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Overpackaging is excessive or unnecessary packaging. It is defined by the Institute of Packaging Professionals as "a condition where the methods and materials used to package an item exceed the requirements for adequate containment, protection, transport, and sale".[1]
Eliminating overpackaging is an opportunity for source reduction, reducing waste before it is generated. Elimination of excess packaging is at the lead of the reduce, reuse, recycle hierarchy. Use of minimized packaging is key to having sustainable packaging. Examples of overpackaging can be found in many areas; from e-commerce to retail food packaging.[2]
Some examples of overpackaging are obvious while others are more of a judgement call. For example, luxury packaging frequently uses more packaging than the minimum requirements. Brand managers believe that premium packaging is needed to communicate the extra value the contents. Gift wrapping can also involve excess packaging but traditions and personal choices allow people to continue to use it.[3] Decorative boxes are an art form which clearly exceed minimum functional requirements.
- ^ Soroka, W. Illustrated Glossary of Packaging Terminology (Second ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.
- ^ Payne (31 October 2017). "Over-Packaging". PackCon: 22. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ Liu, Lin (2023). "Measures for Excessive Application of Gift Packaging Design Materials". Springer Nature, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Culture, Design and Social Development (CDSD 2022). 16. Retrieved 25 November 2024.