# Eco-Friendly Design for Sustainable Gift Packaging
## 4 Discussion  
Classic gift packaging is a distinct segment of packaging, characterized by rich graphic design and an emphasis on the user experience where \"more is more\". In addition to printing, it is often varnished and features special effects such as foil stamping, UV printing, and lamination. Gift packaging made of corrugated cardboard is typically laminated to achieve high-quality printing. Sustainable packaging, however, follows a fundamentally different approach, prioritizing functionality over excessive embellishment (\"less is more\"), focusing on recyclability, and minimizing environmental impact. From a sustainability perspective, it is preferable to avoid unnecessary added materials, such as foil, laminates, and overprinting, in gift packaging made of corrugated cardboard, as these negatively affect the recycling process. In this study, eco-design principles served as the foundation for the packaging construction process, emphasizing multipurpose usability and material efficiency. The gift packaging was created solely from corrugated cardboard, without additional materials. To ensure sustainability and ease of use, the packaging was designed with an adhesive-free assembly process, which simplified production while maintaining durability. A key feature of the design is its ability to be repurposed; after its initial use, the packaging can transform into a nesting box for solitary bees, reinforcing a commitment to reuse. Its uniqueness lies in its unconventional shape, which was deliberately chosen to reflect brand identity, eliminating the need for excessive printing. A key factor influencing sustainable packaging adoption is consumer perception. Our findings confirmed that packaging with a distinctive shape and minimalistic approach enhances brand recognition and positively impacts consumer behavior, aligning with studies which highlighted the role of creative design in market appeal [29; 30; 31; 32]. This study also demonstrated that sustainable packaging can function as a promotional display, as can be seen in the arrangement of different packaging shapes forming a silhouette of the Julian Alps. Consumer feedback was essential in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed design. By combining descriptive statistics with non-parametric tests, we gained valuable insights from Likert-scale rankings in surveys and focus groups. The findings confirmed that packaging with a unique shape is perceived as high-quality, aesthetically appealing, and practical, with added functionality significantly increasing its value. Multipurpose usability was ranked as the most important feature, followed closely by the inclusion of a handle. These results align with [PERSON] and [PERSON]'s study, which found that consumers assess packaging designs based on \"ease of use\" and \"handling convenience\" [33]. However, the reuse function as a nesting box received lower ratings, particularly among older consumers, lower-income groups, and high school graduates. While the younger demographic (Generations Z and Y) responded more favorably to the multipurpose nature of the packaging, some participants expressed concerns regarding the handle's durability, the material's suitability for bee nesting, and the overall practicality of the design for its intended original function. When designing packaging, it is essential to consider all of its components and additions. Packaging made from corrugated cardboard, known for being both biodegradable and recyclable, should be complemnted by labels which do not hinder these properties. Likewise, labels used on products such as bottles should ideally also be recyclable or biodegradable. In addition to selecting suitable materials, ensuring that labels are designed with sustainability principles in mind is just as crucial as it is for the packaging itself. The primary function of labels is to convey information, but they also play a significant role in product and brand recognition. In today's visually oriented world, standout graphic elements and colors capture consumer attention.