Plastic Free Packaging Design Guide
g.co/Hardware/PackagingGuide
Tableof contents
Foreword ➜
Thechallenge ➜
Replacingplasticcomponents ➜
Coatingsolutions
Shrinkwrapremoval
Closurelabels
Papertapes
Hangtabs
Protectiveproductwraps
Inboxtrays
Structuraldesign ➜
Thepowerofcollaboration ➜
Glossaryofterms ➜
Plasticfreemateriallibrary ➜
Acknowledgments ➜
Endnotes ➜
Foreword thinking
AtGoogle,ourmissionistoorganizetheworld's informationandmakeituniversallyaccessibleand useful.Webelieveinthepowerofknowledgeand arecommittedtosharingitinwaysthatpositively impactpeopleandtheplanet.
Manycompanieshavedesignedandengineeredsustainable solutionsfortheirproductsandserviceswithimpressive resultsandwethinkit'simperativethatallcompaniesdothis. Wealsorecognizethatthechallengesinbuildingamore sustainablefuturearenumerousanddifficult.Ifallcompanies havetosolvesimilarproblemsindependently,thenour collectiveprogresswillbeslower.
That’swhywebelieveinnovationinsustainabilityshould beacollaborativeendeavor,notacompetitiveone.Inthat spirit,we’resharingmorethansimplywhatwe’veachieved,but alsohowweachievedit.We’veparticipatedinmanyindustry collaborations,butwe’regoingfurtherandopenlypublishing whatwe’velearnedforotherstouse,startingwithourproduct packagingwork.It’sourgoaltoenableorganizationswith similarambitionsandengageotherstoimprovethesolutions we’resharing.Wealsohopeothercompanieswillbeinspiredto sharetheirinsights,amplifytheirimpactandultimatelybring aboutthechangewecollectivelywant.
0.3 Our journey
Productpackagingtraditionallyreliesheavilyonmixed materialformats,particularlythoseincorporatingplastic. Thisposesasignificantrecyclingchallengeandcreatesa significantwastestreamifitisn’tacceptedforrecycling.
Inresponse,Googlehasresearchedsolutionsthatprioritize bothsustainabilityandperformance.Thisguidedocuments ourjourneytoeliminateplasticsandtransitionourpackaging topredominantlyfiber-basedmaterialsforourconsumer electronicsproducts.Wehopethisguideservesasaresource forothersaimingtoreducetheirrelianceonmixedmaterial formatsandadoptfiberbasedsolutions.
Throughextensivematerialexploration,designoptimization, andrigoroustesting,we'veidentifiedviablealternativestoplastic thataddresskeypackagingelements.Thisguideofferspractical guidanceandmaterialinsightsforproductdesigners,packaging engineers,andsustainabilityleadersacrossindustries.By sharingourlearningsandcollaboratingwithothers,wehope toacceleratethetransitiontomoresustainablepackagingina waythatalignsinnovationwithenvironmentalresponsibility.
MeettheGoogleteam
Designguideauthorsandcontributors
Francesca DelleCese
Packaging Design Engineer Manager
YangXiang PhD
Packaging Materials Engineer
Nathan Gassmann Lead for Circular Economy
David Bourne Lead for Environmental Strategy
Rob Cook
Packaging Design Engineer Lead
Miguel Arevalo
Packaging
Sustainability Lead
Cole Hermann
Structural Packaging Design, Innovation Lead
Robert Little
Sustainability Strategy Lead Recyclability SME
Charlie Hutchinson
Structural Packaging Design, Innovation Lead
Abhinav Jha
Global Supply Chain Manager
Section 1.0
Thechallenge ofplasticin packaging
Inthissection
Confrontingtheubiquityofplastic ➜
Google’sguidingprinciples ➜
Keymaterialsinpackaging ➜
Fiber:Anemergingsolution ➜
Confronting theubiquity ofplastic
Plasticisn’taninherentlyunsustainablematerial andhasactuallyrevolutionizedthepackagingindustry. Itsbarrierpropertiesextendproductshelflife,especiallyfor perishableproductslikefood.Itslowweightreducestransportation costsandcarbonemissionscomparedtoheaviermaterialslikeglass. Plastic’sversatilityhasallowedforawidevarietyofapplicationsin packaging,leadingtoamultitudeofmixedmaterialpackaging formatsinthepackagingindustry.
The world’s plastic pollution crisis, explained National Geographic, 2024
Howeveritsubiquityinpackaging,particularlycomplexpackaging, hascreatedahighvolumeofmixedmaterialwastethatisdifficult torecycle.1Consumerconfusionaroundpackagingrecyclabilityis widespreadandoftenresultsinimproperdisposal.Largevolumes ofplasticpackagingoftenendupinlandfills,waterways,and oceansharmingecosystemsandwildlifeasitslowlydegrades intomicroplastics.It'sasignificantthreattotheenvironmentand ultimatelyourhealth.Theplasticpollutioncrisisdemandsa fundamentalshiftinhowwedesign,produce,useanddisposeof plastic.It’samajorchallenge,butonethatcanbeaddressed.
Recognizing anurgentneed
Organizationsacrossallsectorsareincreasingly seekingwaystoreducetheirpackagingwaste footprintandsoareconsumers.
“Avoidingproductswhichhavealotofpackaging”2isthenumber oneactionpeopleworldwidearetakingoutofconcernforthe environment.Wehopethisguideservesasapracticaltooltohelp organizationsmakefasterdecisionsanddesignmorerecyclable packagingsolutions.Itoffersactionabletips,designinsights andexamplesforproductdesigners,packagingengineers,and sustainabilitypractitionerscommittedtominimizingplastic wasteandmaximizingfiber-basedpackagingrecyclability.
3
Earth Day 2022
2 Per ISO 0472-2013
National Geographic, 2024
Plastic, noun. Material which contains as an essential ingredient a high polymer and which, at some stage in its processing into finished products, can be shaped by flow.
4
Note 1 to entry: Elastomeric materials, which are also shaped by flow, are not considered to be plastics.
Googlerecognizestheurgentneedforpackagingsolutions thataremoreeasilyrecycled.Forourconsumerelectronics packaging,we’vemadeastrategicshiftawayfromplasticsused inmixed-materialformats.Theseformatscomplicaterecycling effortsforconsumersandmaterialrecoveryfacilitiesalike.For theconsumer,decidingwhichpackagingpartscanberecycled andseparatingthemisconfusinganddetractsfromanotherwise delightfulproductunboxingexperience. InOctober2020wemade acommitmentthatby2025allofourconsumerelectronics packagingwillbe100%plastic-free.
