Thinking Ahead winners’ sustainable packaging solutions 

Our recent Thinking Ahead programme has set a new standard, welcoming over 370 global aspirational engineers. They were challenged to reimagine refillable packaging to tackle the pressing issues surrounding plastic waste, clutter and product safety. 

October’s programme was created and delivered in collaboration with Matt Langford, CEO of  People. Planet. Product; a consultancy dedicated to sustainability in product design, empowering businesses to create innovative, user-focused solutions while minimising environmental impact. Their expertise and commitment to eco-conscious practices made them an ideal partner for this challenge. 

The challenge 

With 40% of the world’s plastic waste attributed to packaging, and the UK’s plastic packaging recycling rate standing at 52.5% in 2023, participants were challenged to come up with innovative designs for refillable packaging, to combat the growing problem of landfill waste, environmental pollution, and resource inefficiency.  

Over 2 weeks of engaging workshops and mentoring sessions, participants explored innovative engineering and design principles, ideation and prototyping. We were delighted to receive 130 project submissions, showcasing their creativity and commitment to sustainability.  

Our judging panel had the difficult task of choosing three overall winners – here’s a look at their solutions!  

Best Overall Design 

Team Hoskins – Multi-Use Cleaning Product 

Team Hoskins delivered a solution to the environmental challenges of cleaning products. Their multi-use cleaner features a reusable bottle with interchangeable compartments tailored for specific cleaning needs, from bathrooms to kitchens. The highlight? Dissolvable “pearl” refills that reduce plastic waste by enabling users to mix solutions at home with water. 

The product is crafted from sustainable materials, ensuring durability, lightweight handling and minimal environmental impact. This innovative design focuses on convenience while making sustainable choices more accessible for everyone. 

“I enjoyed the teamwork and learning about engineering throughout the programme.” – Royce 

Most Creative Award 

2 Steps Ahead – Nestable 

Addressing the waste in egg packaging, 2 Steps Ahead presented the Nestable egg carton, designed for durability and recyclability. Made from rPET (recycled plastic), the carton is lightweight yet strong, with a modern and ergonomic design featuring secure hinges and snap locks for safety. 

The Nestable’s unique design encourages local sourcing, helping consumers buy eggs from farmers while reducing food miles and promoting eco-friendly habits. This playful yet functional product bridges the gap between sustainability and consumer convenience. 

Most Sustainable Award 

TechTitans – Refillable Delivery Box 

TechTitans focused on one of e-commerce’s largest challenges: plastic delivery waste. Their refillable delivery box combines lightweight aluminium and honeycomb insulation to ensure product safety while being reusable for multiple deliveries. With a focus on circular economy principles, the box offers a streamlined return system, reducing landfill waste and boosting sustainability for online shopping. 

This design not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in retail logistics. 

“I was a little apprehensive coming into to the project, but the pre-learning nodes and daily seminars were really helpful. I found they especially helped with getting some ideas flowing and preparing us for collaborative work.”- Afam 

 

We are incredibly proud of all our participants and their remarkable achievements. Their innovative solutions and dedication to addressing real world problems embody the spirit of the Thinking Ahead programme. Congratulations to all the winners!