In what ways can packaging have a less environmentally destructive presence?
While walking down the electronic aisle I began to ask myself, “Where does all this clamshell packaging go? Does the average consumer recycle? Is there even a facility to recycle this type of plastic?” I decided to investigate these questions and to start thinking about ways to minimize packaging waste.
In most parts of the developed world, packaging constitutes as much as one-third of the non-industrial solid waste stream. As the developing world races to raise living standards, more countries are seeing significant growth in their packaging waste. At least 28 countries currently have laws designed to encourage reduced packaging and greater recycling of packaging discards. Many of these countries require manufacturers to take back packaging discards or pay for their recycling. There are no federal packaging mandates of a similar nature in the United States.
After doing some research I found that PVC is the least postconsumer recycled plastic, per usage amount, in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency calculates that 910,000 tons of PVC waste are generated annually but less than a quarter of 1 percent is recovered for recycling. My target packaging is in fact PVC clamshells and blister packs particularly used for electronics.
My solution was to create a flat-pack High Density Polyethylene packaging for headphones. After purchase the packaging would be turned in at the retail store. The packaging would then be picked up by distributers and returned to the manufacturer for repack. I chose HDPE because of its large strength-to-density ratio and also for its recyclability. Once the packaging finally goes beyond use it can be ground up and repurposed with ease. Creating a closed-loop would greatly reduce waste and even save money.
To ensure the product is sealed a wrap of polylactic acid polymer would be placed over top the pack and product manual. Polylactic acid polymer given the right conditions will biodegrade. For padding the product paper foam will be utilized. Not only will it help to stabilized the headphones, but it will also biodegrade.
