Posts Tagged ‘reusable packaging’

Nooka’s Tupperware Packaging

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

nooka zub zen watch 300x233 Nookas Tupperware Packaging

Have you even bought a watch and wondered why the packaging is so much bigger than the watch itself? Nooka, maker of sci-fi inspired watches, has recognized this problem and are taking a creative and eco-friendly approach to solving it. In an effort to produce sustainable packaging, they have decided to collaborate with SiliconeZone, maker of silicone based kitchenware.

The outcome? Packaging that is similar to that of Tupperware. This holiday season, Nooka’s watches will be shipped in boxes that are made out of cooking-grade silicone. These boxes are durable, reusable, and even microwave safe. So instead of throwing away the box after opening, it can be recycled and used to store pasta, soup, and anything else you can think of. Nooka will also eventually post recipes on its website that can be stored or made in their new packaging.

nookapackaging 300x184 Nookas Tupperware Packaging

Although it is a little strange to think that it is possible to eat out of a box that a watch used to be packaged in, the idea is actually a part of how Nooka wants to operate its business. They believe in constant advances in technology and originality in design. Having an “anything is possible” mindset allows Nooka to be able to create possibilities that are sustainable and futuristic. They pride themselves in taking everyday objects and taking an alternative approach to making it better. The creation of an eco-friendly and reusable package is just the beginning for Nooka and it will be interesting to see what they think of next.

Coconuts find a Second Life

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

WholeTreeMaterial Coconuts find a Second Life

Waco-based Whole Tree has been researching uses for coconut husks for wo years, and recently partnered with packaging firm Compadre to design and test different uses for coconut-based materials. In addition to creating packaging from the husks, the companies are also working to improve the lives of coconut farmers by providing more income for farmers by using the husks.

The company has developed a nonwoven process for combining coconut fiber with thermoplastic to create a strong, durable material that can be formed for packaging.

The packaging is primarily used for packaging that goes inside boxes, such as packaged electronics. They are still exploring possibilities for outer packaging.

Zero Waste Week 2009

Friday, September 11th, 2009

I recently came across a site for Zero Waste Week, which started on Monday and concludes this Sunday. All week long, people across the world have been making small changes in their lives to eliminate or reduce their amount of waste. By coming together and taking these small steps, we can reduce the amount of waste thrown into the landfills and become more environmentally-responsible.zero waste week Zero Waste Week 2009

Last year, they offered prizes and incentives for people who participated, but this year, they wanted to try something different. There are no incentives, because they want people to want to help the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated and sent to the landfills. This way, they hope for people to continue in their efforts long after Zero Waste Week is over, rather than just doing it now for a prize.

You can reduce waste by using durable, reusable packaging or by making sure that it is recyclable and made from recycled materials. We can all work on doing our part to reduce waste and help the environment. Have any ideas to reduce waste even more? Let us know!

Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

When we think of being “green” and environmentally-friendly, we think of the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle.  TreeHugger showed some ways that companies are offering reusable packaging in a new way, in which the packaging is actually a part of the product itself.

With this product, lite2go by knoend, the clear packaging is actually the lampshade for the lamp:

reusable packaging lampshade Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

This design, created by Tom Ballhatchet, utilizes the box that the TV is packaged in as a stand for the TV with shelves for your DVD cases or Blu-Ray cases:

reusable packaging tv stand Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

With this laptop in a bag, HP won Wal-Mart’s Reduced Packaging Award for its Pavilion dv6929.  Instead of coming in a box with styrofoam inserts, this laptop comes in a reusable messenger bag (made from recycled fabric) with a few plastic bags inside to hold the parts.  With this design, HP was able to reduce the conventional packaging by 97 percent:

reusable packaging laptop Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

Steve Haslip designed the HangerPak, so that the packaging that holds the product can also be used for the product; the package transforms into a hanger for the t-shirt inside:

reusable packaging hanger Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

Although I’m not too keen on the idea of sitting on a cardboard chair, I do give props to David Graas for coming up with a line of flat packaging that can be put together into furniture:

reusable packaging chair Reusable Packaging: The Packaging is the Product

These are all examples of how companies are encouraging customers to reduce waste by reusing the packaging of their products for other purposes.  By doing this and recycling when you are finished, you can be on your way to being more eco-friendly.