ARL - Rethinking Packaging

Whenever there is packaging there is a purpose.

It can be easy to demonise the amount of packaging we consume – or, really, dispose of heedlessly. But packaging usually has a good purpose in mind: it protects its precious contents and makes things easier to transport. Sometimes it may be the way we use packaging for its convenience that is unsustainable. Do we really need another laundry powder scoop or an unpeeled mandarin in a container? Could we rethink and redesign packaging so that it remains fit for purpose but is more sustainable?

In this lesson students undertake real-world learning in the role of material designers. They investigate a range of packaging items and discuss why some of these items don’t feature the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). They research the barriers to meeting ARL classifications and consider the benefits and challenges of using certain materials for certain packaging before attempting to redesign a product to meet ARL classifications.