Inoureffortstoremoveplastics,we’veadoptedtheISO4723 definitionofplastics:“amaterialwhichcontainsasanessential ingredientahighpolymerandwhich,atsomestageinits processingintofinishedproducts,canbeshapedbyflow.”This definitionexcludesmaterialslikeadhesivesandinks.4Evenfor thesehowever,weconductrepulpabilityandrecyclabilitytesting toensurethatGooglepackagingmaterialscanbewidelyrecycled.
Thesearefundamentaltoourapproach.
Sustainablepackagingcannotcompromisea product'sintegrity. Replacingdamagedproducts
Keymaterials intheworld ofpackaging
Plastics Plasticalternatives
PPlamination
Aplasticfilmlaminatedtopaperboard, enhancingtensilestrength,abrasion resistanceandmoistureprotection.Itis difficulttoseparateinrecyclingprocesses.
Shrinkwrap
Aversatilefilmusedtobundleandprotect packagingandcreatetamperevidence. Itslowmaterialvalueforrecyclingand tendencytocontaminaterecycling streamsoftenleadstolandfilldisposal.
Plasticwrapsforproducts
Whileofferingproductprotection, traditionalplasticfilmsoftenlack economicallyviablerecyclingoptions andendupinlandfills.
Moldedfiber
Arenewableandrecyclablealternative toplastictrays,engineeredwithcushioningpropertiesforsuperiorproduct protectionduringtransitandhandling.
Greyboard
Arobustmaterialmadefromrecycled content,offeringstructuralrigidityand impactresistancetoprotectproduct duringshippingandhandlingwhile maintainingapremiumappearance.
Corrugatedpaper
Asturdyandeconomicalmaterialmade offlutedpapersandwichedbetween twoliners.Itoffersexcellentcushioning andprotectionforproductsduring shippingandhandling.
Fiber Anemerging solution
Theshifttowardfiber-based packagingisgainingmomentum.
Materialslikepaperandcardboardoffera compellingalternativetoconventionalplastics; theyarerenewablebutcanalsobemadefrom recycledcontent.Theybreakdowneasilyand integrateintothevastmajorityofexisting consumer-facingrecyclingsystems.
Whilethistransitionpresentsopportunities, italsointroduceschallenges.Fiber-based solutionsmustmeetthefunctionalrequirementsforproductpackaging,particularly theprotectivepropertiesthatpreviously madeplasticsopopular.Thisnecessitates newdesigns,materials,productionmethods, andsupplychainadaptations.
Above: A fiber-based unglued packaging set
Replacing plastic components
Inthissection
Coatingsolutions ➜
Shrinkwrapremoval ➜
Paper-basedclosurelabels ➜
Papertapes ➜
Moldedfiberhangtabs ➜
Protectiveproductwraps ➜
Moldedfibertrays ➜
Let’sget started
Wewanttoshareinsightsintothe challenges,considerations,and innovativebreakthroughsthatpave thewayforplastic-freepackaging intheconsumerelectronicssector.
Transitioningtoplastic-freepackaging,and movingawayfrommixedmaterialpackaging formatsdemandsarethinkingoftraditional components.Achievingthenecessaryproduct protection,accessibility,aestheticappeal, andresponsibledisposal–allwhilemanaging costs–requiredexpansivematerialexploration
Googleiscommittedtothistransformation, activelyseekingsustainablesolutionswithout
Whatwe’ll address
Let’sdiveintothecomplexitiesof replacingseveralcommonplastic componentswithinourpackaging.
Foreachcomponent,we'llshareanoverview ofourfiber-basedsolution,theperformance testingconducted,andtheresultsthat validatedourchoices.
Coatingsolutions ➜
Alternativestoplastic laminationsthatprovide protectionandvisualappeal.
Closurelabels
Solutionsthatensure tamper-evidentsecurityand offeraccessibilityfeatures.
Moldedfiberhangtabs
Shrinkwrapremoval ➜
Strategiestoeffectivelysafeguard retailboxgraphicsduringshipping withoutplasticshrinkwrap.
Balancingstrength withuser-friendlydesign forproductdisplay.
Moldedfibertrays ➜
Theshifttomoldedfiber traysfromthermoformed plasticandthedesign optimizationsrequired.
Papertapes ➜
Assemblysolutionsthat maintainstructuralintegrity withoutplastictapes.
Protectiveproductwraps
Materialsthatprotect sensitiveproductsurfaces andarecompatiblewith recyclingprocesses.
Coating solutions Challenge
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Coatedanduncoatedpolypropylene(PP) filmsarecommonlyusedinpackaging. Itspopularitystemsfromitsprotectivequalities. However,whenlaminatedtopaper-basedpackaging, itcreatessignificantchallengesforrecycling.
“Thequestforarecyclable coatingwasabalancing act.Weneededtomaintain theprotectivequalitiesof PPfilmwhileensuringit wouldn’tdisruptthepaper recyclingprocess.Itwasa challenge,butonethat pushedustoinnovate.”
- Francesca
Shown:
Pixel 6 Pro packaging, Fall 2021
Coatingsolutions
Laminationisaprocessthatbonds multiplematerialstoformastronger, morefunctionalcomposite.InolderGoogle packagingdesigns,awater-basedadhesive wasusedtobindPPfilmtoprintedpaper.
PPlaminationhasseveraladvantages:
● Structuralstrengthreinforces thepaper,providingadditionaltensile strengthtopreventtearsanddamage
● Scuffing/scratchresistance
● Moistureprotection
● Visualappealwithaglossyormattefinish
Unfortunately,PPlaminatedpackaging disruptspaperrecyclingstreams.Duringthe pulpingprocess,theplasticfilmdoesnotbreak downlikepaperfibers.Instead,itmustbe screenedout,ultimatelycontributingtolandfill wasteandreducingrecyclingyields.Large piecesofPPfilmfloattothetopofeachrecycling batchwhilesmallpiecesarecontinuously strainedoutbysizewithapressuredscreen andbydensitywithcyclonecleaning.
Dependingonthesizeandthecollection system,theremainsmaynotberecycledand couldbelandfilled.Replacingplasticlaminations withcoatingsthatarecompatiblewithpaper recyclingiscrucialtothisgoal.However,we recognizethatevenwithcoatings,maximizing fiberyieldduringrecyclingisessential.
Above:
Plastic film removed / separated in mill's hydrapuller (repulping) system.
Coatingsolutions
WecollaboratedwithWesternMichigan University(WMU),leveragingtheirexpertise atthePaperPilotPlant,tocertifyrecyclabilityfor ourcoating,varnish,ink,andpapercombinations. TheFibreBoxboardAssociationtestprotocolfor waxreplacementcorrugatedcontainersguided thisprocess.
