flexible plastic. Their products cover a wide array of applications from fresh produce to apparel, and ensure requirements are met in terms of durability, transparency and print. The packaging emulates conventional plastic with a certified fully compostable end-of-life, undergoing the same degradation process as organic matter. TIPA is a company tackling the plastic issue head-on, with a preventative solution to end conventional flexible plastic accumulation and pollution.
Here we learn more about TIPA's mission and products with the Marketing Manager Avishag Seligman, and the Content Manager Sarah Winkler.
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Biomimicry: How Can Nature Revolutionise Design
with Ehab SayedSummary
We talk to Ehab Sayed from Biohm - a research and development led company that places biological systems at the heart of its inspiration to create a healthy and more sustainable environment. Biohm creates bio-based materials, biomimetic construction systems, and undertake additional services and research. Ehab imparts knowledge on utilising waste and biomaterials to create a positive and circular product.
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In conversation with Maggie Marilyn
with Maggie MarilynSummary
Starting her eponymous brand in 2016, at the young age of 22, it only took one year before Maggie Marilyn gained the notice of Net-A-Porter, and very quickly after - the world. Showing her first collection in Sydney in 2016, it was immediately picked up by Net-A-Porter. Other stores followed suit, and, fast forward two years, Maggie Marilyn is now stocked at over 75 stores.
However, her quick success and rapid rise to notoriety have not let Maggie allow her commitment to sustainability to slip. 90% of their collections are produced locally in New Zealand, with only knitwear outsourced to Italy due to lack of infrastructure. They have recently sourced completely biodegradable Complast packaging for their online orders, and are consistently looking for ways to build up the local manufacturing community.
We chat with Maggie about the success of her eponymous label, the difficulty of setting up a successful worldwide brand from NZ, and her advice to other sustainable brands.
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Eco-Packaging Matrix
with The SFC TeamSummary
We're delighted to present this eco-friendly packaging matrix. Inside, you'll discover a list of businesses supplying responsible packaging using sustainable raw materials and non-toxic inks. These businesses are ideal for small companies and startups looking for options with small minimum order quantities. Supplier locations include the UK, New Zealand, Israel, Denmark, Ireland and India.
Please read and respect the terms of use before contacting these producers.
Interviews
Fab Little Bag: solving a huge environmental problem & nabbing Waitrose as their first stockist
Friday Dec 1st, 2017
Eco-friendly Packaging Options, with Magda Sowierszenko of Packhelp
Friday Oct 7th, 2022
Technical Tutorials
Past Events
Additional reading:
Hazardous chemical substances in textiles
Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Brands and Retailers
bluesign® system substances list (BSSL) Consumer safety limits
7 sustainable and zero waste packaging ideas for clothes [The Sustainable Fashion Collective]
Is this the future of takeaway food packaging? [Wallpaper*]
Follow on Masterclasses:
Growing And Scaling Your Design Business
Additional Reading
Why we should use reusable packaging - and inspiration to make your own
Friday Dec 10th, 2021
Future Fabrics Expo 2021: Biodiversity, Natural Fibres and Regenerative Textiles
Sunday Jul 11th, 2021
How to create positive impact with natural materials
Monday Apr 12th, 2021
7 Sustainable And Zero Waste Packaging Ideas for Clothes
Monday Apr 5th, 2021
Fabrics From Food Waste, Mushroom And Weeds
Wednesday Mar 10th, 2021
Does Bioengineering Hold the Key to Our Material Future?
Monday Feb 15th, 2021
What's In Your Mending Pile This Winter?
Tuesday Oct 27th, 2020
Say Yes to Second Hand September with Oxfam
Monday Sep 7th, 2020
In Conversation With Bundle 'n Joy: Possibly the First Ever Maternity Clothes Rental Scheme
Tuesday Aug 4th, 2020
What can you make with our Recycled Polyester Satin fabrics?
Wednesday Jul 1st, 2020