Three sustainable packaging ideas for shoes

Drawing by Nalini Arora

Buying a pair of shoes that come in a beautiful, luxurious and branded box was something I always looked forward to adding to my designer shoe collection. I would always keep the box to store my shoes , or at times I would just store the box because I felt bad throwing a box away. I could not use these boxes to ship and so finding a second use was challenging.

What many don’t know is that these nice boxes can cost upwards of $5 ( It’s really more like $8) when you’re making shoes out of Italy, Spain, or Portugal. They will cost less in China or Brazil but the quality is ok and the additional use still is problematic.

That said many do not keep the box, and its use is less environmentally friendly.

Over the last two years, I’ve been working with clients to use more sustainable packaging. We brainstorm on what we want the packaging to mean within their brand, and also what uses they want to stand behind for their packaging.

At the studio we are constantly looking at packaging options that are unique and of course sustainable. Here are four ideas to make sustainable packaging for shoes.

TOTE BAG OPTIONS

Image via @tineandreaa

We all go shopping, and tote bags are a great way to avoid paying for brown bags or plastic bags at the store. Every bag I get from a designer I keep and use it mainly for grocery shopping. I love the idea of using a string bag since totes are commonly used . Adding branding elements such as charms with logos, or adding a brand color, or doing a lining with branded elements and the string bag are additional ways to add a unique element to this idea. I love how Influencer Tine Andreaa put her stilettos in a Chanel string bag.

BRANDED WOOD BOXES

This box by Paco Rabanne is amazing. I love it’s simplicity, and the spray paint elements. So much opportunity to make this unique. Granted I would only suggest this kind of packaging for low quantities or special editions. It would be time consuming to create this, and a bit expensive. However, when I hear about how much boxes are I believe this is a strong possibility. You can also use it as planter as shown below.

PAPER PULP BOXES

Ferm Living created these super cool paper pulp storage boxes. Love the idea of using something so simple and chic for a shoe box, and then using it as storage for your home or office. I would love to have something like this in my studio.

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging ideas for your shoes or accessories we would be happy to assist you. You can contact us here to discuss the different design packages we offer.