NEW

Language

Spanish

Start date

July 2027

Frequency

Part-time

Fruition

On campus

Duration

5 days

Credits

25 Hours

Price

1.300 €

Learn how to develop packaging solutions that address today’s environmental challenges by integrating design, materials, production and circular economy principles throughout the process.

The Summer Course in Sustainable Packaging Design and Production introduces you to the development of packaging designed to minimise its environmental impact without compromising functionality, brand identity or user experience. You will discover how design decisions directly influence production, logistics and a product’s life cycle.

In a context shaped by the transformation of the industry, new European regulations and growing demand for sustainable solutions, packaging has become a strategic area for companies and design professionals. Today, it is essential to understand how to apply ecodesign principles, select responsible materials and develop packaging suited to a circular economy model.

Over the course of one week, you will acquire introductory knowledge of sustainability applied to packaging, life cycle assessment, materials, production processes, prototyping and strategies to improve packaging recyclability, reusability and efficiency.

Through theoretical content and practical sessions, you will learn how to develop sustainable packaging proposals, understanding how design decisions affect the production process as well as distribution, consumption and the management of packaging at the end of its useful life.

Information to decide

A unique course in Bilbao where you will discover how to design packaging that responds to the current needs of the industry and the challenges of sustainability.

The course is structured into different thematic blocks covering all stages of sustainable packaging development, from ecodesign principles to production, logistics and product communication.

A key feature is its commitment to project-based learning, a methodology that brings students closer to real-life industry situations and enables them to immediately apply the knowledge acquired through practical exercises and projects.

The programme combines theoretical sessions with hands-on workshops coordinated by Núria Vila, a graphic designer and art director specialising in visual identity, packaging and sustainable communication, together with professionals with experience in design, production and sustainability.

This course requires basic knowledge of graphic design or product design, as well as a basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

It may be of particular interest to:

  • Students of graphic design or product design who want to specialise in sustainable packaging.
  • Graphic and product designers interested in incorporating sustainability criteria into their projects.
  • Packaging industry professionals who want to update their knowledge of materials, production processes and the circular economy.
  • Technical professionals working in the packaging and container industry, including production, engineering, quality, processes or R&D, who want to understand the impact of sustainable design on manufacturing and packaging life cycles.

The Summer Course in Sustainable Packaging Design and Production offers a comprehensive approach to responsible packaging development, bringing together design, materials, production, logistics and communication—areas that are often studied separately.

Its practical and applied approach provides an understanding of the real challenges facing an industry undergoing major transformation, driven by innovation, the circular economy and new regulatory requirements.

Taking this experience at IED Kunsthal Bilbao means studying at a school committed to sustainability and responsible design, in an environment where creativity and innovation are placed at the service of solutions with a positive impact.

Syllabus

Introduction

The environmental impact of conventional packaging

The principles of sustainability, ecodesign and circularity

Reduce, reuse, recycle (and compost)

Legislation, regulations and certifications



Designing for Sustainability

Packaging life cycle assessment

Identifying clear and achievable sustainability goals

Innovation in sustainable design

The importance of timelessness

Space optimisation, weight reduction, modularity and foldability



Materials

Minimising the use of resources

Selecting sustainable materials



Sustainable Production Processes

Supplier evaluation and selection

Collaborative innovation

Production management



Transport and Distribution

The environmental impact of transport and distribution

Identifying efficient routes

Return and refill systems



Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular evaluations

Implementing improvements

Continuous innovation



Communication and Transparency

The importance of transparency with clients, suppliers and end users

Standardised symbols

Storytelling and awareness

Clear information on reuse, recycling or composting

Faculty

Núria Vila

News

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In September, IED's Public Program returns with a calendar of events across its campuses in Italy and Spain, offering opportunities for dialogue, exchange and discovery open to the community and the wider public.

07 September 2026

Exploring Human-Robot Collaboration in China

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28 August 2026

What does sustainability mean for a design school?

When discussing sustainability, the debate often focuses on environmental impacts and the responsible use of resources. But what does sustainability mean, in practical terms, for a school that educates future designers, creatives and professionals capable of driving change?

31 July 2026

Forbes Next Leaders: Alumna Chiara Robino designs the August cover

The collaboration between IED and Forbes Next Leaders continues: for the August issue, the cover was designed by Chiara Robino, Alumna in Illustration from IED Torino in the 2025/26 academic year.

27 July 2026

IED community stands out at the 2026 Delta Awards with five accolades and 21 selected projects

Aaron Gonzalo, an alumnus of IED Kunsthal Bilbao, has been awarded a Silver Delta Medal for his project X-plorer, while, in the professional category, four projects developed by faculty members from IED Barcelona have received Delta Awards.

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22 July 2026

Design at the Intersection of Craftsmanship and Digital Manufacturing

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17 July 2026

Priscilla Fois brings her art to Urban Break Korea

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16 July 2026

This Is What the Future of Visual Arts Looks Like

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10 July 2026

Degree Show 2026 opens IED Kunsthal Bilbao to talent, design and the city

Once again, the Papelera Building opened its doors to the public, showcasing the work developed by students over four years of study and turning the school into a meeting point for design, culture, industry and institutions.

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Exhibitions and Festival

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“Caliu” in “Matter Matters. Designing with the World”

The project “Caliu”, by IED Barcelona alumnus Judith Aubà, has been selected to form part of this exhibition, which reflects on the major challenges facing design today and in the future at a critical time marked by the scarcity of raw materials.

Open Day

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Multiple

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14 September 2026 - 18 September 2026

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16 September 2026 - 07 October 2026

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