lite2go No Packaging Required

Lite2go is an all in one lighting solution where the packaging becomes the product. An energy efficient light bulb and an electric cord are included, allowing you to setup straight from the shelf to light your home.

The design is a components are either biodegradable or recyclable. No adhesives or extra packaging is utilized so the lamp is non toxic. The light bulb included with the package is a compact, fluorescent bulb that uses less energy and lasts longer than a comparable incandescent light bulb.

Change what you got

packaging for Re-use is a product that recycles the cardboard your laptop arrives in by changing it into a protective carrying sleeve. Assembly is easy, and all necessary materials are included in the original packaging. The cardboard casing is treated with natural wax to protect it from spills, and instead of the usual polystyrene foam , Packaging for Re-Use utilizes sheep’s wool felt which can be recycled and composted. All it takes is a few simple cuts, folds, and glue to make the transformation. Check out the other pics to see how it works. From the portfolio of Eoin McNally in Dublin, Ireland.

The Power of The Bottle – Powerful Design

Packaging has power — enormous power — over what we buy. The fashions we wear express who we are. Packaging does that for products. We identify with a product because it does for us what we wish it to do. As any brand manager will tell, we buy the “brand promise” and the package carries a lot of that promise

“No House” Wine is a new South African wine brand created specifically to benefit the Dutch foundation: HomePlan. A percentage of the profits go to build homes for South African AIDS orphans. The wine is a huge success in the Netherlands and has already raised enough money to build 10 houses.

Beyond the good cause, the packaging design (by Edwin Vollebergh of Studio Boot) has won international awards including: New York Festivals, Art Directors Club Netherlands, and Epica.

When asked about the design, Edwin said that they are meant to look handmade and rough. The materials chosen are common and inexpensive, therefore keeping the cost as low as possible so more money can be donated to the cause.

Apple iLife 09 Packaging Design

Mac|Life Magazine is running an interesting piece on packaging design ideas for Apple iLife 09.  Three designers not connected with Apple were asked to present ideas for the packaging design.  The three different designs represent an fascinating view of the wide range of approaches/functionality packaging can provide a product.
Apple is known for its modern minimal packaging design so it will be interesting to see their design for this product.

ROBIN DICK: Mac|Life Art Director
We’re going to call this one the “luxe model.” Robin’s case-within-a-case design doesn’t skimp on material, but nonetheless aims for a certain functionality in service of aesthetics. The recycled cardboard shell whispers environmental sympathies, while the colorful, action-packed belly band communicates all that iLife stands for. “It’s a simple, sleek, modern way of giving the consumer a permanent disc case, while duplicating the experience of opening a gift,” Robin says. “The contrast in materials adds a splash of color and vibrancy that attracts the eye.”

KATORI DHOJI: Freelance Designer, Unified Design Labs
“This study reverses the trend toward excessive paper and plastic,” Katori says. “Slim it down, make it more eco-friendly.” Her low-profile wonder uses biodegradable plastic, paper, and recyclable rivets, giving iLife ’09 a negligible carbon footprint (all user documentation is stored on the disc itself). Just grab your disc off the Apple Store display – like grabbing a pack of batteries at a drugstore – and off you go. “Most people get their disc home, slip it into their computer, and never deal with the box again. This package recognizes, and runs with, that reality.”