In recent years, companies have increasingly focused on developing an appealing packaging design for their products. The use of sustainable materials and integration into a circular economy are at the top of the agenda of a comprehensive and multi-stage design process. Companies and experts advise working with professional designers right from the initial stages. For companies, this is not just about the look of the packaging, but also about the designers' knowledge and experience of suitable packaging materials. The variety of ideas, successful collaborations and new designs, from bed linen to food packaging, can be seen at the special design show in Hall 4.
- 09/23/2024
- Article
- Sustainability
- New Paths
- Design
- Start-ups
Involving Designers Right from the Start as the Key to Success
Innovations, new concepts, products and new packaging designs – the industry is constantly under pressure. But it masters these challenges: suppliers are constantly bringing new designs to the market. In collaboration with bayern design, FACHPACK will be presenting some examples of creativity as part of the special design show “Outside the Box.”
Utilizing Technological Know-how
“As early as possible” is Claudia Rivinius', Marketing Director of the STI Group, advice for starting cooperation with designers. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the early design phase is crucial when it comes to sustainability, as 80 percent of the environmental impact is determined during this period. The choice of materials used determines the recyclability of the packaging. The suppliers represented at the special design show have already taken this step. They recommend that their colleagues do the same, as it helps with achieving positive results in terms of sustainability, but also regarding the overall appeal of the products. Alexander Hefele, Managing Director of natural cosmetics manufacturer nkm, suggests that it is worth thinking outside the box and using the technical know-how and in-depth understanding of material use and sustainability of the design experts.
Farewell to the “Trash Bag”
Sustainable packaging for sales was also Max Mödinger's goal, Head of Business Development at Schlafgut, the manufacturer of fitted sheets. “Packaging should reflect the value of our product and not present the fitted sheet in a ‘trash bag’ as before.” Packaging is the first point of contact with the products. And Mödinger is convinced that this first contact should already be just right. He wanted to move away from polybags and decided to work with Munich-based designer Christian Zanzotti. “I deliberately sought to work with him right from the start. It was immediately clear to us that in this case the design was crucial for the right choice of packaging.” As a result, the choice of material was in Zanzotti's hands. He opted for waste and scrap paper and provided the packs with small openings so that customers can touch and feel the products directly after their first contact with the packaging. “The entire communication of the product must match the values to be conveyed.”
Pizza in a Corrugated Box
Barbara Zettel and her husband Jörg Domeste faced a different challenge. The architect and the e-commerce specialist did not want to develop new packaging for an existing product. Triggered by the disposable packaging that was often seen during the coronavirus pandemic, they developed ideas for reusable pizza boxes. A short time later, they contacted Gerhard Reichert, a professor of product design. An interdisciplinary team consisting of an energy consultant, a restaurateur, an IT expert, and a marketing specialist was formed. Together, they designed sustainable and alternative packaging materials. The result was cardboard boxes with corrugated structures on the undersides and lids. The waves ensure a low material thickness, under the pizza bases they keep the pizzas fresh and crispy, the steam collects in the ripples on the lids and can then escape through air slits. The boxes are made exclusively from heat-resistant and durable polypropylene and are laser-marked.