Thecertificationprotocol involvestwodistinctphases.
One:Labscaletesting
● Testingrepulpabilitytoensurematerial breaksdownforaminimum80%yield withoutoperationalissue.
● Testingdeinkability(ISO21993:2020/INGEDE Method11)totestremovingcoatingsorinks inthepaperrecyclingprocess.
● Testingforthepresenceof“stickies”which arepapercontaminantsclassifiedastacky e.g.waxes,coatings,andsoftadhesives.
Two:Pilotscaletesting
● Simulatesreal-worldconditions: Minimum200lboftestmaterialis processedalongsidecontrolpaperstock.
● Comprehensivescore: Evaluatesoperationalimpact,yield,color, strength,andstickinessofrecycledfibers.
Upper left: Waring blender
Upper right: British disintegrator (deflaking)
Bottom left: Screening (accepts)
Bottom right: Screening (rejected material)
Coatingsolutions
OurPPlamination-freesolutionswereextensively testedandsuccessfullymetouroperational andoptical/mechanicalperformancecriteria.
Thistestingincludedrunningrecycledpulpsfrom Google’snewplastic-freeprintedpackagingdesigns alongsideunprintedpaperstockandouroriginalPP laminatedsolutionforcomparisonpurposes.While bothMegamivarnishandActegacoatingpassed therecyclabilitytestandmetourperformance requirements,wehavedeprecatedtheActega coatingsolutionduetosomemanufacturingchallengesthatourteamisactivelyworkingtoresolve.
TheMegamivarnishhasbeensuccessfully implementedatscale.Detailsonthesescalable solutionscanbefoundinourMaterialLibrary.
Ascollectionandrecyclinginfrastructurefor fiber-basedpackagingchanges,designmodifications andcollaborationwithproducerresponsibility organizationswillbeimportanttoensurehigh acceptancerates.Ourintentionistounderstandthe criteriaandassessmentmethodsbeingdeveloped andoptimizeourpackagingsolutionsforseamless integrationintoevolvingrecyclingstreams.
Above: Fiber accepts after screening during repulpability test
Coatingsolutions
Ourcoating qualificationprocess
Whilequalificationneedswillvarygreatlyby companyandproductneeds,belowisGoogle’s processtoensureoursuppliersdeliver consistent,high-qualitycoatings.
Weemploya6-phasequalificationplan emphasizingcompatibility,printexcellence, real-worldperformance,andacommitment tocontinuousimprovement.
Initialvetting
● TechnicalDataSheets(TDS)andMaterial SafetyDataSheets(MSDS)reviewto verifyalignmentwithoursafetyand environmentalstandards.
● Coatingandinkvendorscompatibilitytesting, particularlyforspecializedprintneeds.
● CriticaltoQuality(CTQ):Earlyscuffing andbendresistancedataasprimary indicatorsofperformance.
● Sustainability:Repulpability,recyclability, anddeinkabilitytestsaligningwithour environmentalgoals.
Printingexcellence
● G7colormanagementfor consistentcolorreproduction.
● Quantifiablecosmeticstandard toassessdefectswithvariable tolerancesbasedonvisibility.
Phase1
Phase2
Panelslessthan200mmx200mm
Coatingsolutions
In-depthtestingforabrasion resistance,foldcracking,alcohol andwaterresistance,andadhesion.
Contractmanufacturertest
Fullassemblysimulationatourpacking linesidentifiespotentialcosmeticissues andassessescompatibilitywithlabels anddownstreamprocesses.
Monitoringforpotentialassemblyissues likedebosscrackingorcornerbunching, optimizesproductionsetup.
Reliabilitytesting
Comprehensivevibration,drop, environmental,andcosmetictesting ensuresthecoatingwithstandssupply chainanduserconditions.
Phase6
Phase3
Phase4
Coatingsolutions
Opportunities forimprovement
Improvingdeinkability:
Exploringink/coatingpairingsthat furtherminimizeinkresidualsafter recyclingcouldyieldevenhigher qualityrecycledfibers.
Shown:
Inkresidualspotsofdeinkedpulps.
S1:MegamiUVinks+PPlam
S2:MegamiUVinks+Megamivarnish
Fold/scoreprotection:
Wecontinuetoresearchcoatings withevengreaterflexibilitytoprevent artworkdamageduringfoldingwhile maintainingrecyclability,ensuringa flawlesspresentationfromproduction totheend-user.
Coatingsolutions
Keyinsights
1
Ourjourneytoreplaceplasticlamination withcoatingstaughtusvaluablelessons aboutmaterialinteractions,printquality, andsupplychainmanagement.Here'salook atsomekeyinsightswe’vegainedsofar:
Ourfinalcoatingchoiceexhibitedcomparable abrasionandfold/scorecrackingresistanceto thePPlaminate,ensuringartworkprotection. Italsopreservedcosmeticperformanceand visualappealessentialtoourbrandstandards.
● Strongadhesivesusedonclosurelabelsmeant toensuretamper-evidencecoulddamagethe boxsurfaceuponremovalandcompromise productpresentation.Wetestedmanytofind optionsthatwouldavoiddamagewithour coatingsolution.
● High-tackUVoffsetinks,whileessentialfor coatingadhesion,couldcausepaperpickingif papersurfacestrengthisinsufficient.Wetested papersourcesandestablishedsurfacestrength benchmarks(waxpickmethod)of13+forcoated gradesand18+foruncoatedgrades.
● UVoffsetinkshaveanarrowerprocess windowforfountainsolution-inkbalancewhen comparedtoconventionaloffsetinks.IfUVinks areemulsifiedexcessivelybythefountain solution,itcanleadtoirregulardotshapes. Weproactivelyoptimizedfountain-inkbalance duringprinting,minimizingfountainsolution andensuringoptimaldotquality.
Above: Dot quality comparison between print runs to evaluate dot gain/shape
Coatingsolutions
2
Keyinsights
Storageconditionsandpre-mixing proceduresforcoatingmaterials cansignificantlyimpactcoating performanceandmachineefficiency.
Real-worldshelf-lifeforacoating materialisdeterminedbytheunique coatingformulationandmaydiffer fromthetechnicaldatasheetsof individualchemicalsintheformulation. Wedevelopedspecificoperational requirementstomanagetheshelflife ofourspecificformulation.
● Whentestingvariouscoating solutionsinalarge-scalestressbuild, wediscoveredthatmachinecleaning requirementscoulddisruptproduction. Weeliminatedoptionsrequiringmore frequentcleaningtoavoidcostly productionproblems.
