Air accounts for a quarter of packaging contents being received and shipped worldwide. This project analyzes the current packaging system and proposes a new method of sustainability with a focus on customizable packaging and its reusability. Several packages of technical items were assessed in this study to determine the quantity of waste. Recording measurements of items and their packaging, the team derived a design solution to remove excess packaging waste while protecting the item through transit. Parametrized CAD templates were developed to accommodate different-sized parts and applications. A complementary flowchart was designed where the user can input product dimensions and characteristics such as fragility, temperature, and weight. The flowchart will lead the user to the appropriate packaging CAD template, which can be modified and manufactured as per needs. Various test cases with different products were used to evaluate this packaging concept with a good amount of success.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Mathews, Natalie
• Lombara, Genavieve
• Arthur, William
• Bazakas-Chamberlain, Melissa
• Kumar, Nathan

Subject

• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050222-155626
• 67201

Keyword

• automated packaging
• sustainable design
• packaging design

Advisor

• Radhakrishnan, Pradeep

Year

• 2022

Date created

• 2022-05-02

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright