Closing the Loop: Circular Design
The circular economy approach ensures that materials are retained within productive use, in a high value state, for as long as possible. It focuses on reshaping business and economic systems so that waste is ‘designed out’ of how we live.
· Creation of eco-friendly industries and job opportunities.
· Moving towards sustainable and eco-friendly brands benefits the business model.
· Reduction in environmental damage caused by resource extraction.
It is a fast-growing industry as well as movement that helps to reuse and recycle all material, reducing pollution as much as possible and regenerating the environment in a circular model. Products are designed with the notion of resource efficiency, ethical practices, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and recyclability in mind.
The Circular design principles are:
· Protect brands and products – Designers or creatives must ensure the packaging protects products and all the resources invested in them. Damaged products from poor packaging have an economic and environmental impact.
· Design for supply cycle efficiency – Developing an end-to-end approach that considers every step of the way, including storage and warehouse optimization, customers’ factories, packaging lines and the layout of products within boxes for stacking in delivery vehicles.
· Keep packaging materials in use – Quality, durability and recyclability are key to keeping packaging products and materials in use for as long as possible. This means maximizing the use of the fibers and recognizing the value beyond the primary function.
· Find a better way – Challenging ourselves and our customers to develop circular packaging solutions.
The term “circular economy" denotes an industrial system that is, by design and intention, restorative, using resources either in a bio cycle or in a techno-cycle – with all technical resources designed for multiple use cycles, at high quality.
Considering the principles of the circular economy at the design stage can have a huge influence over how such items are produced, used, and what happens to them after use. The large internal design community and influencing its customers, many of which are global brands. And what is more, the sustainable companies will also inspire many other businesses and designers worldwide. As a result, it has become particularly more important for businesses to practice sustainability and be a part as well as involved in the environment conscious community around them.