COMPOSTABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY, STACKABLE STRAWBERRY PACKAGING
OISHII
OISHII
THE BRIEF:
Oishii Berry produces vertically farmed, hyper-local, non GMO luxury strawberries. Originally only mail order, they have expanded to retail and can be found in retailers like Whole Foods Market.
The client wanted to replace their vacuum-formed PET packaging (shown here) with something more sustainable, and develop a truly bio-degradable/compostable packaging that could be configured to hold different quantities of berries; a design that would also protect the berries, allow stacking and transport, and provide better visibility in a retail environment.
EXISTING PACKAGING:
Existing packaging for Oishii consisted of a two part vacuum-formed PET packaging with a soft film "hammock" heat sealed to the tray to protect the berries. Unfortunately because of this heat sealing and film the lower half of the package could not be recycled. I also found the packages didn't stack well, tending to shift and sllde. Ultimately through market research the client determined that the all-plastic packaging also had a negative connotation to their main customer demographic and identified the need to pivot to something simultaneously sustainable and luxe.
FINAL DESIGN:
After a detailed research phase to determine the best biodegradable and manufacturable materials, I developed a two-part moldeddesign with a removable rigid PET frame heat-fixed to a flexible membrane to protect the berries, with a removable clear PET window to allow store shelf visibility. This design was functionally modular, and could be scaled from a single berry SKU to up to 11 in a single package.
Working with our manufacturing partners I developed a dyed hot-press paper pulp structure that would be extremely rigid and strong with a smooth hard surface that would highlight the brand's luxury status and commitment to sustainability. We also worked to conduct laboratory tests to ensure that the pulp structure met industrial composting and biodegradability standards. Throughout the process I provided highly realistic 3D renderings as well as simple animations to help the client understand every aspect of each design round and support decision making.
