For the circular economy to work, consumers must do their part. Recycle. However, right now, there is a lot of confusion around what exactly consumers are supposed to be doing. What’s recyclable and what’s not? As brands tackle sustainability, we believe packaging can be optimized to educate consumers.
Domo is proposing we reduce confusion by creating a clear, well-understood visual package design system that communicates – at-a-glance – what to do. Through consistent execution and consumer exposure – recycling behaviors will become second nature.
Visual cues on packaging play a key role. Thanks to how2recycle’s suggested symbol system, we’re halfway there. Now it’s about consistent and prominent placement of these symbols on consumer packaging, using a templated approach that appears on all packaging, in the same location. Radical, right?
Visual cues also help with sorting and can trigger robotic sortation at recycling facilities. A consistent template used across all consumer packaging will exponentially increase the efficiency and volume of recycling. The faster this process can be automated – the better.
Perhaps that is just what we need right now – to come together to educate and encourage consumers to recycle as just another part of daily living. If consistently adapted, this visual design system will simplify and differentiate recyclable, versus non-recyclable, packages and products.
And if you’ve missed any previous posts from our sustainability series, visit: https://domomarketing.com/perspective/. Cincinnati design agency, domo marketing is using design to help CPG companies change the world – one package at a time. Stay tuned for Part 5 of our series: Sustainable Packaging Resource Guide, September 15th.