The Disappearing Package

Abstract: As online shopping increases every year, so does the package material that takes from natural resources and ends up as garbage. To be able to save our planet we have to switch to a circular economy, where waste and pollution is designed away. The sector of clothing, shoes and accessories is the most bought online within the EU. These packages are commonly made of soft plastic or biodegradable materials, which aren’t often recycled. The aim of this project was to find a more sustainable solution for these garnament packages. Four concepts were developed; 1) using less materials, 2) using compostable materials, 3) finding a second usage and 4) leaving no traces. A combination of the third and fourth concepts were developed – resulting in a package including detergent that will be dissolved in the washing machine. A second hand company, Sellpy, has been targeted, as a pre-used clothing can motivate customers to recycle the package in the washer. Different soluble materials have been researched and tested. Aquapak makes soluble, eco-friendly washing bags made of polyvinyl alcohol. This material can also be used for pack- aging. The chosen material is strong, somewhat rain resistant and fully soluble in 40°C. The nudging-theory has worked as an underlay for the layout of the package, making it easy to understand how to recycle it. The project can be seen as an inspiration towards a circular economy.