The idea of biobased and biodegradable packaging materials as an alternative to petroleum-based, non-degradable ones is nothing new. One key reason they have not been used for a long time is that disposal infrastructure is lacking. The question of how these materials can be returned to the biological cycle remains unanswered.

The project “Designing the Afterlife” deals theoretically and practically with the development of disposal scenarios for seaweed-based, biodegradable packaging materials to close the biological material cycle and use the currently existing disposal infrastructure. The result is the “Water to Water” product series: packaging for solid and oil-based cosmetics that dissolves in water (the first time the product is used) and is disposed of in the sewage system, as it breaks down completely by microorganisms in the sewage treatment plant.

The work focuses on the communication of the product to the consumer. The packaging communicates how to dispose of it properly, with disposal designed to be simple. Part of the communication strategy is a QR code printed on the packaging, which leads to a video that explains the afterlife of the packaging clearly and playfully.

Beginning with the end of life, the project took as its starting point a seaweed-based packaging film developed at mujō, for which an adequate disposal infrastructure was lacking. The research phase included interviews and conversations with waste management experts. The findings revealed that existing systems – such as industrial composting – are unsuitable due to inconsistent regulations, limited processing times, and unclear benefits for waste operators. As a result, consumers are frequently confused about how to dispose of biodegradable packaging correctly. Based on these insights, the design brief aimed to enable the packaging to close the biological cycle within existing disposal infrastructures, while making the disposal process intuitive, clearly communicated, and user-friendly.