PLANET s u s t a i n a b l e p a c k a g i n g :
GOOD FOR BUSINESS , BETTER
FOR THE PLANET
INNOVATION IN PACKAGING IS A BOON FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT AND FOR COMPANIES ’ BOTTOM LINES . ordering goods online and having them arrive in perfect condition on our doorstep has become expected , practically second nature . As this trend has accelerated during the pandemic , so , too , has the amount of packaging needed to facilitate modern commerce .
US retailers reported a significant surge in online sales during the first quarter of 2020 , when the virus-driven lockdown began , with many major retailers — including Walmart , the Home Depot , and Lowe ’ s — reporting increases of 70 % to 80 %, and Target seeing digital sales increase 140 %. That means more boxes coming to more homes , and higher stacks of corrugated cardboard , polystyrene protective cushions , and plastic bags left outside for recycling or disposal . by michael walker
PHOTOGRAPH BY HANNAH WHITAKER
HP / INNOVATION / FALL 2020 44