● Wepartneredwithourvendors toenableproductionscalability andconsistentsupplyofsustainable packagingsolutions.Thiscollaboration reducedtheinitialinvestmentneeded fordevelopmentandtesting.These solutionsarenowreadilyaccessible forusebyotherbrandswithdetails availablethroughourmaterialvendors.
Printing press: Manroland R700
Shrinkwrap removal
Plasticshrinkwrap,whileversatile, posessignificantrecyclingchallenges.
It’sdifficulttoeffectivelyseparatefromother materialsinrecyclingsystems,offerslimited valueforrecyclers,andultimatelyhasahigh chanceoflandfilldisposal.
Challenge
“Shrinkwrapwasbeenan industrystandardwayto createtamperevidenceand closure,butindesigninga morerecyclablealternative Ithinkwecreatedaneven betterunboxing experience.”
- Charlie
Shrinkwrapremoval
Ourapproach
Toreplaceshrinkwrap,wemadeseveralkey packagingdesignchangestomaintainproduct protection,tamper-evidence,andapremium aestheticwithoutcompromisingour sustainabilitygoals:
● UVprotectivecoatingssafeguard packagingartworkfromabrasion.
● Specializedadhesivesforfiber-basedclosure labelsprovideastrong,tamper-evidentseal. Closurelabelswerenotpreviouslyneeded withshrinkwrappedproducts.
● Structuraldesignrevisionsonallboxstyles compensateforthelossoftensilestrength thatshrinkwrapprovided.
Successcriteriaandtesting
● Ourpackagingundergoesextensivereliability testing,includingvibration,drop,environmental exposure,andcompressionsimulations.This ensuresthatconsumersreceiveproductsin pristinecondition,evenwithoutshrinkwrap.
● Cosmeticperformanceisevaluatedthrough rub/abrasiontestsandsupplychainsimulations. Theseguaranteethepackagemaintainsitsvisual appealthroughoutitsjourney.
● Recyclability(repulpability,deinkability,etc) testingensuresourpackaginghasimproved compatibilitywithpaperrecyclingsystems.
Shrinkwrapremoval
Keyinsights
Structuralevolution forplasticremoval
TheRollEndLockFront(RELF)boxstyleposes uniquechallengeswheneliminatingshrinkwrap differentfromthosefortelescopingboxesand tuck-endcartons.Thissectionfocuseson considerationsforRELFandcorrugatedboxes, highlightingstrategiestomaintainboth structuralintegrityandvisualappealwithout plasticwraps.
Topsheetappearance
Toachieveapremiumunboxingexperience, we’veprioritizedahigh-qualitytopsheetfor corrugatedstructures.Thisensuresasmooth, visuallyappealingsurfacewhileminimizingthe prominenceofcorrugatedribs.Additionally, usingF-flutecorrugatedmaterialreducesrib visibilityandcanbebalancedwithother structuralandcostrequirements.
Foranevenmorepolishedpresentationwhen theboxisopened,acolor-matchedinsideliner canfurthermasktheribs.Theserefinementsare especiallyimportantwhenshrinkwrapis removed,astheymaximizeabrasionresistance andmaintainahigh-qualityappearance throughoutdistributionandon-shelfdisplay.
Insideliner
Topsheet
Shrinkwrapremoval
Shrinkwrap,whilecreatingaunifiedpackage, canmaskpotentialstructuralweaknesses. Withoutit,it'svitaltoensurethatlargepanel elements,particularlythelid,maintaintheir integritytoprotecttheproductandpreservea pristineappearancethroughoutthesupply chain.Herearefourkeystrategies:
Maintainlidintegrity
1:Lidstiffeners
Droptestingmayrevealbowingorstressmarks ontheRELFboxlid.Ifthatoccurs,it'sessential toaddastiffeningelement.Greyboard,a recyclableoptionmadefromrecycledmaterial, iseffectivewhenstartingat1mmthickness.
2:Moldedfiberversatility
Ifamoldedfibertrayisalreadypartofthe designforproductsupport,itsflangecanbe extendedtoimprovelidstiffness.Insome scenariosamodestflangeextensionis sufficient,howeverextendingittotheentirelid mayfurtherincreasesupport.
Thevisualontherightdemonstrateshowa shortflangecanbeadheredinsidethelid(lower image)tohideitinthefinalassembly.
Shown: Flange extends into lid for structural support
Shrinkwrapremoval
3:Shipperadjustment
Tominimizeabrasionandmaintainthe pristinepresentationoftheretailbox,we fliptheorientationofthecorrugated shipper'sliner.Thisensuresthesmoother, thickerkraftpaperfacesinward,in contactwiththefinishedboxsurface, ratherthantheexposedcorrugatedribs.
4:Gentleprotection
Tissueorkraftpaperbuffer: Whennecessarytofurtherminimize abrasion,athinlayeroftissueorkraft papercanbeinsertedbetweenretail boxeswithinthecorrugatedshipper.This createsagentlebarrier,preservingthe pristinepackagingsurface,while remainingcompatiblewithpaper recyclingstreams.
Corrugated ribsfacingout
Topsheet facingin
Closure labels
Closurelabelsareapracticalandversatile solutionformaintainingproductintegrity.
Byprioritizingpaper-basedlabels, wegainsignificantadvantages:
● Plasticwastereduction
● Improvedeaseofopeningforeveryone
“Plasticclosurelabelsmay seemconvenient,buttheir smallplasticcomponents cancreateheadachesin recyclingoperations.”
- Yang
Closurelabels
Inclusivityattheforefront
Aswestrivetocreatepackaging that’sbetterfortheenvironment, wealsowanttocreateabetter,more inclusiveexperienceforconsumers.
Weperformedusertestingtounderstandthe unboxingexperienceofdiverseindividuals. Wepartneredwith36participantsandactively includedthosewithmobilitylimitations,vision impairments,alongsidethosewithnospecific accessibilityrequirements.
Ourstudyrevealedthatpaperclosurelabels consistentlyoutperformedplasticonesinease ofopeningacrossallparticipantgroups.The plasticlabelwasidentifiedasthemostdifficult toopenforthosewithvisualimpairments,likely duetoitssmallersizeandlackoftactile differentiationfromtheboxsurface.
Theseresultsshowthatpaperclosurelabels areanimportantconsiderationindesigning accessiblepackaging.Theireaseofgripand intuitivedesignappeartobenefituserswith varyingdexterityandvisualcapabilities.
Ourstudyrevealed:
Paperclosurelabelsareeasierto openthantheirplasticcounterparts.
Closurelabels
Parametricdesignlayout
Geometryforprotectionandefficiency
● Telescopingboxes:Adhesivecoversat least50%ofthelid'souterdimension.
● RELFboxes:Adhesiveextendsatleast 75%ofthebox'souterdimension.
