English 
Spanish 
3 min read 
0 comments 
Origami technology transforms cardboard into eco-friendly, sheet-like and durable solutions to replace plastic and expanded polystyrene, with a focus on luxury products and e-commerce
Origami-inspired packaging technology is gaining prominence as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.
Developed by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, in partnership with Aalto University and several local companies, this innovation transforms paperboard in continuously folded structures, resulting in lightweight, durable and aesthetically pleasing packaging.
Transforming cardboard into origami
The innovation is based on the origami technique, the Japanese art of paper folding, adapted to create packaging materials. Using a “reel to reel“, the process allows the cardboard to be molded precisely, without the need for large quantities of material.
- First patient with Elon Musk's Neuralink chip moves computer cursor using only brain signals decoded by brain implant
- Study led by Princeton and the University of California shows that it is possible to generate electricity with the Earth's rotation and magnetic field, discovery was published in March 2025
- Robotics and sustainability drive Expoagro Afubra 2025
- Blue spiral was seen in the skies over Europe on the night of March 24, 2025, phenomenon is linked to the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, according to experts
The result is a lighter yet more resistant material, capable of replacing more polluting options such as plastic and expanded polystyrene.
The aesthetics of packaging also attracts attention, especially in the luxury sector, such as the cosmetics market, where the appearance of the packaging plays a fundamental role in the customer experience.
Advantages of the origami model compared to conventional materials
The advantages of origami-folded cardboard are clear. It offers a perfect balance between lightness and strength, making it ideal as a replacement for plastic and other synthetic materials, often used to protect products during transport.
Furthermore, the ease with which it can be folded into different shapes allows for unique customization, which attracts the interest of designers and brands looking for innovative and sustainable solutions.
The material is also eco-friendly, as it is made from natural fibers and can be recycled, in line with the growing demands for more sustainable packaging.
Responding to the demand for sustainability
With the growth of e-commerce and the need to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, research into more sustainable solutions has gained relevance.
Increasing concerns about pollution caused by microplastics and the waste of natural resources are driving the search for ecological alternatives.
In this context, origami technology offers a promising answer, combining functionality and design with a reduced carbon footprint, essential for the future of packaging in the global market.
FOLD and FOLD2 projects: innovation in partnership
The FOLD and FOLD2 projects are initiatives involving 13 companies, universities and organizations, with the aim of expanding the use of cardboard folded in origami.
The first phase of the project resulted in the creation of a machine capable of performing precise folds in cardboard, and the next stage aims to test new materials, further expanding the application possibilities.
The success of the project so far promises to revolutionize the packaging industry, bringing flexible and sustainable solutions.
Promising future in the market
The packaging industry is already showing great interest in origami technology, and close collaboration between the parties involved is accelerating the transition from development to large-scale production.
If plans go as expected, origami cardboard could be seen on shelves within three to five years, transforming the way sustainable packaging is perceived in the global market.
Impact on design and luxury products
In addition to the ecological advantages, the aesthetics of origami packaging is also a factor that attracts designers.
Exhibits at the 2023 Design Weeks in Finland and the Netherlands showed how the material can be used to create sophisticated packaging for luxury products such as cosmetics.
O origami cardboard offers consumers a more premium and environmentally responsible unboxing experience, replacing traditional packaging such as bubble wrap and expanded polystyrene.
Origami packaging innovation is one of the most promising in the field of sustainability. With a combination of lightness, durability and aesthetic appeal, folded cardboard offers an ecological and functional solution for the future of packaging.
