Reducing Packaging Waste: Strategies for Design and Consumer Habits

Educating Consumers on Packaging Waste

We’ve all been there, standing in the aisle trying to decide between a pack of toilet rolls wrapped in plastic or its eco-friendly, naked counterpart. Educating consumers on sustainable practices involves more than simply providing options; it requires a demonstration of the reasons and methods for reducing waste. It's about slapping labels on products that scream ‘I'm recyclable!’. Not only will it make people feel good about making eco-friendly decisions but it will position your brand as one that cares about environmental impact. 

Leveraging the power of consumer choice is all about clear communication. Remember the days when no one thought twice about packing reusable bags for a shopping spree? Now, it’s as essential as your wallet. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took lots of consumer education and a bit of social pressure. Sustainability has never been more important, especially for younger generations who are increasingly aware of environmental issues.

When it comes to your packaging, keep it real, keep it sustainable, and let your brand set the next packaging design trend. Being the brand that cares not only stands out but stands the test of time – setting a benchmark in the industry and earning lasting consumer trust and loyalty.

Informing Through Branding

Adopting innovative packaging strategies is not only crucial for reducing environmental impact but also for building a positive brand image. Below, we explore several sectors that are leading the way in sustainable packaging, demonstrating how creative solutions can both appeal to eco-conscious consumers and foster industry change:

👉Beauty Sector: Picture a world where your face cream comes in a container that you can send back for a refill. This saves on packaging and you could offer consumers the product at a reduced price since they’ve made an eco-friendly decision to return.

👉Food & Beverage: Ever seen snack bars wrapped in what looks like plastic but is actually made from plants? This is the way forward to a greener future.

​​👉 Tech Gadgets: Transitioning to slim, minimalist packaging made from recycled paper for small electronics. This not only reduces materials but also taps into the aesthetic appeal of simplicity and sustainability, resonating well with eco-conscious consumers.

Design Strategies to Reduce Waste

Here at Noramble, we design packaging that’s smarter, not harder. Think packaging design that fits just right - no more, no less. Whether it’s beauty products that need to look chic without a plastic overcoat or food items that want to breathe without a plastic bubble, we’ve got it covered. Our designs focus on materials that can go back into the earth or get a second life, like recyclable cardboard or biodegradable wrappers. It’s all about trimming down packaging sizes, ditching unnecessary layers, and using designs that you can repurpose … because who doesn’t love a jar that becomes a cute little plant pot?

Right-Sized Packaging

This isn’t just about saving on shipping costs; it's about cutting the fluff. Right-sized packaging means your product fits nice inside, which also reduces the risk of damage. We all know that Amazon packaging is a bit of a joke. You might just order a pen and find that the packaging doesn’t even fit in your bin!

Minimalistic Design

We’re big fans of less is more. A minimal design isn't just sleek and modern; it's also about using fewer materials and choosing the right materials for the job. Why create a box inside a box inside another box? Instead, let’s design something simple and effective that doesn’t require a YouTube tutorial to unpack.

A prime example of this approach in action is the work done for Cane, a brand that epitomises the power of minimalist design. Cane’s packaging solution exemplifies how reducing material use does not compromise on functionality or brand identity. Instead, it enhances it. By employing a single, well-designed piece of packaging, Cane not only significantly reduces waste but also aligns its brand with the values of environmental responsibility and consumer convenience.

Brands that have Successfully Minimised Packaging Waste

Several UK brands are setting exemplary standards in sustainability, showcasing innovative ways to reduce packaging waste. Their efforts not only demonstrate environmental responsibility but also engage consumers in eco-friendly practices.

Lush is well known for its commitment to "naked" products, often opting to eliminate packaging entirely. By selling bath bombs, bars of shampoo, and other cosmetics without any packaging, Lush reduces its environmental footprint significantly. This approach not only conserves resources but also appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who prefer products that do not contribute to waste.

Image source: Lush.com


Costa Coffee are making an effort to reduce disposable cup usage. They offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups, promoting a culture of reuse that benefits both the environment and the consumer's wallet. This initiative helps cut down on the vast amounts of waste generated by disposable cups, aligning brand operations with sustainable practices.

Image source: Costa.co.uk


Adding to this list, Waitrose has made significant strides with its initiative to eliminate unnecessary packaging using the initiative ‘Unpacked’. The supermarket has introduced refill stations in select stores where customers can refill their own containers with products like pasta, rice, and cleaning supplies, dramatically reducing plastic use.

Image source: Which.co.uk

Marks & Spencer’s has committed to making all its packaging recyclable by 2022. They've already made headway by introducing more sustainable packaging solutions across their product lines, including reducing plastic in their produce sections and using more recyclable materials.

Image source: Marksandspencer.com

At Noramble, every industry we work with, from fashion to household items, can benefit from a pinch of creativity and a whole lot of sustainability. When it comes to sustainability, the future of packaging design is firmly rooted in eco-friendly practices. There’s no turning back now—sustainability is here to stay.

So, whether you're a brand looking to spice up your packaging game or a consumer tired of their bins always being full, just know that every little bit of effort counts. Swing by Noramble’s website and let us hook you up with a free brand review. Let’s make your packaging green. Start your project now.