Brief (in Brief):
"The objectives of the project are to:
1. Analyse a minimum of two packaging products to identify unsustainable aspects of the product-service system, product life cycle model, the product itself and its manufacturing processes.
2. Propose a new design for a packaging product delivering the functions and outcomes of packaging, while improving its sustainability footprint."
For this project I aimed to re-evaluate the methods and processes of bottle re-use and recycling of beer bottles. Millions of tonnes of glass is left in landfills with only 30 - 35% recycle rates in the UK.
Methods:
This project was heavily based in industrial interviews. These helped to find out the real methods used for bottle distribution. I could then identify the reasons that bottle reuse failed when applied in real life. I experimented with different materials from by-products of the brewing process for the secondary packaging. I experimented with mechanical methods for washing and I evaluated the economic benefits of the extended process. I did market research to find my user base and then did user testing with that group.
Solution
After the market research, I had found a good match with a young user group, concerned in the environment and quality of drinking experience in relatively equal measure. I branded the bottle to be trendy but the true application would be to work with breweries in partnership to provide equipment and services.
The bottle design is itself a unique product that would stand out on shelves. The main benefit is the new drinking experience that the pint based bottles encourage. The resealable bottle fits with the new style of drinking culture in my user group and encourages more responsible drinking.
The environmental benefits of this design go hand in hand with the economic benefits. Washing the bottles is very efficient in water use and is cheaper than recycling if the infrastructure is invested in.
The secondary packaging is simple and easy to manufacture from by-products of the brewing industry.
Report
The report is below examines all parts of the design and process in full and is well worth a read!
