Sustainable Luxury Packaging

Sustainable Luxury Packaging

A key discussion in the retail world is whether premium brands can have luxury packaging that is also sustainable. The conversation extends to packaging design, materials, finishes and supply chains, so let’s explore the possibilities.

Designing Luxury Packaging

The most successful premium packaging has been achieved by brands that focus on developing an iconic and timeless aesthetic. The style isn’t influenced by current trends that will soon look outdated. Instead, attention is paid to detail in the shape, colour or feel. It is all about packaging that communicates quality.

This concept of an enduring, non-disposable solution is a good starting point for a sustainable solution. However, there are further points for the designer to implement.

Designed to Fit Packaging

Quality packaging is designed to perfectly present the product. That required ‘designed to fit’ solutions that house the item and consider any accessories or parts that are sold with it. When we design to fit, all excess material can be eliminated. This supports the sustainability mission both in packaging design and shipping.

Circular Design

One of the biggest shifts in thinking is incorporating circular principles into packaging designs. Rather than single-use solutions that add to the mounting waste problem, items are created from recycled materials and designed to be reused. Luxury packaging is often retained by customers for storage, but are there further ways to encourage reuse?

The choice of material plays into circular design principles. Many recycled materials, including carton board, aluminium and glass have the same look, feel and finish as raw materials, so they offer no compromise in quality. These materials are also widely recycled in the UK. What’s key is minimising the material range to ensure it is straightforward for consumers to separate and recycle.

In addition to traditional packaging materials like cardboard, there are a variety of new plant-based packaging materials that are fully biodegradable. Bamboo, sugar can pulp and seaweed are just a selection of the available options that designers are starting to embrace.

Clear Labelling

Alongside the stylish font and brand graphics, it’s important to communicate the reusability or recyclability of packaging. Providing clear icons and information ensures customers know how and whether to refill, recycle or compost.

Luxury Packaging Favours Minimalist Design

Luxury packaging is all about restraint. The simple sophistication of minimalist design is what appeals to buyers of quality products. This is a challenge for designers as every detail matters. The concept has to carry across the brand range, work as a marketing tool and protect the goods inside.

We recommend that environmentally conscious brands consider water-based inks for printing and/or embossing as ways to incorporate colour, texture and definition to carton board boxes and other packaging solutions.

Locally Sourced Packaging Solutions

There is little point in going to all the effort of designing a sustainable packaging solution if it is being manufactured and shipped from the other side of the globe. One of the most impactful changes that many brands can make is to minimise the supply chain.

Whatever the chosen material, there are UK packaging manufacturers that turn concepts into packaging supplies. At Aylesbury Box Company, many of our customers are based within 50 miles of our Buckinghamshire factory.

We provide:

• A responsive service
• Practical advice on packaging design
• Recycled and recyclable cardboard retail packaging
• Custom design and print/finish options
• The option of small-volume runs for exclusive ranges
• Sustainable business practices
• Traceability through the supply chain

We provide leading brands and niche retailers with quality packaging that also supports their sustainability goals. Therefore, there is no need to choose between green or supreme!

To find out more, get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@acbbox.co.uk