Award-winning designer urges industry and community to value eco-friendly methods and mentorship in the creative sector
ADELAIDE, AU / ACCESS Newswire / September 25, 2025 / Adelaide-based graphic designer Fadi Semaan is using his platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainability and mentorship in the design industry. Known for blending modern design with cultural heritage, Semaan is calling on businesses, designers, and communities to rethink how design impacts both people and the planet.
"Good design is not just about aesthetics," says Semaan. "It should serve a story, connect people, and respect the environment. Care in design means thinking about materials, processes, and the legacy we leave behind."
The Case for Sustainable Design
Globally, the design and packaging industry plays a major role in waste and carbon emissions. According to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), packaging accounts for over 2.5 million tonnes of material in Australia each year, much of it ending up in landfill. A 2023 APCO report shows that only 65% of packaging is currently recyclable, far below the 2025 national target of 100%.
Semaan has seen firsthand how sustainable design choices can make a difference. "Clients in food and wine are asking for packaging that doesn't just look good but feels responsible. It's a shift we can't ignore," he explains.
Supporting the Next Generation
Equally important to Semaan is mentorship. He regularly gives workshops at the University of South Australia and TAFE, while also informally guiding young designers. "I know how overwhelming it feels at the start of a career. Sometimes just one conversation can give a student the confidence to move forward," he says.
The Design Institute of Australia reports that one in three design graduates struggle to find stable work in their field. For Semaan, industry veterans have a responsibility to help change that. "If we want a strong creative community, we need to lift others up, not just build our own portfolios," he adds.
A Community Call to Action
Semaan emphasizes that everyone-not just designers-can play a role. Businesses can prioritize eco-friendly printing and packaging. Consumers can support local brands that commit to sustainability. And established professionals can make time for mentorship.
"Care is something we can all practice," Semaan says. "Every choice we make-whether in business, in design, or in daily life-can either add to the problem or help solve it."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Fadi Semaan
Fadi Semaan is an Adelaide-based graphic designer specializing in brand identity, packaging, and digital design. His award-winning work spans South Australia's food, wine, and tourism industries. He is also an active mentor and community contributor, blending his Lebanese heritage with contemporary design.
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SOURCE: Fadi Semaan Adelaide
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