How many times have you had to buy a separate smaller bottle of your favorite shampoo for travel? Even if you rely on those tiny shampoo bottles that come complimentary with your hotel room, it’s still an extra bottle that you now have to worry about. The Carry On is a simple, borderline-genius solution that gives you a dedicated travel mini-bottle with your existing at-home shampoo bottle. With a compact design that conveniently comes packaged with your regular bottle of shampoo, the Carry On’s mini bottle can be carried around with you on your travels, and refilled whenever you’re running low, so you don’t need to stress out about buying an additional smaller bottle separately to travel with.

Designer: Yeo Seo Koo

A winner of this year’s Asia Design Prize, the Carry On is an economy-sized 1 liter (33.8 fl oz) bottle of shampoo that comes with its own handle built into the bottle’s design. Except, when you buy it off the shelf, the handle has a perfectly-fitting carry bottle nestled into it like a jigsaw-puzzle piece. When you buy one larger bottle, you get a small one for free that’s the ideal size for your toiletry kit. At 50ml (1.7 fl oz), the shampoo bottle easily gets you through a week-long holiday (you won’t shampoo everyday, obviously) comfortably, allowing you to use your favorite shampoo instead of using those substandard ones that come free with your hotel room.

There are a few things about Carry On that are definitely award-worthy. For starters, getting a smaller bottle free with a larger bottle isn’t new – but Carry On’s implementation is genius. It fits the tiny bottle right in the negative space created by the larger bottle’s handle design. This is usually dead space that gets wasted during logistics, but the clever integration allows the Carry On to use that hollow area efficiently. Moreover, let’s also appreciate the fact that the mini bottle (either by coincidence or by design) has a rounded design that looks like a bar of soap, immediately creating that toiletry-based association! Clever, no?!

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While there’s a conscious effort to remove plastic from our regular consumption, it still manages to play a pretty large (and unavoidable) role in packaging. Whether it’s shrink wrap, bubble wrap, sellotape, or even styrofoam… it seems like getting plastic out of packaging may just be an impossible task. However, a German company is working on an alternative to replace styrofoam in packaging. Their solution? A cushioning material made out of grain husks.

Designer: Proservation

The intended purpose of a product’s packaging is simply to help it cover the journey from factory to consumer. After it’s made this journey, a product’s packaging ends up becoming waste. Scale that up to account for the population of the world and just how many products we buy in a single given day or week, and you’ll realize what a massive problem we have on hand. Sure, it’s easier to recycle cardboard boxes and I can even stretch that argument to bubblewrap or foam peanuts… but it’s nearly impossible to recycle molded styrofoam pieces because they’re specifically designed to hold a certain product and can’t be used anywhere else. Conventional styrofoam is made by passing a foaming agent through plastic, causing it to bubble up into the lightweight styrofoam you use today. Given that it’s essentially made by combining plastic and air, recycling styrofoam as a material is borderline impossible… but replacing it isn’t.

Proservation’s solution is a product called Recou – a ‘molded’ packaging material that’s made from grain husk (which is also what nature uses to package grains!) When grains are harvested, the husk or chaff is removed and either discarded, burned, or used as animal bedding. Proservation has a clever alternative solution – upcycle this husk into a soft, impact-resistant material that does the job of styrofoam, while essentially being biodegradable. The husk is collected and bound together using a proprietary bio-based binder. The overall product has the same properties as styrofoam, but can be easily discarded or even composted.

“Thanks to our specially developed ecological binder, RECOU can be shaped as desired, and due to comparable material properties, it has the potential to substitute petrochemical packaging solutions such as EPS (Styrofoam) and represent an ecologically sound alternative for many applications,” says Proservation.

Proservation is hoping that Recou can replace a major bulk of styrofoam in the current packaging ecosystem. The material has the ability to be molded just like styrofoam, albeit with a few limitations given the size of an individual husk. It takes anywhere from 6-8 hours to make each piece, and the overall product has a density of 120 to 150 kg/m³, which seems to be the one significant limiting factor, given that styrofoam weighs nearly 70% less. Recou is also designed to resist moisture and humidity, showing no signs of mold when stored at 70% humidity for up to a week… “However, if the material is permanently exposed to high humidity or moisture, the decomposition processes start and mold may occur,” the company says.

For industries/companies interested in transitioning to Recou, Proservation does sell a few standard products like corner-cushions for palettes, and is also open to molding specific products based on requirements. The company plans to have an industrial plant operational by some time in 2024, scaling up production for this unique no-waste bio-based alternative to styrofoam.

