Why I use paper bandanas

I started using bandanas instead of traditional adhesive labels for packaging because they offer a sustainable and reusable alternative. Unlike labels, which are often difficult to remove and render the box unsuitable for reuse, bandanas can easily be taken off without damaging the box. This leaves the box intact and ready for repurposing or recycling.

While this approach involves a trade-off—sacrificing the clean, sharp edges of a label design—the overall environmental benefits far outweigh the aesthetic compromise. By choosing bandanas, I’m not only reducing waste but also encouraging the concept of circular design, where packaging can serve a second life instead of becoming disposable. It’s a small but meaningful step toward more thoughtful and sustainable product design.

Eschel Jacobsen