PACKAGING IMPACTS: FROM ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TOOLS TO DESIGN STRATEGIES

Designing sustainable and circular packaging involves a thorough evaluation of environmental, economic, and social aspects throughout the entire life cycle. This chapter provides an overview of various approaches and tools that assist designers in assessing impacts and translating those results into effective strategies. It begins with a discussion of quantitative methods, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), which are useful for measuring material, logistical, and performance elements of packaging. Next, it explores qualitative perspectives, including Social Life Cycle Assessment, which offers insights into cultural, ethical, and experiential values. By integrating these different dimensions, the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework emerges as a comprehensive approach to guide design decisions. The chapter includes a survey of methods and tools currently in use, showcasing a variety of resources ranging from sector-specific calculators to participatory toolkits and digital platforms. Finally, the chapter presents a set of principles for sustainable packaging design, highlighting their importance in mediating among stakeholders, aligning design practices with regulations, and supporting the transition toward more circular and responsible packaging systems.