P&G has designed a recyclable honeycomb structure for e-commerce packaging, Versafill, said to adapt to a product’s shape by pressing it against the packaging. Nominated in the Commercialized E-commerce category of this year’s Sustainability Awards, inventor Li Kun tells us more.
You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2025. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarize your entry, in less than 50 words?
Versafill is an e-commerce packaging solution that leverages the principles of biomimicry. The 100% recyclable paper-based honeycomb-like structure adapts to a product’s shape by pressing the product against the packaging, protecting around the product for safe transportation – a first in the industry – and demonstrating packaging superiority that is more sustainable.
Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.
Versafill solves several key challenges in e-commerce packaging: safeguarding goods during shipping, reducing high costs and enhancing sustainability.
It stands out by seamlessly blending material science with the elegance of mechanics and structure for a superior unboxing experience.
Notably, the team drew inspiration from honeybees. Honeycombs in nature are strong, lightweight and space efficient. Since nature already has a proven solution, the team employed these design principles into Versafill to create this innovative packaging.
The design features a reduction in material, saving approximately 85% volume savings during storage and transportation, leading to cost savings and emissions reduction. It is made from recyclable material.
Finally, can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project, e.g. how your innovation/initiative has been received by the industry, or what the next steps are in commercialization/product development?
Versafill has been a great success in the industry, earning a Platinum win for the 35th Dow Packaging Innovation Awards.
In a consumer survey, conducted during the Versafill pilot launch, 95% of consumers ranked that the unboxing experience with the Versafill package was better than before. The team has since open-licensed the Versafill package to suppliers to help with its expansion in the industry.
Furthermore, they have developed Versafill 2.0, which cuts costs by 50-80% vs. Versafill 1.0 and it is made from recycled paper, making it a more affordable and sustainable option, with a mass launch in the near future.
Next year’s Sustainability Awards will take place during the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands, 10-12th November 2026. You can find out more here.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2025
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation in 2025
The key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets
