Bortz Product Design wants to be part of a more sustainable future

The big question is can we design new products while still facilitating an environmentally sustainable future?
 
At Bortz product design we would like to think so.

I was recently sent by one of my clients,  a guide to recyclability of plastic packaging by the design decisions we make.  I applaud and thank my client for bringing this to my attention  as it is  an important and pressing issue. The brochure  is a good piece of literature and interestingly titled “Recyclability by Design”.
 
While it is very important that designers keep all these principles in mind, it is vitally important that all stake holders such as marketing and purchasing departments also be aware of this guide and follow its principles.
 
The summary guide follows 5 main principles and then provides some useful tables for best practices with mixing and matching materials for bottles, caps and labels to make them easier to sort and recycle.
 
The main 5 principles are:

1. Use the same materials or mixed materials of the same type. If different materials must be used, then they should have different densities.
2. Minimise colour by using non-pigmented material were possible. If colour is necessary then strong colour  should be avoided.
3. Closures should be easy to detach and leave no attachments behind as well as also be recycled.
4. Shrink sleeves should be easily removable and should have clear instructions on how to do so.
5. Labels should be small (covering no more than 60% of the products surface) and easily removable, with adhesives leaving no residue.

Worldwide companies produce so many single use plastic packaging items. People  with their good intentions are doing their best at recycling. Now with this valuable information we can facilitate making the process of recycling easier. With this,  we can close the loop and use the recycled material as a more valuable asset, which is easier to reclaim and easier to use.

The summary guide and its full version are available from the RECOUP website at http://www.recoup.org/p/173/download-centre and I would recommend that all stakeholders take a read, at least of the guide summary, if not the full document.
 
Moving forwards we will endeavour to stay on top of environmental issues, advise and recommend to all clients environmentally sustainable options for their designs and products while continuing to respect each client’s values and choices.