Google learned everything there is to know about switching from plastic to fiber, so you don’t have to. Key takeaway’s:  Remember the hierarchy, establish your priorities, consider everything.

Switching from plastic to fiber packaging might seem like a daunting task. But Google has done the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. They’ve condensed their journey into a comprehensive, accessible guide that outlines how they transitioned away from plastic— and how you can too.

Google’s mission has always been about making information universally accessible, and they’ve extended that philosophy to their sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, they walked the talk with the release of their Plastic-Free Packaging Design Guide. Having achieved their goal of plastic-free packaging ahead of their 2025 target, Google has proven that big changes can happen sooner than expected.

Let’s be clear: plastics aren’t the enemy. In fact, they revolutionized packaging in many ways and remain the best option for certain applications. However, it’s how we use plastics that often misses the mark. Many of the most problematic uses of plastic can be effectively replaced by innovative fiber solutions, plastics with recycled content, and designs that simply use less material. These alternatives not only benefit consumers and the industry but also the environment. The search for these solutions is advancing recycling access, technology, and material innovations, all positive outcomes.

What’s Inside Google’s Guide

Google’s guide doesn’t just tell you what they did; it shows you how they did it. They offer insights into the specific materials and suppliers they worked with, giving you a tangible reference point to start your own journey. One of the surprising barriers they encountered was consumer perception. Time and again, they found that alternate fiber structures were mistaken for plastic, leading consumers to incorrectly believe they weren’t recyclable. Their solution? A visually distinct paper developed with Veritiv and Kaili Glory Paper that not only looks great but also clearly signals recyclability.

The Google Approach

Google’s strategy echoes what many in the packaging community, like Packumen, have been advising as well. Here’s a breakdown of their approach:

  1. Prioritize Your Values: Start by defining what matters most to your company. Is it recyclability? Minimizing waste? Accessibility?
  2. Set Clear Goals: Once your priorities are clear, set measurable targets that you can track over time.
  3. Evaluate and Innovate: Assess your current packaging materials and processes and innovate to meet your goals.

For Google, this meant defining five core principles and systematically eliminating plastic from their packaging. They developed new materials, optimized their manufacturing processes, and even found ways to reduce packaging layers altogether.

Google’s 5 Packaging Principles

  1. Prioritize Recyclability: Ensure materials are compatible with current and future recycling systems.
  2. Minimize Waste: Optimize packaging size and weight to reduce material usage.
  3. Maximize Accessibility: Design packaging with everyone in mind, incorporating features that make component removal intuitive.
  4. Protect Products: Never compromise product integrity. The environmental cost of returns and remanufacturing far outweighs the benefits of lighter packaging.
  5. Embrace Innovation: Continuously explore and collaborate to create new solutions.

Why These Principles Matter

Protecting the product is non-negotiable. If packaging fails to do its job, any material savings are quickly overshadowed by the cost of remanufacturing and returns. Google’s commitment to innovation is also worth noting. While the basics of reduce, reuse, and recycle are crucial, it’s innovation that will ultimately drive the industry forward. Google didn’t just tweak existing processes—they reimagined them.

What Will You Learn?

This isn’t just a guide; it’s a blueprint for change. Whether you’re a company looking to overhaul your packaging or a professional wanting to stay ahead of the curve, Google’s guide is an invaluable resource. It covers everything from the basics of sustainable packaging to the intricate details of material selection, offering a comprehensive overview that’s as educational as it is practical.

How You Can Use This Guide

Google has made this guide open source, a gesture that speaks to their commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts across industries. By following their roadmap, you can shortcut your own journey and avoid the pitfalls they encountered. Whether you’re leading an internal team or working with a consultant, this guide provides the insights you need to make informed, effective decisions.

Download full guide here

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of packaging. It is a consumer preference. It already is in some ways, and will continue to be in more ways, a legal requirement. As you consider your next move, think about how your company can contribute to this shift. Packumen is here to help you navigate these changes. With our expertise in sustainable packaging materials and processes, we can partner with you to design solutions that align with your goals.

Let’s start the conversation. Contact us today to explore how we can work together to create packaging that’s not only good for business but also for the planet