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Ever found yourself tossing out perfectly good food just because the expiration date on the package said so? Well, Kimia Amir-Moazami, a UDK Berlin graduate, has an awesome solution for that – the Vorkoster Lid. This cool 3D-printed lid is here to put an end to unnecessary food waste by giving you a heads-up on whether your food is still good, without relying solely on those conventional expiry dates.

Designer: Kimia Amir Moazami

So, the Vorkoster Lid is not your average lid – it’s got a pH-sensitive foil in the middle that can sniff out if your meat or fish is starting to turn bad. When these foods get spoiled, they release ammonia gas, and this clever foil, made from algae and coated in a special dye, changes color from light green to bright purple. It’s like a neon sign for your food – “Eat me now!” or “Better find something else.”

Kimia makes a valid point about the confusion surrounding expiration dates contributing significantly to food wastage. The Vorkoster Lid aims to revolutionize this by tapping into our natural senses, similar to recognizing the browning of a banana peel or the smell of sour milk, guiding us to make informed decisions. It acts as the superhero of your fridge, ensuring nothing unnecessarily goes to waste. Kimia’s dislike for standardized expiry dates is well-founded, acknowledging that factors like cooling interruptions during food transport and production can hamper the shelf life. The Vorkoster Lid, armed with pH functionality, responds directly to a food item’s freshness regardless of its origin or packaging, challenging the dominance of one-size-fits-all expiration dates. It’s a rebellious solution to a common problem.

The Vorkoster Lid is a chameleon, if I may say. It is designed to cover any type of tub or bowl, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with various containers. Its versatility allows consumers to use it across different types of packaging, serving as a reminder to consume that deliciousness before it turns into science experiment leftovers.

Amir-Moazami drew inspiration from the common practice of using a plate to cover food in the fridge, creating a design that fits any bowl or container. The star of the show is the pH-reactive film that takes the guesswork out of checking your food’s freshness. First shown off in 2021, the Vorkoster Lid made its mark at Dutch Design Week. Amir-Moazami anticipates that the Vorkoster Lid could hit shelves within the next two years, following thorough testing to ensure flawless functionality.

With food waste being such a burgeoning problem (and a leading cause of carbon emissions), the Vorkoster Lid is like a breath of fresh air – or should we say, a bite of fresh food. It’s not just a lid; it’s a game-changer. By offering a visual and analog reminder of a food item’s freshness, this 3D-printed wonder might just be the hero we need to kick food waste to the curb and savor every last bite.

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In the world of packaging innovation, United Caps and Mimica have teamed up to introduce a groundbreaking solution for ensuring food safety – the Mimica Bump Cap. These specially designed bottle caps provide a tactile indication of the freshness of the contents, offering a reliable method for distinguishing whether a product has spoiled.

Designer: United Caps and Mimica Lab

Originally conceived with the visually impaired in mind, the Mimica Bump Cap has evolved into a versatile tool that benefits a broader audience. For individuals who cannot rely on visual cues such as best-by dates, these caps offer a tactile alternative to determine the freshness of the product. Moreover, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where loss of smell became a prevalent symptom, these caps become invaluable to those who can no longer smell and determine the freshness of products.

These caps contain a patented gel technology that activates upon the first opening of the beverage. This innovative gel doesn’t come into direct contact with the beverage contents, maintaining a hygienic barrier. Instead, it utilizes a combination of time and temperature to accurately gauge the freshness of the product. The simplicity of the technology ensures that consumers can easily interpret the status of their beverage.

Reading the Mimica Bump Cap is a straightforward process. A smooth swipe across the surface of the cap indicates that the beverage is still fresh and safe for consumption. However, a bumpy texture suggests that the contents have started to spoil, prompting users to be cautious. This intuitive design makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers, regardless of their visual or olfactory abilities.

The versatility of this cap extends to its compatibility with a variety of perishable products, including milk and juices. As these caps rely on the fundamental principles of time and temperature, they can be effectively employed across a spectrum of goods, ensuring that consumers can trust the freshness of their purchases and store them aptly for waste reduction.

By incorporating the Mimica Bump Cap into their packaging, companies can elevate consumer confidence in the quality and safety of their products. The transparency offered by these caps empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases, reducing the likelihood of consuming spoiled or expired goods.

Ultimately, the Mimica Bump cap helps boost sustainability too, allowing people to rely on real metrics instead of an arbitrary expiry date. This helps people ensure they’re eating fresh food, and finishing their perishables before they expire. Approximately 17% of global food production ends up getting wasted, but the Mimica Bump Cap can help reduce that.

