Executive Summary

OutOfTheBox is a sustainable packaging solution made from premium hemp materials, designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious yet visually appealing shipping options. It allows brands to express their core values through packaging that is both functional and memorable. By combining sustainability with a strong customer experience, OutOfTheBox offers a practical way for businesses to align their operations with the expectations of today’s consumers.

Goal

The goal of our startup is to make sustainable packaging the standard in e-commerce, without compromising on branding, design, or convenience. We aim to offer an solution that avoids greenwashing and instead reshapes the packaging industry by promoting a real and lasting change.

Methodology

We began our project with extensive online research, knowing that we didn’t need to reinvent the wheel, as there were already some projects out there. Instead, we focused on learning from existing brands that had tackled similar challenges. To better understand the perspective of end consumers and validate our assumptions, we conducted a survey that confirmed we are addressing a relevant and pressing issue and are not just creating a solution with no problem-solution fit. In addition, we interviewed several small businesses to gain insights into their current packaging solutions and the specific challenges they face in day-to-day operations. Combined with several mails with producers we validated all sides of the business.

Results

Our research initially was focused on the concept of loop packaging, as reusable shipping boxes that are returned after use sounded really sustainable. However, as we explored the idea in depth, we found that the required reuse rates to achieve a net environmental benefit were unrealistically high. Based on the return data we found in the Internet and life cycle assessments, we concluded that such systems often fail to deliver the expected impact and are operationally complex. As a result, we pivoted.

Through extensive material analysis, we identified hemp as an ideal solution early on. Hemp grows rapidly, needs minimal water, requires no pesticides, and captures large amounts of CO₂ during its growth. Its strong fibers make it possible to produce thinner and lighter packaging without compromising on durability. These qualities not only reduce the environmental footprint but also lower shipping weight. In conclusion, it seems like the perfect material that is so new to the market, many companies overlook it. Additionally, our interviews revealed that businesses deeply value packaging as a branding tool and want to communicate their sustainability efforts clearly to customers, as they want this ”reward” for their investments on green solutions. We recognized that the best product means little if its impact is not visible to the consumer. Our research made it clear: retailers will only adopt sustainable solutions if their customers can understand and appreciate the difference. To meet this need, we developed a digital platform that displays measurable sustainability data and provides certified visual badges for online shops to showcase. This creates an ecosystem of trust and credibility around our packaging.

OutOfTheBox should meet this need. Our packaging supports custom printing, includes sustainability badges, and features QR codes that lead customers to a digital dashboard showing the environmental impact of their purchase. This enhances transparency and turns every unboxing moment into a chance to reinforce brand values and be memorized by the customer

Cooperation Partner

• OutOfTheBox - https://out-of-the-box-landing.lovable.app

Contact Person

• Leo Brandstetter - leo.brandstetter@s.wu.ac.at

Student Team

• Leo Brandstetter

• Matthias Sturm

• Lea Scherer

• Hendrik Böttcher

• Lydia Krampl

• Artem Prisiazhniuk

Project Manager

• Diana Laurer

• Pannermayr Thomas

• Kunesch Caroline

• Vasilescu Dragos-Cristian