● Adhesivewidth:Minimumof10mmfor optimaladhesionduringinitialcuring.
Accessibility:Pulltabdesign
● Minimumsize:8mmx8mmisrecommended tobalancevisibilityandeaseofgrip.
● Trade-offs:Largertabsmayimpact availablespaceforboxgraphics.
Parametricdesignlayout
Closurelabels
Deadening:Ensuringa smoothunboxingexperience
Amarginofdeadenedadhesive (non-sticky)withextraallowance ontheclosuresidearoundthepull stripiscrucialforaseamless openingexperience.
Withoutit,telescopingboxlidscan becomestuck,tuck-styleclosure mayhaveresidue,andpulltabscan haveadhesiveclingingtotheiredges, hinderingfunctionality.
Deadeningspecifications:
● MinimumWidth:1.0mm,eachsideof thetearstrip(tolerance+/-0.5mm).
● TypicalExtraAllowanceWidth: Approximately2.0-2.5mm.
Starterslit
Ourtestingfoundthatfiber-based labelsdonotrequireastarterslit totearcleanlyinreliabilitytesting. Addingastarterslitmayincrease theriskoftabsaccidentallyripping duringhandling.
Thisdecisionthoughshouldbe tailoredtothespecificproduction context.Ifastarterslitisused, werecommendalength≤1mm.
Closurelabels
Keyinsights
Labelface
Thelabelpapermustbalancestrength andeaseofremoval.Itsgrainshouldalign withtheteardirectiontoguideopening.
Tearstripreinforcer
Thiscomponentrequiresespeciallyhigh tearresistance.Translucentpaperscan offerthisstrengthwithminimalthickness, buttheircompositionmustbeverified. TechnicalDataSheets(TDS)andMaterial SafetyDataSheets(MSDS)shouldconfirm thatthesepapersare100%plastic-free, withnoregeneratedcellulose.
Adhesive
Apermanentadhesiveisessentialfortamper evidence.Thoroughapplicationwithsufficient timeandpressureensuresthatpartofthelabel remainsontheboxwhenopened.
Reliability
Labelsmustadheresecurelybutallowfora cleanandcontinuoustearwithouttools. Vibration,drop,andenvironmentalcondition testingwasusedtoverifylabelperformance duringshippingandhandling.Thistestingalso validatesconsistent,single-tearstripremoval.
Labelassembly
1. Labelface(artpaper) 2. Tearstripreinforcer(translucentpaper) 3.Adhesive 4. Releaseliner(glassinepaper)
plasticcornertapestoprovidetensilestrength, butthisalsohinderedrecyclability.
Papertapes
Wesuccessfullyqualified BrownKraftBillerudKorsnäs(BK) in120gsmforitssuperiortensile energyabsorptionandpassing ourdropandvibrationtestseven forheavierproducts.
Ourgoalwastofinda paper-basedalternativethat:
● Metorexceededplastictapecorner tapeperformance.
● Wascompatiblewithoursuppliers' automatedtapeapplicationprocess.
● Wasreadilyavailablewitharobustsupply chaintoavoidproductiondisruptions.
● Hadminimalthicknesstoprevent witnesslinesseenonthefinishedbox.
Arobusttapesolutionisessentialtoprevent cornertearingduringadropandensurethe verticalboxwallsstayperpendiculartothe bottompanel.Highertensileenergyabsorption providesbetterdropperformance.
Allpapersusedfortapeswerequalified usingtensileenergyabsorptioninthe CrossDirection(CD).
Highfiberyield
BKBrownKraftachieveda99%fiberyield inrepulpabilitytesting,takinguscloser toourgoaloffullyrecyclablepackaging.
Papertapes
Keyinsights
Application:
Wedebossourgreyboardby0.25mm inthecornerstohidethetape. Eliminatingtapevisibilityprovidesacleaner aestheticandimprovesourabilitytocontrol consistencyofboxopeningtime.
Desirability:
Wetargeta2-5secondopeningtime forourrigidboxesinalignmentwithISO 1156:2011accessibilitystandards.This targetiswhatwestrivefor,butsome boxdesignsmayfalloutsidethisrange.
2-5seconds
Hangtabs
Hangtabsofferbenefitsforbothretail displayandtheoverallcustomerexperience:
● Hangtabsenableorganizedandeyecatchingproductdisplayscreating visibilityforconsumerdiscoveryand providingvisualandtactileinteraction.
● Robusthangtabshelpdetertheft andmaintainproductintegrity.
Challenge
*
“Designingahangtabthat’sboth strongandrecyclablewasa challenge,butitpushedusto exploreinnovativematerialslike moldedfiber.We’reproudofthe resultsandthepositiveimpact itwillhaveontheenvironment.”
- Miguel
Hangtabs
Paperloopon rigidbox Paperloop onsbs
Moldedfiber (1mm)
SBS (600gsm)
Polycarbonate hang tab strength
Hangtabs
Keyinsights
Weevaluatedfourhangtabsolutions, includingourlegacypolycarbonate plasticsolutionasacontrol.
Double-coatedSBSpaper
Thisoptionismadefrompaperboardwith asmoothcoatingonbothsidesfor enhanceddurabilityandprintingclarity. Itcouldnothowever,withstandour maximumpullforcerequirements.
Threadedpaperloop
Createdbyinterlacingasinglestripofpaper toformasturdyhangingsolution,thisoption exhibitedanimpressive10kgfpullforcewhen assembledonrigidboxbutfailedrepulpability tests,didnotmeetautomationrequirements, andcarriedincreasedassemblycosts.
Moldedfiber
Demonstratedstrongperformance,closely matchingtheplasticcontrolatnearly8kgf pullforce,andexcelledinothercriticalareas. Wesuccessfullytestedoptionsatboth1mm thickness(heavierproducts)and0.7mm (lightweightsolutions).
Moldedfiber
Polycarbonate
Hangtabs
Keyinsights 2
Tomoveawayfromplasticwehaveadoptedmolded fiberforourhangtabmaterial.Ourteamultimately qualifiedthe2thicknessoptions(1mmand0.7mm). Thismoldedfibermaterial(composedof55%bamboo pulp,35%bagassepulp,10%woodpulp)delivered:
● Uncompromisedperformancethatmatched plasticintensilestrengthtests,providinga reliablemerchandisingsolution.
● Packagingthatcouldberecycledasasingle unitwithoutseparatingthehangtab.
● Aproduction-friendlysolutionwithnoretooling needed,enablingasmoothtransition.
Placement
Hinge
Thetabisplacedovertheproduct'scenterofgravity (notthecenterofthebox)toensureabalanceddisplay witheuro-stylecompatibilityacrossvariouspegdesigns.
