TheDieline.com: The Leading Package Design Blog

Origins Organics

The Green trend is starting to look less like a trend, and more like a permanent segment to the retail shelf that is here to stay.

Origins has launched a certified organic line:

The line is organic, but I am not sure about the PCR content. It's standard looking packaging with several airless pumps and PET (looks like) plastic bottles. If it is not a PCR pack, it would be a shame to see all this work on organic formulations going into standard containers with so many eco-friendly bottles hitting the market.

The first full line of prestige skin, body and hair care products to be certified under the consistently stringent standards of the USDA National Organic Program. (taken from the site)

Isabella Smith

Isabella Smith Apothecary is a Danish company devoted to creating and marketing biodegradable cleaning products and toiletries that are safe both for the environment and the people who use them.

Several pics after the jump!

KOR One water vessel

Resulting from one man's frustration with reusable water bottles, this is a solution that may curb nonchalant water purchases while on the go. Water is obviously something that people need (as opposed to merely want) to consume, and out of the home, the ubiquitous bottles pile up in the trash cans on the streets. The other choice is the Nalgene, but I have always dismissed these as a clunky, ugly solution.

In steps KOR, with a considered, well-designed solution. KOR realized that although people are willing to use a reusable bottle, they are more likely to do so if it doesn't look like hell (hello Nalgene). On top of this, functionality in the bottle is key; you can drink with one hand due to the hinged snap cap, it has a wide mouth so that you can put in ice cubes and refill it easily and the oval shape fits perfectly in the hand. There's also a good balance between branding and letting the structure of the package shine.

KOR used Eastman (who also did Y Water and POM Wonderful) and the structure was designed by RKS Design.

conceptual...

Well, its been seen before, many times, but FLow market seem to have pushed the boat out with this hardly designed minimalist version, packaging that makes a point about consumersism, hmm....haven't heard that one before... You can even buy them online! It's art, yeah.

Method's Quilted Packaging Design Unifies Line

San Francisco-based Method's new natural personal care collection features packaging that gives the line its own unique identity. 

The collection consists of three products: body wash, creamy hand wash and a body bar.

The collection's hand and body wash are packaged in #2 HDPE plastic bottles which feature a quilted pattern design. The square quilted pattern is also present in the body bar.

The quilted design holds the line together visually making it easily identifiable on store shelves and in consumers minds. 

The packaging was designed in-house by Method's own design team.

“The quilted look for the natural moisturizing personal care line is designed to connote the soft moisturizing formula within the bottles,” said Method's Rachel Goldberg.

“The designer also considered the existing décor of bathrooms, which are usually tiled. They were designed to be decorative but in a subtle, sophisticated way.”

The hand wash packaging is square and features an easily removable label allowing consumers to have the packaging blend in with their own home environment

Method's Director of Marketing, Katie Molinari said the removable label was purposely incorporated into the creamy hand wash packaging. “We don't believe that a logo needs to, or should be, a prominent feature in a home care product,” said Molinari.

“We design our products for the home and treat them as accessories to compliment someone's personal style. We hope people will recognize Method products by their unique design rather than a logo or label.”

When the label is removed the packaging is only distinguishable as a Method product by an embossed “m” on the side of the bottle.

Molinari added the body wash packaging is made from 25% recycled HDPE plastic.

We were unable to obtain information from Method on who is producing the packaging.  A previous incarnation of Method's body wash was produced by Amcor.

Sustainable is Good

Method Kids & Baby

They've done it again. We all love Method products. They do green and they do it well, making their products a stylish addition to our homes. Now they've launched a kids line and a baby line. Seriously, could it be any cuter?

Aura

 

Benjamin Moore recently launched a new premium line of paint called Aura. It's an innovative new paint that was the culmination of years of research and collaboration between Benjamin Moore and it's consumers. The color palette (called Affinity) is sophisticated and designed to work together. The paint uses a new ColorLock™ System that allows for better coverage and durability. AND, the part we all love, Aura is eco-friendly... It is VOC (volatile organic compound) compliant and apparently releases 1/3 as much VOCs as regular paint does (Forbes).

Beyond all the great benefits of the paint itself, the packaging is stunning. Finally we have a paint container that is as inspirational as the project we're buying it for. The packaging is obviously premium, and highlights the colors and the quality of the paint itself. I love the subtle use of the paint stroke as a flower petal.

Edit: The packaging was created by Carmichael Lynch Thorburn, Minneapolis. Thanks for the note, Patrick.

Jordans Organic Muesli

UK-based Jordans Cereals recently launched new packaging that has the distinction of being the first completely bio-based cereal packaging.

The new packaging is made from two films, a cellulose film from Innovia and a cornstarch-based film from Novamont.   The bag was produced by Alcan in Dublin. 

The bag features graphic design centered around the concept of wholesome grains and its use of colors is important to the success of the design.

The new design was recognized last month at the 20th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation.

Sustainable is Good

Sennheiser Eco-Friendly Packaging

From Design Muse: "In honor of earth day I have been looking around for eco friendly packaging. I came upon this packaging for Sennheiser CX 300 ear phones. The packaging is made from cardboard and is 100% recyclable - no nasty plastic clam shell to clog up land fills."

Toys "R" Us

Packaging for the new line of eco-friendly toys from Toys R Us represents a focus from the toy retailer on providing more responsible toy options for consumers.  The new packaging creates a unique brand identity for the wooden toys and other products in the line.

The toys come packaged in earth-tone colored boxes that bear a special "R" seal. This seal consists of a green version of the iconic Toys"R"Us reversed "R" logo with a green leaf, encircled by the words "Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think," and signifies for parents that the toys are eco-friendly.

Packaging is made from natural paperboard stock and contains at least 70% recycled content.  It was designed internally by Toys R Us.

Sustainable is Good