Our company values sustainability and is looking to shift our packaging to be biodegradable or fully recyclable. We are looking for assistance in sourcing new packaging for each of our products:

• Research new and more ecologically friendly packaging and ways to package our products, which can include new packaging including mailers, boxes, stickers, etc.
• Create recommendations on the best ways to package our product.
• Creating an improved label design including a symbol to indicate that it is biodegradable/recyclable.

*CHANGE CRITERIA AS REQUIRED*
The following outlines criteria we hope to meet with our new packaging.

• Fully recyclable or biodegradable
• Hot fillable at 90º-95º celsius
• Fridge and freezer storable
• Attractive/ visually appealing
• Costs a maximum of $0.15
• Pre-labeled
• Lightweight for shipping
• Able to order approximately 100k units annually

By the end of the project, students should complete the following list of activities (this is basically a retelling of the steps above):

• Researched ecologically friendly packaging options.
• Created recommendations on the best way to package our product.
• Advised if/how we should change our label design for the new packaging.
• Constructed a weighted decision matrix to choose the best option for our packaging.
• Created a report detailing package research and recommendations.

Bonus steps would include:

• Created an improved label design including a symbol that it is biodegradable/recyclable.

Final deliverables should include

• A report including all research, findings, the decision matrix, and recommendations.

Students will connect directly with us for mentorship throughout the project. We will be able to provide answers to questions such as:

• Are there any ways we would prefer to package our products?
• What criteria must our packaging meet?
• What are the environmental implications of our current packaging?
• Input on choices, problems or anything else the students might encounter.