This article draws on a research project being developed within the scope of a Ph.D. in Design at the University of Aveiro (Portugal), grounded in research for design, through design. The main goal is to develop a non-disposable modular packaging system for tableware, through Circular Design and based on the Circular Economy model, for interior spaces, thus reducing waste. The project is being developed in partnership with the Portuguese companies Grestel, Produtos Cerâmicos S.A. and Tintex Textiles S.A. Using a wide range of sources, this article develops original research into the history of packaging, wide-ranging as possible given its unprecedented character. Therefore, it was crucial to consider a field of research outside of Design History to trace packaging from its origins to the boom of disposable packaging for mass consumption: to gather, organize, and connect data from anthropology, archaeology, maritime archaeology, conservation and restoration, cultural studies, history, namely agriculture, art, marketing, and chemistry. In addition to the development of form and function, the source of materials, and the various contexts in which has emerged and operated, special attention was given to available information regarding packaging useful life cycle, treasuring illustrative examples. This study highlights the circularity of materials used in packaging, perceived as an ancient response to the protection, storage, preservation and transport of products and goods. The memory of human activity can, therefore, be decisive for Circular Design, serving as inspiration and offering a new field of research for creating value in contemporary reusable packaging.
