Here at Lovely Package we focus on the aesthetics of product packaging. While visual design is an important aspect for aiding the appeal of consumer goods, it is a sad fact even the most attractive cardboard and plastic packaging is likely to end up discarded (and not recycled as rightly suggested on most containers these days!).

While some companies are working hard to reduce the size of their packaging, others are also coming up with innovative ways to make such duo-purpose, or a part of the product itself. This move not only helps to restrict environmental impact through ensuring less waste, but can also increase the lure items further.

Here are four examples of inventive, duo-use packaging…

1. Apple Charging Doc-Packaging (Patent Pending)

Image source: www.patentlyapple.com

Earlier this month, it was revealed Apple currently has a patent pending for the notion of transformer-like smart phone packaging. The idea is simple – once a new iPhone (or other Apple product, potentially) is removed from its box, the bottom half of said packaging can be used as a charging doc for the device.

Smart phone boxes are becoming increasingly smaller for environmental reasons (and in turn; brand image), and so it is no shock Apple has made this move. The non-inclusion of bulky AC chargers can see the size of their boxes – and the cost of associated materials – greatly reduced. If approved, the clever concept is sure to go down a treat with Apple fan boys and girls everywhere.

2. DIY Living 

Australian furniture retailer DIY Living gives it customers a free item with every one purchased. Buy a mini wardrobe – get a coffee table too. Buy a bench – get a complimentary lamp. How can the business afford such an incentive? Well each of the second items are made of cardboard; more specially, the boxes in which the original purchase is delivered.

The furniture industry is increasingly overcrowded and to stand out from competitors, DIY Living decided to offer customers more through its corrugated material, which would otherwise end up in the trash. A few cuts and folds see boxes transformed into eye-catching, sturdy furniture items which get tongues wagging – a genius and resourceful marketing idea.

3. Tube Toys

Image source: www.oscar-diaz.net

Tube Toys are a series of pretend vehicles created by Spanish designer and artist Oscar Diaz. The toys are self-assembled, with the largest portion of each being the tube in which all other pieces are contained for storage, and at retail point. The tube comprises a number of small holes and slots for assembly, and once built the only remaining packaging is the paper label, which can be easily recycled.

The lack of packaging not only helps to keep production overheads low, but see the toys environmentally green also due to nominal waste. Tube Toy variants include a fire truck, tractor, train and car, and each has an RRP of $ 15.

4. Love Film’s Return Envelope

Image source: www.lovefilm.com

This might not be the most exciting example included in this post, but this two-use envelope is undoubtedly clever. The same envelope used by UK entertainment rental firm Love Film to send customers DVD, Blu-ray or console game disks through the mail can also be used to return such. The visual step-by-step guide above explains how far better than words alone could.

The two-use envelope encourages the prompt return of rented disks due to simplicity and convenience. Additionally, unnecessary large envelope will be used by far fewer customers for disk return (CD-sized envelopes are not as common in high street shops as A4/A5 variants). This reduced material waste is beneficial to the planet.

This article is brought to you by Kite Packaging

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