Bronze Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design · 2020
PackZero Reusable Package
- A' Design Award 2020 Bronze Winner in Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Packzero
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 18,229
- Verification code 53A60DD833 · Verify this award
About PackZero Reusable Package
PackZero is a reusable packaging system for online retail delivery. The inflatable package protects products during shipping and deflates automatically when opened. The package is made of durable biodegradable material that research estimates can be used up to 100 times. Three package sizes are offered. Users return each package to a collection bin placed in subway stations, campuses, offices and other public spaces, where a pedal and a roller flatten and compress the package for transport. Central hubs are set in places people visit often, which reduces total delivery distance.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Packzero proposes to transform the current resource depleting online retail distribution system, with a circular delivery network that combines inflatable reusable packaging with hybrid pickup and delivery experience. The Packzero system will build central hubs at locations that users frequent or find easily accessible, thereby reducing overall product miles. The reusable package is made of durable biodegradable material, which research estimates can be potentially used up to 100 times.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Reusable packages have three sizes: 170 x 245 mm / 220 x 245 mm / 290 x 445 mm. The Return bin's dimensions are 90 x 70 x 140 cm.
- Tags
- Package, Sustainable, System Design, Package Design
- Production Technology
- MarinaTex (made from fish waste and alga)
liquid wood(biopolymer comes from pulp-based lignin)
Fabric made of grape Waste (vinyl alternative)
PLA/ Polylactic acid (generated from corn)
Milk Protein - Design Challenge
- The major challenge is in regards to the material; we want it to be eco-friendly but also durable. We interviewed different experts and got an array of ideas. We will keep researching materials to find a better solution.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2019 in Pasadena, California, and finished in December of 2019. The project is from a class called "IXD Consumer Product" at Art Center College of Design
- Operation Flow
- Users can select Packzero services while shopping online, then online retailers use Packzero packages to protect their products. When users get the package and open it, the package automatically deflates. The next step is returning the Pack Zero package to returning bins in places like subway stations, campuses, big companies, and public spaces. To operate the bin, just press the pedal and insert the package. The roller pulls the package in, flattening and compressing the package for transport.
- Research
- We have conducted a variety of research, including competitive research, trend analyses, future castings, user interviews, user journey mapping, field study, expert interviews, posture study, and usability testing. Based on the research, we analyzed the pain points people have and brainstormed possible solutions. We made many prototypes of last-mile transportation, pickup hubs, returning bins, packages, and interface. Then we iterated the design through user testing. Our final design minimizes the use of power and emissions cost in the system. It is also more compatible with user behaviors.
- Inspiration
- Our inspiration came from the insight that people only need the products themselves and shipping boxes simply provide protection. It is basic knowledge but is often overlooked by many of us. Therefore, we decided to make the shipping boxes and packaging provide protection while at the same time be reusable and sustainable. Our team had several field trips to large distribution centers and logistic companies in Los Angeles, interviewing consumers and practitioners in the logistics industry. We also interviewed several material experts for advice.