The contribution of industrial designers from the republic of moldova to packaging design in the context of current sustainable design trends

Abstract

In the context of national and global challenges related to plastic waste management and carbon emission reduction, this paper explores the integration of circular economy and ecodesign principles into educational practice. The aim of the research is to develop sustainable containers for the selective collection of plastic caps (HDPE and PP), created through a partnership between the Faculty of Design at the Technical University of Moldova and Recycline SRL. The methodology was based on the project-based learning (PBL) approach, which involved the following stages: researching the context and user requirements, conceptual design, digital prototyping, and technical-aesthetic validation. The research results materialized in functional prototypes made from recycled plastic and assembled using a “puzzle”-type milling technique, incorporating modular elements and attractive forms. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that applying ecodesign principles and project-based learning generates viable solutions for the community, directly supporting national regulations and European directives on reducing packaging waste. The study was conducted within the national project 020408: Research on Ensuring Sustainable Development and Increasing Competitiveness of the Republic of Moldova in a European Context.