Sustainable Packaging Design and the Circular Economy

Packaging is a critical part of modern supply chains, but traditional linear models create massive environmental waste. Transitioning to sustainable systems requires a fundamental shift in how we design, use, and recover packaging materials. This text-based course equips you with the foundational knowledge to design and evaluate sustainable packaging systems. You will learn to transition from a linear mindset to a circular approach that minimizes environmental impact while maintaining product protection. What you'll learn: Understand the core principles of the circular economy and how they apply to packaging systems; Analyze different packaging materials, including bio-based, biodegradable, and highly recyclable options; Apply life-cycle thinking to evaluate the environmental footprint of packaging designs; Explore modern regulatory frameworks, including Extended Producer Responsibility and recycling standards; Design packaging solutions that balance product protection with waste reduction. You will start with key terminology and foundational concepts of circularity before diving into material selection, design strategies, and practical written exercises. This course is designed for beginners, including product designers, sustainability enthusiasts, and business professionals, with no prior engineering experience required. Start your journey toward designing a waste-free future today.