A global movement started by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July is working towards a vision of a world free of plastic waste. Providing resources and ideas to help reduce single-use plastic and be part of the ‘solution to plastic pollution’ .

With this important movement forefront of our mind this month, we take a look at 5 of the plastic free entries from our Sustainable Design category that made the 2024 competition shortlist…

Sustainable Design – Body, Skin, Health & Beauty 

Wool Gusset Envelope, Woola

The Wool Gusset Envelope by Woola is a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap, Woola designed protective padding made of waste wool sourced directly from farmers in Estonia — who would otherwise burn or bury it. Used especially for shipping beauty, skincare and heath good to consumers, it’s a way to ship products safely and with a sustainable message.

Sustainable Design – Home, Leisure & Other Markets

Eggyolk Tableware Packaging, Hands Collective Viet Nam

Made from paper, cardboard and straw, Eggyolk Tableware Packaging by Hands Collective Viet Nam focuses on packaging design to set an example for other SMEs in challenging their conventional packaging usage. The boxes can be given a second life as nursery growing bags, with the straw inside being used to retain moisture, and after a while, rotting to become organic fertiliser.

Sustainable Design - Food

Notpla Chip Forks, Plastek UK Ltd & Notpla

Notpla Chip Forks by Plastek UK Ltd & Notpla also made the shortlist. Made for Twickenham Stadium, London, these chip forks were made from a mix of plants and seaweed in under two weeks from concept to the design and production. A clever way to use alternative packaging.

Sustainable Design – Home, Leisure & Other Markets

Sony's Original Blended Material : HT-AX7 Package, Sony Group Corporation, Sony Corporation

Sony's Original Blended Material : HT-AX7 Package uses dry press pulp moulding to create a form that envelops the product, in this case a portable theatre system, and traces the product's shape to minimize packaging volume. This achieved the strength and shock-absorbing properties required to protect the product without relying on conventional cushioning and packaging materials.

Sustainable Design – Body, Skin, Health & Beauty

Nolla Care, DesignRepublic

A deodorant that’s designed to be good for your body and the environment, the mission of Nolla is: “offer plastic-free alternatives for your bathroom routine”. Consisting of FSC approved cardboard, there is no multi-layering, the printing is uncoated, and there are no plastic elements inside.

Click here to see the rest of our shortlisted entries.