Sustainability in packaging design.

Sustainable packaging design takes ecological, economic and social factors into account over the entire life cycle of a packaging. The aim is to conserve resources, ensure recyclability and at the same time make brand messages tangible. This includes

• Choice of materials: recyclable, bio-based or compostable materials
• Reduction: minimum use of materials with maximum product protection
• Function & communication: packaging protects, informs and strengthens the brand identity
• Innovation: new concepts that combine recyclability and user-friendliness

Sustainable packaging is therefore more than just environmentally friendly – it combines design, brand strategy and responsibility for the future.

Sustainable packaging for food combines functionality, safety and environmental friendliness. Frequently used materials are

• Paper and cardboard from FSC-certified or recycled sources
• Monomaterials such as PE or PET that are fully recyclable
• Bio-based plastics made from plant-based raw materials such as corn starch or sugar cane
• Fiber composites and bagasse (residues from sugar cane or other plants)
• Compostable films according to EN13432 for industrial or home composting
  Each material is selected according to durability, product protection, recyclability and brand impact to make sustainability measurable.

We start with a precise analysis: product requirements, brand values and target group behavior. Based on this, we develop design solutions that reduce the use of materials, increase recyclability and strengthen the brand identity at the same time.

The result: sustainability that is visible, tangible and credible.

Sustainability and brand staging are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary. Reduced forms, natural color schemes and honest materials can emotionally charge brands and create trust.

At MILK. we design packaging that has a conscious effect – not instructive, but inspiring.

These terms are often confused, but have different meanings:

• Compostable: The material can be decomposed into humus under industrial or domestic conditions within a certain period of time (e.g. according to EN13432 standard).
• Biodegradable: The material breaks down by natural processes into smaller components that are broken down by microorganisms. The conditions and speed are less strictly regulated than for compostability.
• Recyclable: The material can be returned to the existing recycling cycle and processed into new product material. It is important that it is single-origin and suitable for the existing recycling infrastructure.

Note: A material can be recyclable and biodegradable at the same time, but it does not have to be – the choice therefore depends on the product, application and environmental strategy.

For MILK., sustainable design is not a trend, but a strategic differentiator. Brands that make responsibility visible create trust and relevance. We develop packaging that clearly communicates ecological values – without greenwashing, but with attitude and recognizability.

For us, sustainability and creativity are not mutually exclusive – they inspire each other. We design solutions that achieve more impact with less material, a clear design language and honest aesthetics. The result is packaging that is environmentally conscious and at the same time makes brands desirable.

A packaging design must be visible and recognizable without blocking the cycle.

Clear design language and reduced elements
Catchy typography, concise colors and reduced graphics attract attention, even with mono materials or paper solutions.

Material selection with added value
Recycled materials, mono-plastics or fiber-based materials enable recyclability and can be designed to be high-quality and attractive at the same time.

Intelligent surfaces & finishing
Textured embossing, partial varnishes or spot UV can set accents without making recycling or composting more difficult.

Storytelling & claims
Transparent communication on sustainability and quality strengthens the emotional impact at the POS without increasing material complexity.

The result is packaging that stands out, appeals to consumers and at the same time follows the principles of the circular economy.

Yes, at MILK. we offer sustainable packaging solutions that are designed with circularity and sustainability in mind from the outset.

Our approach

• We advise on the choice of materials – from recyclable monomaterials and recyclates to compostable or bio-based alternatives.

• Sustainability is not an afterthought for us, but is integrated from strategy through design to production.

• Our aim is to design packaging that is functional, aesthetically pleasing to the brand and at the same time recyclable – ecologically responsible and suitable for the product.

What we pay attention to

• We take into account that sustainable materials and processes can be more complex or cost-intensive depending on the project.

• We make sure that material quality, recyclability and consumer information are in harmony – packaging should not only look sustainable, it should actually be sustainable.

• This is how we create packaging that is visible, brand-strong and at the same time recyclable – for products that score points both with consumers and the environment.

The following materials in particular are currently being used for recyclable packaging:

• Mono-material plastics (PE, PP): recyclable by type, robust and versatile.

• Recycled plastics (PCR): reduces raw material consumption and CO₂ footprint.

• Paper & cardboard: established in recycling, ideal for dry products; pay attention to recyclability for coatings.

• Bio-based materials (cellulose, algae films, biopolymers): promising for short shelf life and natural communication, often still in pilot phase.

It is crucial that the materials are unmixed, recyclable and suitable for the respective product protection.

Retail partners today not only check packaging for visual appeal, but increasingly also for ecological and functional criteria.

Design requirements

• Immediate recognizability: Logo, variety identification and claim must be clear and striking.

• POS suitability: Packaging must stand out on the shelf, provide orientation and support the purchase decision.

• Brand coherence: Design should convey the brand promise and have a consistent effect across all variants.

Sustainability requirements

• Recyclability: monomaterials, separability of materials, recycling labels.

• Verifiable sustainability: use of recycled materials, life cycle assessment, certificates such as FSC, organic or cradle-to-cradle.

• Transparent communication: Information on materials, disposal and environmental friendliness for consumers.

Retail partners therefore expect packaging that is eye-catching, functional and credibly sustainable at the same time.

Water-based printing inks, UV-curing inks with a food safety certificate and natural resin coatings are particularly suitable for food packaging.
Embossing, water-based spot UV or matt and gloss coatings with food approval are possible for finishes.
Important: All materials must pass migration tests and be approved for direct or indirect food contact.