Intro to Sustainable Packaging
An online course that explores sustainable packaging design and concepts. Learn about life cycle assessment (LCA), aligning packaging projects with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and designing packaging that balances people, planet, and profit.
What you will learn
Intro to Sustainable Packaging will help you develop a solid foundation in sustainable packaging design, from concept to end of life. Course material includes tools and resources you can apply today to help navigate the trade-offs of sustainable packaging development. Modules include life cycle assessment (LCA) basics, applying sustainability reporting frameworks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the packaging industry, designing for circular systems, alternative materials in packaging design, and more.
Course Objectives
Define sustainability for all stages of a package’s lifecycle—from cradle to grave
Discover how to implement sustainable tools and frameworks into your packaging design workflow
Gain a foundational understanding of how to navigate sustainability-related trade-offs to bring the most effective and environmentally conscious packaging to market
Define the role of sustainability reporting frameworks (GRI, TNFD, etc.) in the packaging industry and learn to align packaging goals to the 17 UN SDG targets
Learn about alternatives materials in packaging and how to implement them into your primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
Recognize the role of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to help identify environmental hotspots and optimize packaging design for minimal environmental impact
Course Outline
1.0 Introduction
- 1.1Course Disclaimer(pdf)
- 1.2Navigation Tutorial (video)
- 1.3Sustainable Packaging Workbook(download)
- 1.4Introduction to Sustainability(video)
- 1.5Defining Sustainable Packaging(video)
- 1.6Sustainability Definition Starter Kit(download)
- 1.7Packaging and the Waste Stream(pdf)
- 1.8Perceptions and Realities of Sustainability(video)
- 1.9Sustainability Orientation - Let's Get to Know Each Other!()
2.0 Frameworks
- 2.1Introduction to Frameworks(video)
- 2.2Cradles and Graves(multimedia)
- 2.3Green Engineering(video)
- 2.4The Circular Economy(video)
- 2.5Circular Economy in Action: Case Studies(pdf)
- 2.6Knowledge Check: Frameworks(quiz)
3.0 Materials
- 3.1Introduction to Materials(video)
- 3.2Paperboard(video)
- 3.3Glass (video)
- 3.4Metal(video)
- 3.5Plastics(multimedia)
- 3.6Printing and Inks(multimedia)
- 3.7Alternative Materials(video)
- 3.8The Packaging School's Guide to Edible Packaging(presentation)
- 3.9Material Trade-offs with Dr. Hurley(video)
- 3.10Knowledge Check: Materials(quiz)
4.0 Analysis and Reporting
- 4.1Introduction to Analysis & Reporting(video)
- 4.2Environmental Footprint(video)
- 4.3Analysis Software(pdf)
- 4.4Life Cycle Analysis(multimedia)
- 4.5Meta-Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment in Packaging Systems(pdf)
- 4.6ISO 14000 Explained(presentation)
- 4.7Corporate Goals and Reporting(multimedia)
- 4.8Sustainability Reporting Frameworks(multimedia)
- 4.9Knowledge Check: Analysis & Reporting(quiz)
5.0 Design Guidelines
- 5.1Introduction to Design Guidelines(video)
- 5.2FTC Green Guides(multimedia)
- 5.3FTC Green Guides with Dr. Hurley(video)
- 5.4Labeling Principles(multimedia)
- 5.5APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability(multimedia)
- 5.6Sustainable Design Checklist(pdf)
- 5.7Knowledge Check: Design Guidelines(quiz)
6.0 Case Studies
- 6.1Introduction to Case Studies(video)
- 6.2Value Engineering (video)
- 6.3Biomimicry(video)
- 6.4eCommerce(video)
- 6.5Designing for Reuse(video)
- 6.6A Sustainable Labeling Approach(video)
- 6.7Stories from Top Brands(multimedia)
- 6.8Sustainable Packaging in Action: Case Studies of Leading Industry Redesign(video)
7.0 United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Guidelines (SDGs)
- 7.1UN SDGs Introduction(video)
- 7.2UN SDG 1 - No Poverty (video)
- 7.3UN SDG 2 - Zero Hunger(video)
- 7.4UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being(video)
- 7.5UN SDG 4 - Quality Education (video)
- 7.6UN SDG 5 - Gender Equality (video)
- 7.7UN SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation (video)
- 7.8UN SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy(video)
- 7.9UN SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth (video)
- 7.10UN SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (video)
- 7.11UN SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities (video)
- 7.12UN SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities (video)
- 7.13UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production (video)
- 7.14UN SDG 13 - Climate Action(video)
- 7.15UN SDG 14 - Life Below Water(video)
- 7.16UN SDG 15 - Life on Land(video)
- 7.17UN SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions(video)
- 7.18UN SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals(video)
- 7.19UN SDGs Conclusion (video)
8.0 Carbon Neutral Packaging
- 8.1Definition and Crediting(video)
- 8.2Measurement and Application(video)
- 8.3Carbon Equivalents and Offset Strategies: Example Template(pdf)
- 8.4Carbon Equivalents and Offset Strategies: Filled Template(pdf)
9.0 Bonus Content
- 9.1How to Upcycle and Reuse Your Packaging(video)
- 9.2Composting Packaging(presentation)
- 9.3Brand Sustainability Guidelines Webinar(video)
- 9.4EPR for Packaging Webinar(video)
- 9.5German Recycling Machines(video)
- 9.6Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Laws(pdf)
10.0 Wrap Up
- 10.1Apply What You've Learned(multimedia)
- 10.2Survey(multimedia)
Instructor
Andrew Hurley, PhDFounder
80 Lessons
49 Videos
8 Hours
Buy now$3993-Month Access
Or subscribe$69per month for 6 months
Certificate of Packaging Science (CPS)
This course as part of the Certificate of Packaging Science, a comprehensive program covering all major aspects of packaging materials, processes, and design.
Related Courses
Discover the Impact of Our Courses From Your Peers!