Abuilt-inhingeallowsthetab tofoldflatforefficientshipping.
Protective productwraps
Firstimpressionsmatter.
Productwrapsserveastheunsungheroesthatensure devicesarriveinpristinecondition.Choosingthese materialsrequirescarefulconsiderationtoachieveboth superiorproductprotectionandimprovedrecyclability.
Protectiveproductwraps
Thefunctionsofprotective wrapsinelectronicspackaging
Scratchandabrasionprevention
Protectivewrapscreateabarrier,shielding productsurfacesfromscuffsanddamage thatcanoccurduringtransitandhandling.
Dustanddebrisshield
Thesewrapsmaintainproductcleanliness, preventingparticlesfromsettlingwithin portsoropenings.
Tamper-evidentdesign
Forconsumers,anintactprotectivewrap actsasareassuringsignofanuntouched, brand-newproduct.
Gift-likeunboxing
Therightmaterialelevatestheunboxing process.Choosingaprotectivematerialalso foritsvisualandtactilequalitiescanelevate theexcitementofunboxinganewproduct.
Enhancedaccessibility
Productwrapscanincorporatepulltabsor tactilesignifiers(liketexturesorraisedareas) tocreateamoreintuitive,accessible unboxingprocessforallusers.
Protectiveproductwraps
Testingfiber-basedsolutions
Weexploredsustainablefiber-basedsolutions forseveralcriticalpackagingapplications. Ourmulti-prongedassessmentfocusedon:
● Abrasionresistanceandsurfaceprotection: SutherlandRubtests(upto100strokesat4lbs) againstcommonproductenclosurematerialshelped measureawrapmaterial’seffectiveness.
● Dustingressprevention:Carefullyevaluated toensureatight,protectiveseal.
● Easeofmanipulation:Westudiedhowsmoothly materialswereremovedandtheirsuitabilityforwrapping variousdeviceshapes.
● Consumerexperience:Assessingvisualappeal, tactility,andcontributionto"unboxing"excitement.
● Recyclability&compatibility:Weprioritizedoptions
Above: Abrasion on a common enclosure material using a Sutherland Rub tester.
Test1 Test2
Protectiveproductwraps
Keyinsights
Ourinvestigationshaveshownthatfiber-basedwrapscanprovidethe protectivequalitiescrucialforconsumerelectronicswithoutrelyingon single-useplastics.Theycanalsocreateanenjoyableunboxingexperience. Weevaluatedmanymaterialsandidentified4optionsthatcanbeeffectively usedfordifferentsituationsrequiringaprotectivewrap.
Supercalendered paper(glassine)
Scoredwelloverall, exceptforaverage dustprevention. Suitableforgeneral product/device wrapping.
Translucent paper
Idealforbundling internalpackaging documentationand addinganextralayer ofprotection.
Performedbetterfor dust,butoverallaverage performance.Aviable optionforselectuse casesthatdonot requiretranslucency.
Coated wrappingpaper
Protectiveproductwraps
Minimaladhesion
Weprioritizeproductwrapsthatadheretothemselves or,evenbetter,requirenoadhesiveatall.Whenthatisn’t possibleforspecificproducts,applyingwrapsadjacent topackagingpartsratherthantheproductitselfcanbe aneffectiveapproach.
ForourPixelphones,we’vechosentoadhereawrap totheproduct,creatingamoreaccessibledesignand animprovedunboxingexperience.Inthesecaseswe specifymaterialsthateliminateunwantedresidue.
Shown:
Pixel 8 Pro packaging, Fall 2023
Inbox trays
ThermoformedPETtrayshavelongbeenastaple toensurehighervalueproductsarefullyprotected, butmoldedfiberoffersexcitingpotentialtomerge recyclabilityadvantageswithpremiumfunctionality.
Moldedfiberhascushioningpropertiesthatpreventdamage duringshippingandhandling.Customizableshapesprovidea securefit,evenforirregularlyshapeditems.Additionally,the tactilequalitiesofmoldedfibermayenhancetheunboxing experienceandproductpresentation.
Challenge
“Whilethermoformedplastic trayshavetheirmerits, we’vefoundthatmolded fiberofferscomparable protectionwiththeadded benefitsofrecyclabilityand amorenaturalaesthetic.”
- Rob
Inboxtrays
Traytypes: Hingedtrays
Benefits
● Precisecutsensureavisuallyrefined presentationandseamlessintegration withthesurroundingstructure.
● Structuralstabilityminimizeswarping, ensuringreliableproductprotection.
● Highcustomizationenablesfeatures likemirroredcavitygeometrythatcan reinforcehingedpanelsforadded strengthandsupport.
● Hingestyleoptions
○ Moldedhingesareacost-effective optionintegratingdirectlyinto themoldedpulptoolduring manufacturingandofferingsuperior strengthwithslightlylessprecise dimensionalaccuracyafterfolding.
○ Postdie-cuthinges,createdby V-cuttingpre-moldedtrays,deliver higherdimensionalaccuracyfora precisefold.Theymayhaveslightly lowerstrengthcomparedtomolded hingesandpotentiallyincreasecost.
Drawbacks
● Hingesrequirecarefuldesigntoprevent tearingduringinitialand/orrepeatedfolding.
● Hingedpanelsincreaseblanksize(i.e. footprint)ofaflatpartduringmolding,which mayincreasepartcostandreducecavitation.
Inboxtrays
Traytypes:
Skirtedtrays
Benefits
● Highdimensionalprecisionacross productionruns.
● Robust,stiffstructurewithstands handlingandstacking.
● Potentiallylowercostcomparedto hingeddesigns.
● Maximizesprotectivefeatureswhile minimizingspacewithinthepackage.
Drawbacks
● Draftanglescancreateavisualgapbetween thetrayandenclosingstructure.
● Riskofsidewallmovement/flexingwithinthe packagewithoutsufficientsupport.
Inboxtrays
Traytypes: Flangedtrays
Benefits
● Sharpcutsenhancevisualappealandfit withinsurroundingstructures.
● Materialefficientdesignoption.
Drawbacks
● Large,flatsurfacesaremoresusceptible towarpingespeciallyunderloadandin hotandhumidconditions.
● Exposedtrayedgesmaybemoreprone toscratchesordents.
● Lackofverticalwallsincreasestherisk oftray(andthereforeproduct)movement duringshippingifthetrayisnotwellsecured.
Inboxtrays
Considerationsfor moldedfibertrays
Strongsupplychainpartnerships
Thisensurescost-effectivesolutionsandreliable high-volumeproduction.Weanalyzedsupplier capabilitiestoinformtraydesigns.
