Iron Packaging Design · 2016
Twin Lotus Herbaliste Eco-friendly Pack Dental Floss Packaging
- A' Design Award 2016 Iron Winner in Packaging Design
- Awarded April 15, 2016
- CLIENT: Twin Lotus
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 25,170
- Verification code 12D8C6CF17 · Verify this award
About Twin Lotus Herbaliste Eco-friendly Pack Dental Floss Packaging
Originally the project started with an ordinary dental floss plastic packaging design when the team realized how much waste this segment created and started to rethink their approach. The idea was to create an eco-friendly packaging that could be reused by refilling the filament. Yet, this only made sense if people were able and willing to keep the box for a longer period of time. The aim was to design a Zippo-like experience, a Design that worked well, looked great and could go everywhere, turning an environment-friendly idea into a loved accessory.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The purpose of the packaging project was to rethink the use and plastic waste of Dental Floss packaging. Our packaging design is made from long lasting tin plated steel which is formed into an icy fresh box that accepts dental floss refills. We placed an augmenting mirror inside the lid for quick check-ups. Our design can be easily carried around during the day and also allows for quick conversation and habitual user interaction.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 59,6mm x Length 46,6mm x Height 22mm
- Tags
- Green Design, FMCG Packaging, Herbaliste, Eco-friendly
- Production Technology
- Tin plated steel is very versatile and flexible to work with, allowing you to emboss all sorts of artwork and color them in various tones. It has an iconic heritage of shear endless box designs. We designed the crystal ice look as a contemporary form inspired by the fresh mint of the dental floss. It was perfectly fitted to the production requirements and yet completely new to the range of samples from our vendor. In our case both top and bottom of the box are drawn out. The ice crystals and box are formed at the same time in one process.
- Design Challenge
- After realizing the waste argument the studio was most worried about getting our client on board. We felt very dedicated to our discovery and saw a real opportunity to bring some change. Fortunately the client saw eye to eye, partially because our approach made sense but mostly because the awareness for green Design in our client’s market was changing for the better. The hardest part of the project was to convince our client to convert to a greener packaging choice and abandon the commercial look for a cleaner, toned down design using recycled paper and single tone soy ink. Finally we arrived at both an eco-friendly case albeit not the green packaging concept.
- Project Duration
- The Design process took us about 3 months from ideation to final data. Designing started roughly around early winter 2014. Manufacturing took another 3 months for complete realization. Product is currently being prepped for launch.
- Operation Flow
- Our Design needed to win the affection of our users if it was to be used and kept for a longer period of time. Ideally we aimed to 'Zippo' our case so that users would interact with the Design as a habit. We aimed at designing a conversation and encouraging natural user interaction. More importantly refilling works effortlessly with the finger lift off design and checking for floss remainder is quick through the built-in gauge, a feature that many floss packaging omit.
- Research
- There was no official research inquiry for our project. All insight was gathered by the local Designer pool and the studio members. The waste argument was discovered by in-house brain storming of previous plastic based packaging, a practice we hold in our studio to find possible improvements of conceptual Designs. The winning Design was hand-picked by the client.
- Inspiration
- Originally we were designing a plastic packaging for our client's dental floss when we realized how much waste this segment created and started to rethink our approach. Our idea was to create a packaging that could be reused by refilling the filament. Yet, this only made sense if people were able and willing to keep this box for longer. So we looked at better materials and settled on tin plated steel, the century old choice for candy boxes, perfect for embossing and coloring.
Colors of Twin Lotus Herbaliste Eco-friendly Pack Dental Floss Packaging
Design Interview about Twin Lotus Herbaliste Eco-friendly Pack Dental Floss Packaging
Twin Lotus asked us to design a new dental floss plastic container. After the first round of concepts our team realized the waste that this product created and decided to change the brief and create a case that could be used over a longer period of time.
We aimed to create a Design that people would love and would want to keep making a "green" Design by choice. So we needed to focus on making a product that users would be addicted to by habit and finger boredom. First thing that comes to mind is the Zippo which became our reference.
If there's something that is wrong with this Design it's its packaging which was locked down by a wrong brief and forced by a pushing deadline. So we will redesign the Herbaliste brand and package to make it right this year.
Due to the complexity of the upper surface and the internal fitting of the components the final Design nearly required 2 months with another 5 months engineering development.
We were commissioned to create this Design as part of our ongoing retainer contract with our client.
Our Design is sold under the Twin Lotus Herbaliste brand.
Since we're an Industrial Design Studio we're capable of working in multiple industries and enjoy the chance to do so, too. We use our expertise to the best no matter what work we are facing.
At that time we were inspired the Polygonal trend.
Herbaliste is a brand for young professionals that prefer natural goodness over chemical efficiency.
In comparison to other Dental Floss packaging this is a keeper!
The Herbaliste brand conveys passion for herbal and natural ingredients.
We used 3D software to create the concept visualization and engineering data. We also 3D printed the design to check for fitting and overall aesthetics.
The Polygon ice landscape pays homage to the cooling effect of the Dental Floss and also creates a nice talking point when put on a table. We also like the built-in mirror to check your teeth after flossing.
After the finalization of the Design we worked with a Chinese Vendor that specialized in candy boxes and all sort of tin boxes to help realize this product. They were very helpful in creating the product we have today.
Technology didn't influence the Design.
Creating a right fitting of the internal components was a tricky job and also the intuitive refilling of the filament. We needed multiple prototype to get the right density and feeling for the internal liner.
I've started competing in the A Design competition since last year winning three awards. I intend to compete at least with one entry every year to build the studio's reputation but also increase Thailand's Design Ranking.
I always push myself and the people we work with to reach for the best. It is the key to creating something great and the key of never getting comfortable so that your mind always stays sharp and hungry.
I think my brain's already blown by all the above questions!