The search for a more sustainable future – and even the present – involves choices that are made daily. It is important to understand that what is consumed and how have an impact, both from the point of view of what was generated until the good or product reached the final consumer and what will be produced with the end of use or disposal of this item.
It is from this premise that the iFood, in partnership with Suzano, launched the Future Packaging Challenge. Under the motto “This delivery is for tomorrow”, the objective was to develop paper packaging produced from renewable raw materials and free of plastic to transport food in a practical, safe and sustainable way.
Divided into the Professional and Free categories, the winners are Ricardo Marques Sastre and Vinícius Hernandez Lopes Ladivez, respectively. iFood News spoke to the winners to find out more about the projects. Check out:
Professional Category – For real sustainability
“We believe that the purpose of the competition was aligned with our personal and professional desires. We decided to participate in the challenge because we operate in the fast food packaging market and have done research in the area of sustainability.”
Ricardo Marques Sastre
42 years old, Advertising, at Mudrá Design; In partnership with Cristiane Ferrari Zeni, 27 years old, Product Designer
From conception to execution
“We use our sustainable design methodology developed in my doctoral thesis and validated in our daily lives at the office. We go through all the design stages, always analyzing the wishes of those involved in the packaging life cycle. Our company focuses on developing sustainable packaging: we believe this is the best path to pursue, we encourage our customers and partners to be environmentally friendly.” – Ricardo Sastre
iFN: How do you see initiatives that encourage designing a more sustainable future?
LOL: Any action that promotes sustainability is welcome, as long as it is truly sustainable. In our method, we observe at each stage the points to be considered in the project to effectively promote sustainability. Packaging represents a significant percentage of waste generation, and must be designed with its disposal or reuse in mind.
iFN: What message would you like to leave to the end consumer, in relation to the use of packaging?
LOL: Use packaging and disposables consciously, avoiding waste and disposing correctly for recycling. Encourage your favorite restaurants to promote sustainability in packaging and be flexible about the possible cost increase of replacing traditional packaging with sustainable packaging.
Free Category – Origami as inspiration
“I decided to participate in the Challenge because, in addition to really liking the idea of contributing to reducing the amount of plastic waste produced, it was an opportunity to put into practice ideas that I always had to improve the experience I had with delivery packaging”
Vinícius Hernandez Lopes Ladivez
(36 years old, Designer)
From conception to execution
“The packaging would have to be easy to open by the user, but remain intact and watertight during transport. The division between foods inside the packaging was another important point that came up in conversations with users. Next, I revisited some origami references, an ancient paper folding technique that I have had as a hobby since childhood. I made some study models on bond paper and, as soon as I found a satisfactory shape, I drew the plan on the computer and built the prototype on cardboard.” – Vinícius Lavidez
iFN: How do you see initiatives that encourage designing a more sustainable future?
VL: I think it's fundamental. A sustainable future will only be achieved with the joint action of companies, professionals and consumers.
iFN: What message would you like to leave to the consumer, in relation to the use of packaging?
VL: Whenever possible, opt for returnable or biodegradable packaging and prioritize companies that are committed to practicing social responsibility. When it is necessary to consume plastic packaging, try to reuse the packaging for some other purpose before discarding it. And always dispose of packaging for recycling when discarding.
Commitment
At iFood, ending plastic pollution in delivery operations is one of the goals of iFood Regenerates. In the last year alone, FoodTech tripled the number of sustainable packaging suppliers.
“Having a business that brings prosperity and also regenerates the environment is our priority and that of Suzano. To achieve this, we need to create a more sustainable production and consumption chain. We are joining forces and adding expertise to promote transformation and bring disruption to reduce the volume of plastic in the country”, said Gustavo Vitti, vice-president of People and Sustainable Solutions at iFood, on the occasion of the launch of the Packaging of the Future Challenge. “We have an audacious goal of eliminating plastic pollution from our deliveries and this partnership with Suzano is one of the ways we can expand the positive impact we seek.”
