Welcome to the Solutions Database,
a guide to technologies, strategies, and best practices for reducing plastic waste

Packaging can be minimized by concentrating the product, thereby reducing the packaging size needed and the transport greenhouse gas emissions. Rethinking products like this usually maintains or even improves the user experience. Examples include switching beverages, shampoo, or cleaning products to concentrated formulas. (3)

Key benefits:

• Companies can reduce packaging volume and transport/storage costs by adjusting product formulation to remove water content.

Key watch-outs:

• Consumer acceptance and adoption is important because concentrated products may require different usage and/or shopping behavior. Combine the shift to concentrated products with communication about enhanced consumer convenience such as less weight to carry, less frequently required re-buy, and cost savings thanks to reduced price per unit of end-product.
• Design appealing, custom size packaging to ensure that the shape and size of the packaging matches the product while remaining attractive for consumers and standing out on the shelf despite taking up less space.

• Beauty, cleaning, and personal products with high water content can often be sold as concentrates. These include shampoo, washing or cleaning liquid, detergent, and mouth wash, among others.
• Beverages with a high water content, such as lemonade, can be sold as a syrup or as powders.

Initial guidance on applicability of this solution per plastic type: