For many years the life cycle of the packaging was limited to the moment of purchase. Once its protective function was over the box was thrown away. Over time, however, the significant increase in waste of all kinds, including those deriving from discarded packaging, has favored general awareness in terms of the environmental impact of each product. Eco-sustainable waste management has thus become a priority for many companies and institutions. And thus multipurpose packaging was born.


It is in this scenario that some companies chose a simple method to reduce waste: reuse. There are two main ways to give the packaging a new life: reusing it repeatedly or repurposing it completely.


For some time now, companies have been trying to predict the reuse of packaging to ensure it outlives the product. How? By designing multipurpose boxes that have their own functionality. 


Often it is the small details, technical and graphical, that encourage the consumers to reuse. Other times, a more in-depth study is needed to allow a box to transform into something new and to ensure its success. It is necessary to understand how to transform the box into a different product or how to make it an integral part of the product it contains.


Multi-purpose packaging is a brilliant example of optimization and has infinite possibilities. Careful technical study combined with in-depth marketing research can lead to exciting results and interesting opportunities. Just think of NASA’s project for the reuse of the boxes given to crew members during space missions thoroughly described in this governmental article.


Did we inspire you? Look at our 15 picks of multipurpose packaging and create your own on Packly!