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While traditional advent calendars from the 1850s were designed as cards with biblical verses in them, counting down the days to Christmas, modern-day advent calendars make the process a little more fun by including tiny gifts that build up the anticipation to the 25th of December. Major brands participate in the Advent Calendar trend, and IKEA isn’t one to be left out. The Vinterfint Advent Calendar comes flat-packed like every IKEA product, and needs to be assembled together. Put the pieces together and you end up creating an adorable Christmas-themed diorama with characters, houses, trees, and a few snowmen too! Under each of these objects lies a small trinket or chocolate that sparks joy every day for the 24 days before the grand celebration!

Designer: IKEA

The Vinterfint advent calendar opens up to reveal an adorable Christmas scene featuring Santa, snowmen, and a few goats from the nativity display. You’ve also got decked-up Christmas trees and classic countryside-roofed houses amidst a snowy landscape.

Each paper object can be lifted up to reveal goodies underneath, featuring a selection of chocolates including pralines, nougats, and truffles, ensuring a sweet treat for each day leading up to Christmas. IKEA designer Paulin Machado envisioned it as a way to engage in holiday arts and crafts, providing everything needed to create a winter landscape complete with Christmas trees and snowmen.

The broader VINTERFINT collection, which the Advent Calendar is a part of, is IKEA’s way of creating a cozy atmosphere that falls in line with its brand ethos as well as the warm holiday spirit. The collection, inspired by Scandinavian folklore and traditional handicrafts, includes items like table linen, tree ornaments, gift bags, and wrapping paper. The wrapping paper, for instance, features horses, fire trees, and red apples, a nod to IKEA’s Swedish roots, infusing traditional Swedish folk art with a modern twist.

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A calendar that looks AND tastes great!

For the uninitiated, Advent Calendars aren’t your standard calendars. Rather than chronicling the 365 days into 12 months, Advent Calendars have just one simple purpose – to count down the days till Christmas. The calendar became somewhat of a tradition in the 1850s, with 24 different flaps that had Bible verses that you’d read every day up until Christmas Day on the 25th of December. In modern times, the calendar has become more of a gifting ritual, with brands creating tiny calendars with products/gifts for each day. This year, the folks at Onyx Coffee Lab decided to make a calendar that quite literally gets you ‘charged up’ for Christmas. The 2023 Coffee Advent Calendar comes in a gorgeous box that opens up to reveal an entire spread of coffee. The box itself is decorated beautifully with gold foil, and creates a wonderful fanned presentation of coffee sachets when opened. I imagine once you’re done drinking all that coffee, it would make for an incredible book or magazine holder!

Designer: Onyx Coffee Lab

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Featuring 24 days of coffee, the calendar explores various origins, blends, and processing methods, allowing you to experience a veritable tapestry of coffee flavors leading up to Christmas. It’s a perfect way to explore the world through a single cup before deciding on what coffee you want to try more of in the next year!

While Onyx delights practically every year with its gorgeous advent calendars, this year’s packaging exudes elegance and is designed to leave a lasting impression. The box’s exterior is adorned with stunning seasonal illustrations, enhanced with gold foil treatments. Upon opening the box, you’ll discover an accordion-style collection box revealing 24 individually wrapped bags of coffee. Each bag is marked from Day 1 to Day 24, guiding you on a daily journey of coffee discovery. A beautifully designed information card is also included, providing details about each coffee, adding to the overall unique coffee experience.

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In a world grappling with the environmental repercussions of excessive plastic use, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more pressing. Packaging waste, predominantly composed of plastic, poses a significant threat to our ecosystems. As we seek innovative solutions for a healthier planet, Philippine creative agency BBDO Guerrero has taken a bold step by sculpting vibrant shampoo bars into Dissolving Bottles, presenting an ingenious solution to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution.

Designer: BBDO Guerrero

The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just a practical alternative; they are a symbol of commitment to a sustainable and plastic-free future. The concept is simple yet revolutionary – as users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it gradually diminishes in size until it disappears, leaving no trace behind. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional toiletry containers, offering a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.

Introduced in 2021, the Dissolving Bottle has recently expanded its reach to several countries in Europe through a partnership with LUORO GmbH, a Cologne-based e-commerce company. The bottle-shaped shampoo bars, distributed under LUORO’s Plain B brand, are not just a visual marvel but also carry a powerful message. By adopting the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, BBDO Guerrero aims to make the transition from plastic bottles to shampoo bars seamless for users.

