Sustainable Packaging Research Lab bridges gap between STEM and the creative industries

At the intersection of engineering and creativity, the newly launched Sustainable Packaging Research Lab (external link, opens in new window)  is using a transdisciplinary approach to find sustainable solutions in packaging production and design. 

With the guidance of School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM) professors Dr. Ehsan Behzadfar and Dr. Jay (Jonghun) Park, students are able to approach sustainability challenges in the packaging industry from different perspectives including materials, distribution system, supply chain, design, and consumer behaviour. 

“The sustainable packaging lab joins the applications of engineering and creativity in order to bring innovative solutions to challenges in the sustainability of packages,” explained Behzadfar. “As a member of the lab, students work in an inclusive environment and share their learning with each other.” 

A multidisciplinary experience

While engineering is generally focused on the technical aspects of production and the creative industries is generally focused on visual design and narrative, the sustainable packaging lab allows these two disciplines to create packaging solutions that are user friendly without compromising on aesthetics and visual appeal. 

Park explains that packaging is a very interdisciplinary academic area and includes science, engineering, design, consumer behaviour and supply chain management. 

“I aim to raise young educated professionals who understand the overall packaging value chain and coordinate the packaging system in a sustainable way, rather than one single component,” he said. “I train students on how to conduct scientific research as a supervisor; but I have also learned a lot from them during the research journey.” 

The team’s research programs revolve around three areas of interest: analysis of the mechanical interactions between packaging components and material handling equipment during distribution, investigation of packaging systems and designs using a life cycle assessment, and quantification of human packaging interactions. 

The lab also takes part in industry collaboration with companies in the commercial world to bridge the gap between academia and practice. Currently prioritizing those that use sustainable materials, the lab has worked with companies that use plant-based fibres and find ways that turn waste into usable materials. 

Student initiatives

Although the lab is an initiative of the School of Graphic Communications Management, it is not limited to students in the program or faculty. Currently, there are undergraduate and graduate students from chemical engineering, professional communication and GCM who are participating and collaborating in the lab as part of individual projects. These student projects include researching recycling behaviour and perception, creating sustainable packaging materials, and analyzing consumer behaviour and interactions with packaging. 

Fourth-year GCM student Breanna Schuler has a concentration in packaging and a minor in environment and urban sustainability. The sustainable packaging lab has allowed her to merge both these interests and apply her research to the real world. 

“My interest in sustainability and packaging boomed after taking the sustainability in print and packaging course in my third year,” she said. “It really taught me the importance of considering sustainability at all levels in the GCM industry.”

Schuler is now conducting her own research regarding cosmetic packaging and exploring ways to make it biodegradable and environmentally friendly, while keeping the visual aesthetic and decorative nature of the cosmetics. 

MPC student Mariia Sozoniuk is researching the way individuals interact with recycling apps, exploring if these emerging technologies actually make a difference in the way people sort their waste and recycling products. Focusing on sustainability and user experience, she is working with Dr. Park to explore the topic further and provide practical implementations for app developers to deliver a better recycling education experience. 

To stay up to date with the initiatives at the sustainable packaging research lab, visit their website.

About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University 

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.