Structuralandvisualoptimization
● Cleanedges,securefit: Precisetraycutsenhanceeaseofremoval, ensurestackability,andcreateavisually refinedpresentation.
● Productinteraction: Subtletraycurvaturecanreflectproduct form,guidingnaturalplacementand enhancingvisualharmony.
Hingefunctionality
Weevaluatedtrade-offsbetweenmolded hingesandV-miteroptionsbasedoncost, precision,andoverallproductpresentation.
Consumerrecycling
Addingrecyclingsymbolsonthetrays promoteresponsibledisposal.
Inboxtrays
Keyinsights
1
Maintainingconsistencyacrossdevice traysensuresstabilityandvisualcohesion withinaproductpackagedesign.
Usingdifferenttraydesignscouldcontribute toreliabilityissues.Forexample,ifonetrayhas morefreedomofmovement,itcouldcause unduesurfacecontactwiththedevice.
Inboxtrays
Keyinsights
Traycavityradii
Thoughtfuldesignchoicescanbalancea cleanandvisuallyappealingappearance withoptimalfunctionality.
Becauseproductabrasionrisksare inherentlyhigherwithfiber-basedmaterials comparedtoplastic,werecommendthat radiitransitioningfromflattraysurfaces intoproductcavitiesbe5mmorless.
Radius5mm
Traymarking
Includingvisiblerecyclinglogoson moldedfibertrayscanencourage moreconsumerrecycling.
Inboxtrays
Pulpfiberrecipes
Cosmeticmoldedpulpprovidesasmooth, consistentsurfacefinishandcanbemolded intoawidevarietyofshapesandgeometry forcosmeticallysignificanttrays. Different moldedpulpmanufacturingprocesses havevaryingdegreesoffinishedpart surfacequality.
Onceamanufacturingprocessisselected, werecommendusingastandardslurry recipetostreamlineproduction,control costs,andensureaconsistent,high-quality finish.Maintainingastandardrecipeacross multipleproductsreduceschangeoverand cleaningrequirementsduringmanufacturing.
Forpurelystructuraltrays,considerusing recycledmaterialslikeoldcorrugated cardboard/container(OCC)forenhanced strength,higherrecycledcontentandlower partcostcomparedtocosmeticmoldedpulp solutions.MaterialslikeOCCtypically producepartswithlessdesirablesurface finishes,buthavelowerdensityandallowfor thickerwalls.Thistradeoffhasadvantages forshippingandassembly,butmaynotbe appropriateforproductcontactorconsumer facingsurfaces.
Inboxtrays
Keyinsights 4
Precisefit
Steepdraftanglescanhelpprovidearefined aesthetic,butcomeattheexpenseofmanufacturabilityand(inmostcases)surfacequality.Onnonproductcontactsurfaces,werecommendthat draftanglesideallynotexceed4°.Thisallowsalso forasnugfitwithinthesurroundingpackaging, minimizinggapsandenhancingstabilityand withoutsacrificingyieldorpartquality.
Tofurtherminimizegapsbetweeninboxtraysand theouterbox,considerflangedorhingedtrays.
design
Inthissection
Telescopingbox ➜
Rollendlockfrontbox ➜
Tucktopbox ➜
Isn’tit justabox?
AtGoogle,wecarefullychoose packagingstructurestomeetthe uniqueneedsofeachproduct.
Ourprimaryfocusisonfourversatile designs,theTelescopingBox(Rigid andPaperboard),the FrontBox,andtheTuckTopBox. Eachoftheseistailoredfordifferent typesofproductanddifferentend userexperiences.
Challenge
“Structuraldesignislike puzzleforme.Solving forsustainabilityjust addstothefun!”
- Cole
Telescopingbox
(Rigidandpaperboard)
● Thisboxtypefeaturesanelegantandclassic aestheticwithcleanlinesidealforshowcasing highervalueproductsuponopening.A telescopinglidoffersasimpleopeningandclosing mechanism.Custominsertsandcollarscanbe addedforatailoredunboxingexperience.
● Someaspectratiosinthisformatpresent limitations.Forexample,telescopingstructures withverylargefootprintscanbecomedifficult ifnotimpossibletoopenwithonehandand deepboxescantakealongtimetoopen especiallyiftheproductislightweight.
● Providesexcellentstructuralstabilityandasecure fit.Rigidversionsmayoccupymorerecyclingbin spaceduetoitsnon-collapsibleform.Paperboard versionsaremoreeasilybrokendowntoenable moreefficientrecycling(i.e.madetolayflat).
● Rigidboxversionsaretypicallyconstructedwith greyboard(ahigh-strengthrecycledboard).Paper tapeisappliedinthecorners,andtheboxis wrappedinapapertopsheet.Various alternativestogreyboardexist,includingtheuse ofcorrugated,laminates,andmore.Paperboardis commonlyusedforlighterproducts,offeringa smoothsurfaceforprinting.Forheavieritems, corrugatedinserts(EorFflute)canhelpprovide additionalstructuralsupportaddingrigidityand shockabsorption.
● Whilemanysupplierscanautomate constructiontoreducecostandtighten assemblytolerances,itisnotuniversal. Handmadeversionsmayinvolvemorecomplex assembly.
● Wherepossible,pre-assemblinginbox componentsintherigidboxstructurecan reducelogisticalandmanufacturingcosts.
Rollendlockfrontbox
formoreefficientrecycling.
● Intuitivetoopenandcanoftenbere-closedifneeded. Effective wheresingle-handedopeningisdesired.
● Theycomeinawiderangeofsizes,butmayhavelimitationsforvery deepproducts.Largerblanksizescaneasilybebrokenintomultiple panelstoaccommodateequipmentlimitations.Thoughtful placementofseamshelpsmaintaingoodaesthetics.Alternative designsliketheEconoRollEndLockFrontBoxareavailable.
● Constructedfrommaterialssuchaspaperboardsorvarious corrugates. Materialchoiceand/orreinforcementshouldbe informedbyintendeduse,productweightandscale.
Tucktopbox
● Simple,functionalappearancefeaturingatopflap thattucksintotheboxthatiseasytoopenandclose.
● Highlycost-effectiveandwidelyusedforsmaller accessoriesandlowerpricedproductsoffering basicprotectionandeasyassembly.
● Highlyefficienttomanufactureandshipflat.
Challenge
* * * * * * * * *
“Timeisoftheessence forourplanetanditjust makessensetoshare knowledge.Wehavea collectivegoal.”
- David
Thepowerof collaboration
Innovationcancomefromanyoneoranywhere,but industrytransformationinvolveseveryone.Webelieve thatbysharingourexperiences,findings,andchallenges, wecancatalyzeprogressinourindustryandothers. Whatwe’veachievedisn’tperfect,butwehopeit’s helpfulandwe’reeagertolearnfromsolutionsthat otherswillcreate.
