The art of ecodesign

In 2025, as many as 217 packaging innovation projects were awarded by CONAI as part of its Ecodesign for Packaging Call, an initiative that the Italian National Packaging Consortium has been successfully promoting for 13 consecutive editions, with steadily growing participation.

Through this programme, CONAI aims to recognise the most innovative packaging solutions placed on the market during the previous two-year period-an important commitment at a time when packaging sustainability is increasingly becoming a non deferrable necessity.

A key role in the evaluation process is played by the Eco Tool, the platform used by companies to submit their projects, enabling a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). All applications are analysed by a Technical Committee, while a certified third-party body verifies the conformity of the assessment activities with the Regulation.

The 217 awarded packaging innovation projects achieved a measurable reduction in environmental impact, resulting in a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 23% decrease in energy consumption, and a 27% saving in water use.

With this issue of ItaliaImballaggio, we launch a review of selected winning projects from the 2025 call. Further in-depth content will be available in the dedicated CONAI Special Section on www.italiaimballaggio.it

H2O Box - Antonio Sada & Figli SpA

Antonio Sada & Figli SpA submitted a die-cut packaging solution for the dairy sector, made from E-flute micro-corrugated board with a waterproof polymer coating. The redesign of the pack achieved an 18% reduction in weight, with positive effects on manufacturing: a 32% decrease in production waste and an 18% reduction in energy consumption. In addition, the design optimisation made it possible to increase by 12% the number of units transported per pallet.

Prevention levers

• Raw material saving
• Logistics optimisation
• Production process optimisation
• Virgin raw material saving

Simplified LCA analysis

Vaso 2048 - PIBIPLAST SpA

The company worked both on the body cream jar and on the components of the secondary packaging used for shipment to the customer. As for the jar, the previous version was made of PVC, whereas the new solution uses r-PET with a minimum recycled content of 96% (RecyClass certified). In addition, a change was introduced in the production process, making it possible to reduce electricity consumption per unit produced by more than 40%. With regard to the secondary packaging, jars were previously packed in HDPE bags and placed in cardboard boxes. In the new configuration, jars are positioned on cardboard trays and held in place by cardboard corner pieces. This change enabled a reduction in the amount of cardboard used and an optimisation of logistics.

Prevention levers

• Facilitation of recycling activities
• Use of recycled material
• Raw material saving
• Logistics optimisation
• Production process optimisation
• Virgin raw material saving

Philips Hue Being ceiling lamp - Signify

Signify took action on the packaging of the Philips Hue Being ceiling lamp. Previously, the pack consisted of a box, four internal inserts, a cotton pouch, a manual handling bag, paper bands and paper labels. The packaging was then redesigned by working on the following components: the box weight was reduced by 12%, the inserts were lightened by 45% and, of the original four, three were replaced with a single central paperboard locating tray. Overall, the recycled content was increased by 39%; the cotton pouch was replaced with an equivalent certified compostable bamboo pouch; one label was removed, while the other components remained unchanged. These interventions made it possible to save virgin raw material.

Prevention levers

• Use of recycled material
• Raw material saving
• Simplification of the packaging system
• Virgin raw material saving