David Guerrero, Creative Chairman at BBDO Guerrero, emphasizes that the Dissolving Bottle was conceptualized as a response to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. The personal care industry, a major contributor to environmental issues, produces over 500 billion single-use plastic items annually. To address this problem, BBDO Guerrero chose a design that not only promotes sustainability but also incorporates witty slogans on the shampoo bars, such as ‘Recedes quicker than your hair,’ ‘vanishes into thin air,’ ‘leaves nothing behind,’ and ‘guaranteed not to last,’ serving as comical reminders of the benefits of choosing plastic-free alternatives.

While the environmental impact of Dissolving Bottle Shampoo Bars is undeniably positive, questions arise regarding their commercial viability. The entire bottle serving as solidified shampoo requires careful handling, as exposure to water could initiate premature dissolution. To address this logistical concern, there might be a need to explore alternative packaging materials which will be interesting to learn.

Moreover, the shift from traditional soaps to liquid body washes, driven by ease of use and convenience, poses a challenge for the widespread adoption of solid shampoo bars. The need to incorporate essential information typically printed on packaging into the Dissolving Bottle’s design further adds a layer of complexity.

Marketing strategies play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, and the strategies employed by BBDO Guerrero are commendable and hold the potential to capture consumer attention. Offering an intriguing narrative that aligns with environmental consciousness.

As these Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars make their way into the European market, priced at a reasonable starting point of 5.99 EUR, it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace this innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. The success of such eco-friendly initiatives depends not only on their environmental benefits but also on their ability to cater to the evolving preferences and habits of consumers. The Dissolving Bottle represents a commendable step towards a more sustainable future, and its journey in the consumer market will undoubtedly be closely watched.

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In the grand scheme of global design, it’s easy to take the basics for granted. Why bother redesigning a tissue box when we’ve got more pressing issues like solving the Climate Crisis, or going to Mars, right?! The case that needs to be made, however, is to look at the small problems with equal intensity as the larger ones. A problem ignored is a problem persisted, and with enough time, it really becomes a part of our life in general. Take for instance the humble tissue box. Outwardly, it’s a pretty simple product – a box with a cutout that you can dip your hands into to reach for tissues. Dig a little deeper and you realize that it isn’t perfect. The box’s inherent design makes it rather flimsy, and when you get to the bottom of the box, reaching for the last few tissues can involve some mildly frustrating deep digging… to say the least.

Designed by studio CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly (South Korea’s joint-venture in charge of the brand Kleenex), this reimagined tissue box has a unique feature that allows it to overcome its past problems. When full, the box holds its shape really well (thanks to the tissues inside giving it volume), but as and when you reach the bottom, the box can be pushed into a new arched/curved structure that makes it much more stable, while reducing the the box’s overall height at the mid-section. This makes it easier to reach the bottom of the box without having the entire structure collapsing on you. The new box design is elegant, clever, and eco-friendly too, with the use of bamboo recycled paper in its construction. Moreover, it uses no ink (helping save cost while enhance recyclability) but rather comes with a simple Kleenex logo embossed on the side. The box is easy to use from start to finish, and once done, can easily be recycled or composted without any material impact on the environment.

The redesigned Kleenex Facial Tissue Box is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

Designer: CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly, South Korea

The post Redesigned Kleenex Tissue Box is Stronger, and makes it Easier to Reach the Last Few Tissues first appeared on Yanko Design.

In today’s world, where sustainability is at the forefront of consumer consciousness, innovative solutions that challenge the status quo are celebrated. One such groundbreaking product is Refresh, a sustainable and refillable deodorant that redefines personal care standards while making a significant impact on environmental conservation.

Designer: Elanur Aslan

Refresh takes sustainability to new heights by upcycling waste plastics to create its packaging. This ingenious approach breathes new life into discarded materials, giving them a renewed purpose and diverting them from landfills. By doing so, Refresh not only reduces the burden on our environment but also sets a precedent for responsible consumption and production.

One of the standout features of Refresh is its refillable design. The inner chamber of the deodorant is easily replaceable, allowing users to extend the life of the packaging. This simple yet effective innovation curtails the need for new plastic manufacturing, which is a significant contributor to plastic waste in our oceans and landfills. By embracing this refillable concept, Refresh encourages consumers to be part of the solution to the plastic pollution problem.

The ergonomic design of Refresh ensures effortless application, making it a user-friendly choice for those seeking a sustainable alternative to conventional deodorants. Beyond functionality, Refresh’s departure from traditional deodorant packaging exemplifies a commitment to forward-thinking sustainability. It sets a new standard for personal care products, emphasizing that sustainability should be a cornerstone of our daily routines.

In a world where sustainability is a shared responsibility, Refresh is a beacon of hope. By diverting plastics from landfills, this innovative product conserves valuable resources and reduces energy consumption. It embodies the principles of a circular economy, where materials are repurposed and given a new lease on life. Recycling waste plastics through high-pressure compression not only lessens the harm to our environment but also reduces the demand for new plastic production, ultimately reducing our carbon footprint.