We’reexcitedtofosteracommunityonourcollective journeytocreateafuturewithsustainableproductsand services.Bysharingdesignandengineeringexcellence, webelievewecanprotectthehealthofourplanetand everyoneonit.
Let'scollaboratetomakethatgoalareality. packaging_sustainability@google.com
Glossary ofterms
Accessibility
Designingforuserswith varyingabilitiesanddexterity.
Greyboard
Ahigh-densityboardwithgood stiffnessandstrength.Without flutingit’sthicknessismore dimensionallystablecomparedto
Glossary ofterms
PPlamination
Polypropylenelamination, aplasticfilmappliedto paper-basedpackaging.
Recyclability
Theabilityofamaterialtobe disposedofinamunicipal recyclingsystemandbe identified,properlysorted,and ultimatelybereprocessedand reused.
Scuffing
Surfacedamagecausedby abrasion.
Stickies
RELFbox
RollEndLockFront,atypeof foldingcartonwithtuck-intabs.
Repulpability
Theabilityofamaterialtobreak downintofibersduringthepaper recyclingprocess.
Rigidbox
Apremiumpackagingstructure, oftenusedforelectronics, typicallymadefromgreyboard.
Reliabilitytesting
Asuiteoftests(vibration,drop, environmentalconditioningand more)tosimulatesupplychain stresses.
Score/foldcracking Damageatfoldededgesof paperboard.
Small,tackycontaminantsin recycledpulpthatcandisrupt papermakingequipment.
Sustainability
Thepracticeofdesign,engineering andoperationalactivitiestocreate positiveenvironmentaloutcomes.
Tensileenergyabsorption
Theamountofenergyamaterial canabsorbbeforebreaking.
Tensilestrength
Amaterial’sresistancetobreaking undertension.
Telescopingbox
Two-piecerigidboxwherethelid slidesoverthebase.
Userexperience
Auser’sjourneyofdiscovering, opening,anddisposingofproduct packaging.
Visualappeal
Theoverallaestheticofthe packaging,includingcolor, graphics,andfinish.
Plasticfree materiallibrary
Challenge
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Ourmateriallibraryreflects thedeepcollaborationand sharedspiritofinnovation thatoursuppliershave broughttooursustainable packagingsolutions” - Abhinav
Materials
Mainpart categorytype
Subpartcomponent/ categorytype
RigidBox TopSheet
Suppliername
Gradename
HuaXiaSunPaper 157gsm
RigidBox Greyboard JinTian 1200gsm
RigidBox
RigidBox
RigidBox PaperTape
SichuanHongtuScenery Environmental TechnologyCo.,LTD 1050gsm
SenHePaperCo.,Ltd. 950gsm
BillerudKorsnäs(BK) 120gsmBrown
Various UVCoatingandinks Megami LH-GESeries(inks) LH-GEMatteOP(Coating)
RELFRetailBox TopSheet
RELFRetailBox
SingleFaceCorrugate
Foldingcartonretailbox Paperboard
Foldingcartonretailbox Paperboard
Corrugatedinserts TopSheet
Mainpart categorytype
Corrugatedinserts
Subpartcomponent/ categorytype
HuaXiaSunPaper 250gsm
Various F-flute
HuaXiaSunPaper 300gsm
HuaXiaSunPaper 350gsm
HuaXiaSunPaper 250gsm
Suppliername
Gradename
Various E-flute (100gKraft/200gKraft)
Corrugatedinserts Various F-flute175g#1White (100gKraft/200gKraft)
SingleFaceCorrugate
Corrugatedinserts Various G-flute (120Kraft/180gwhitekraft)
Cablewraps, complexfoldinginserts
Cablewraps, complexfoldinginserts
Cablewraps, complexfoldinginserts
Paperboardinserts
Paperboardinserts
Paperboardinserts
HuaXiaSunPaper
StarblancC2SBristol250gsm
StarblancC2SBristol300gsm
StarblancC2SBristol350gsm
Materials (continued)
Moldedfiber Fibercomposition Thickness
Cosmeticmoldedfiber
Cosmeticmoldedfiber
65%Bamboopulp 35%Bagassepulp
0.60mm1.20mm
55%Bamboopulp 35%Bagassepulp 10%Woodpulp 1.0mm
Kraftmoldedfiber 100% OldCorrugated Containers 1.80-3.50mm
Protectivewraps
Suppliername
Documentationbandwraps Arjowiggins
Gradename
GT-63-HM
Productwrapping SIP SIP-11
Boxclosurelabels UPM
Screenprotectors Sun 128gsmArtPaper
Screenprotectors Meixin MXPR-0010AU
Packagingconverter supplierlist
Name Product(s)forGoogle Companywebsite
Cymmetrik Labels,ScreenFilms.
Intramedia Printingbundle,Moldedfiber,Boxes.
https://www.cymmetrik.com
https://www.imedia.com.tw
Lihua/Hyperpack Boxes,CorrugatedCartons,PrintedBundle AssemblyandMoldedFiber.
MYS Boxes,CorrugatedCartons,HighFrequency WeldinginBoxes.
Paishing Boxes,CorrugatedCartons,PrintedBundle Assembly,MoldedFiber.
YUTO Boxes,CorrugatedCartons,PrintingBundle Assembly.
http://www.lihua-printing.com
https://www.szmys.com
http://www.paishing.com
https://www.szyuto.com
Acknowledgements
Ourworkonplastic-freepackaginghasbeenmade possiblebythetalent,creativity,anddedicationof manyindividualsfromacrossGoogleandoursuppliers.
ContributorstothisincludeGoogle’spackagingengineering, design,operations,andsustainabilitystrategyteams.
Endnotes
1. Theworld’splasticpollutioncrisis,explained. NationalGeographic,2024
2. EarthDay2022.PublicOpiniononClimateChange.
3. PerISO0472-2013.Plastic,noun.Materialwhichcontainsasanessential ingredientahighpolymerandwhich,atsomestageinitsprocessinginto finishedproducts,canbeshapedbyflow.
4. Note1toentry:Elastomericmaterials,whicharealsoshapedbyflow, arenotconsideredtobeplastics.
PlasticFree Packaging DesignGuide
We’dlovetohearaboutwaysyou’vefoundthisguidehelpful, technicalquestionsyouhaveorsuggestionstoimproveit. Letusknowatpackaging_sustainability@google.com
Googleisdrivingsustainabilityinnovationinmany differentareasacrossourproductsandoperations.
Checkoutthelatestnewsandprogressat: sustainability.google