Disposable but sustainable. The case of the Japanese cardboard razor revolutionizing the concept of eco-friendliness. A masterpiece of design and packaging.
We are all back from vacation or are about to go on one. Have you thought of how to optimize your luggage with a disposable but sustainable approach? We at Packly did and we want to tell you about a case that struck our imagination.
Japanese design and sustainability
Given its geographical shape and its history, one of Japan’s virtues has been to maximize resources and their use. In particular, the Japanese ingenuity was able to solve everyday problems in innovative and green ways.
The above said combination of attention to the environment and wise planning reflects in the Paper Razor. We are talking about design with the uppercase D. As a matter of fact the latter is not about aesthetics but focuses on functionality and sustainability.
The disposable but sustainable razor
KAI group is a company with over a century of history in the production of blades and knives. Their tool is a masterpiece of innovation.
In fact the razor, made of 98% cardboard, is packaged in a flat envelope. The latter is then folded and fixed using the adhesive film covering the blades. Thin, light, easily transportable, this indispensable tool is almost entirely recyclable. With only 3 millimeters of thickness and 4 grams of weight, the KAI razor is some sort of origami. By building it, it turns into a must-have for personal care.
The sustainable response for the disposable
The rest of the world is responding similary, i.e. in the direction of greater attention to the environment.
Gilette, the historic manufacturer of shaving accessories, has started a profound change in the packaging of its products. The goal is to make all its packaging completely recyclable within 10 years.
A box made entirely of cardboard pleases the public. According to surveys, consumers appear to be extremely more inclined to purchasing eco-friendly items than polluting competitors.
It looks like BIC got this right. Cardboard went from being a simple informative insert in a plastic wrapping to a whole hanging slim box as the entire package.
FFS. in its turn, has also created a very compact hanging box with gold embellishment for razor blades. It has no plastic windows nor any mix of different materials.
The historic Wilkinson brand echoes them, by adding some sort of environmental labeling for the packaging disposal.
Rockwell Razors instead focuses on a slim total white tuck end box. As a matter of fact, sustainability can go hand in hand with minimalism for a premium product.
Conclusions
In short, the change towards sustainability starts from consumers who dictate the trend through shifting consumption habits. Adapt now by creating an almost zero impact packaging prototype with Packly. The environment will thank you and the sales results will sky-rocket.
