What is the role of design in sustainable packaging solutions?
Ciara O'Driscoll of Antalis rethinks packaging by blending performance, innovation and sustainability. A bold take on today’s environmental challenges.
Ciara O'Driscoll of Antalis rethinks packaging by blending performance, innovation and sustainability. A bold take on today’s environmental challenges.
Ciara O’Driscoll, Packaging Designer at Antalis Packaging in the UK, answers questions about reshaping packaging with sustainability, smart design and real impact for the future-ready brands.
What is the role of the PDC and how is that defined by your job approach?
I work as packaging designer in the SPC. We essentially collaborate closely with our customers to create design solutions that protect products, while also being eco-responsible.
How does design influence the environmental impact of packaging?
It's important that we factor in the environmental impacts of our designs. We do this by optimizing the size, the shape and the material use when we're designing. By highlighting these key areas, we're able to create solutions that minimize the impact our packaging has on the environment.
“Good packaging design isn’t just about protection, it's about purpose, sustainability, and impact.”
— Ciara O'Driscoll, Packaging Designer
What are the main challenges customers face when transitioning to sustainable packaging?
Brands want their products to be delivered in perfectly presented packaging that reflects their brand image. However, it can be counterproductive if decisions around packaging are being made to move even more towards unsustainable materials. So we're able to step in and redirect brands to vendors that actually share the same environmental goals that they have.
How does Antalis support its clients in developing eco-responsible packaging solutions?
We carry out audits for new and existing customers where we are able to test their existing packaging that they're using, and with our knowledge of eco-responsible materials, we're able to redirect them to solutions that are more sustainable throughout our design process.
Can you share an example of an innovative, sustainable packaging solution designed by Antalis?
Yes ! So the Assa Abloy case study, we were presented with a brief to remove plastics from one of their packaging designs that they were currently using. The design that we presented moved them to a more sustainably conscious solution. We minimized the actual overall packaging by 67% and removed plastics, and this solution has now been successfully rolled out in the UK and Ireland.
.JPG)
How do you see the future of sustainable packaging design evolving?
Regulations within our industry are really tightening. We're being encouraged to move towards more innovative ways to find sustainably conscious solutions, whether this be through cyclical approaches or reuse models or alternative materials. So my hope is that, with the role of packaging will be built into the CSR models of companies earlier on.
