PackZero: Redefining Sustainable Package Design

A Circular Delivery Network with Reusable Packaging

Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, but the environmental impact of the packaging waste generated by this industry cannot be ignored. The PackZero team, led by the innovative designers at PackZero, recognized this issue and set out to create a solution that not only protects products during shipping but also minimizes waste and promotes sustainability.

The inspiration for PackZero came from the realization that shipping boxes serve a single purpose - to protect the products inside. However, these boxes are often discarded after a single use, contributing to the growing problem of packaging waste. The PackZero team conducted extensive research, including field trips to distribution centers and interviews with consumers and logistics experts, to understand the pain points and challenges of the current system.

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the PackZero team developed a reusable package made of durable biodegradable materials. These materials, such as MarinaTex made from fish waste and alga, liquid wood derived from pulp-based lignin, fabric made of grape waste, PLA/Polylactic acid generated from corn, and milk protein, not only provide protection for the products but also have the potential to be used up to 100 times.

The PackZero system incorporates central hubs strategically located in areas frequented by users, reducing the overall distance traveled by products. This circular delivery network aims to minimize the carbon footprint associated with last-mile transportation. Users can select PackZero services while shopping online, and online retailers utilize PackZero packages to protect their products during shipping.

Upon receiving the package, users simply open it, and the package automatically deflates, ready to be returned. The PackZero team has designed returning bins located in subway stations, campuses, big companies, and public spaces. Returning the package is as simple as pressing a pedal and inserting the package into the bin. The roller pulls the package in, flattening and compressing it for efficient transport.

The PackZero project, which started in September 2019 in Pasadena, California, and concluded in December of the same year, is the result of extensive research and iterative design processes. The team conducted various studies, including competitive research, trend analyses, user interviews, and usability testing, to ensure that the final design aligns with user behaviors and addresses pain points in the current system.

The PackZero design has been recognized for its ingenuity and contribution to sustainability. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design category in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while making significant improvements to quality of life and the environment.

With PackZero, the future of sustainable package design is here. By reimagining the way products are shipped and delivered, the PackZero team has created a circular delivery network that not only protects products but also minimizes waste and reduces our impact on the environment.