Refresh encourages us to reshape today for a sustainable tomorrow. By choosing to refill and reuse, we contribute to a cleaner and more responsible future. The availability of deodorant refills ensures that the product remains effective for the long term while promoting responsible consumer behaviour.

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However, Refresh is not just about sustainability; it’s also about aesthetics and functionality. Its sleek lines, innovative use of recycled materials, and ergonomic shape come together to create a harmonious blend of form and function. When you choose Refresh, you’re not only making a statement about your commitment to the environment, but you’re also embracing a product that aligns with your discerning sense of style.

In conclusion, Refresh is a game-changer in the personal care industry. It sets a new standard for sustainability by upcycling waste plastics, promoting refill and reuse, and offering a product that combines aesthetics and functionality. By choosing Refresh, you’re not only making a responsible choice for today but also investing in a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s a reminder that sustainability should be at the heart of every product we use and every choice we make.

yanko design images to size – upcycled_deo_sustainable_05

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In today’s consumer-oriented market, packaging plays a vital role in capturing attention, conveying brand messages, and standing out from the competition. However, the issue of waste generated by packaging disposal has become a growing concern. To address this, the Earthmade Aromabox presents a remarkable solution—a home-compostable, eco-friendly packaging design that revolutionizes the coffee industry’s approach to sustainability.

Packaging is an integral part of the consumer experience, but its disposal is often overlooked. In a world of diverse packaging options, evaluating the best kind involves considering its sustainability and value even after it is discarded. Earthmade Aromabox sets a new standard by offering a packaging solution that is not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious.

Designer: Alex Philpott (Beta Design Office)

The Aromabox is a coffee packaging solution designed for beans and grounds, crafted using Bamboo-O which is an eco-friendly material made from bamboo fiber and plant starch. Unlike conventional packaging, it contains zero plastic and is entirely natural. After years of research and development, Bamboo-O was created, leveraging the flexibility of starch and the strength of bamboo. This material mimics the rigidity of plastic while being completely home-compostable.

Earthmade had a brilliant idea to shake things up in the coffee packaging world, so they teamed up with Beta. They wanted to give roasteries and retailers a better option than those pesky PLA-lined paper and plastic bags. And guess what? Beta was totally on board with its vision of “natural circulation.” They wanted to create coffee packaging that not only made people happy when they used it but also got them all hyped up about being eco-friendly. Because let’s face it, convenience is important, but so is saving the planet.

Through multiple iterations, Beta refined the Aromabox design based on market research and feasibility testing. The resulting design fulfills the essential function of coffee packaging—preserving the freshness of the coffee—while adhering to Earthmade’s commitment to sustainability.

Earthmade offers the Aromabox with two different lid styles: push-fit and screw-top. The packaging features an integrated cork layer, ensuring tight and secure sealing, while its vertical tessellation when empty enables roasteries to save space and transportation costs.

The Aromabox has a degassing valve on the underside. This little valve is a game-changer when it comes to preserving the flavor, aroma, and texture of your coffee. It lets the carbon dioxide escape without letting any air sneak in. It means you get to enjoy a top-notch coffee experience every single time. No stale flavors or weird smells here. Just pure, delicious coffee goodness.

Designed to return to the earth at the end of its life cycle, the Aromabox encourages consumers to reuse the packaging. In ideal conditions, Bamboo-O breaks down within approximately six months. However, in a dry environment, it can last up to five years. The Aromabox is fully dishwasher safe and rated to withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, making it versatile for various purposes.

The Aromabox is not just your average packaging—it’s packaging with a mission. It wants to go back to where it came from the earth. When it’s done serving its coffee storage duties, it’s all about reusability. They encourage you to give it a second life by reusing it as an aesthetic pot for plants. In ideal condition, this Bamboo-O breaks down in around six months if composted. However, even in a dry environment, it can last up to five years! Talk about durability.

Earthmade’s branding and color palette reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Earthy tones and organic tactility are carefully chosen, representing the natural environment and the circular lifecycle of the Aromabox and its contents. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the packaging aligns with Earthmade’s vision for a more sustainable future.

The Earthmade Aromabox sets a new benchmark for sustainable packaging in the coffee industry. Its home-compostable, eco-friendly design addresses the environmental challenges associated with conventional packaging. Through innovative materials, functional features, and a commitment to reusability, Earthmade, and Beta have created a packaging solution that not only preserves the freshness and flavor of coffee but also fosters a deeper connection between consumers

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