Packaging with Purpose
PROJECT BRIEF
Created by Redress
Packaging with Purpose: Engaging with Consumers and Brand Values
Image credit: Redress Design Award
A NOTE TO EDUCATORS
We suggest, as an introduction to this project brief, that your students review the topic ‘A GARMENT LIFE CYCLE’ for a deeper understanding of designing for longevity.
This project brief was inspired by a Redress Design Award challenge with Delta Global, a packaging company whose mission is to deliver less packaging to their clients. The insight and perspective from other sectors of the fashion industry are important reminders to fashion designers of the influence of design across the life cycle for a garment.
For more insight into the above mentioned challenge, watch the video here.
In this activity, you are provided with the objective, brief, and outcomes. As it is a packaging project to enhance the connection of a sustainable brand, it is advised to have an existing upcycled or reconstructed garment from a specific brand to use as the subject of this packaging activity. The brief can be adapted by having students do it individually or in groups. We also love the opportunity for collaboration across other departments. Having marketing, business, or product development students join the team, as in the Redress Design Award challenge, can better reflect the design team that real industry practices need to drive circular systems. You can also add additional assessment criteria depending on your course requirements.
We advise that you have a feedback round at the end of the activity to reflect on ideas and review on learnings with one another.
WHAT TO PREPARE
TIME:
1–2 hours of research
An important element for this activity is aligning with a brand’s values and DNA. This research can be done on a separate day so long as students come prepared with which brand they will align with for the packaging activity.
4 hours for the activity itself
5 mins for presentation per individual/team
Each individual/team will have up to 5 minutes to pitch to the class, or a curated group of teachers or other ‘judges’ you may want to arrange. Each team must decide who from their team will present and how to use the 5 minutes most efficiently. It is encouraged to have allocated time (5–10 mins) for ‘judges’ questions’ to ask any of the team to answer.
TOOLS:
1 UPCYCLED OR RECONSTRUCTED GARMENT per team
We suggest asking your students to research and identify what makes good low impact materials for packaging. For the prototype, we suggest providing a variety of materials:
Corrugated sheets
Paper handles
Paper cord
Card / Board (white & brown)
Paper
Packing materials
Selection of ribbon
Tissue paper
Pens, markers, pencils
Paper
Scissors / cutters
Measuring tape
Glue / tape
Needle & thread
Image credit: Redress Design Award
OBJECTIVE
To consider and understand how to enhance consumer engagement with brand values. As part of Redress’ ‘REUSE’ circular strategy, it is important for designers to align their values and engage with consumers so that they may love their clothing for longer.
BRIEF
Students are challenged to design an e-commerce packaging prototype for a brand you have researched, using an existing upcycled or reconstructed garment. The packaging should reflect the REUSE circular strategy with a focus on longevity, to encourage the end consumer to wear and care for their clothing for longer.
Image credit: Redress
Working as individuals or teams, your prototype design will consider the following:
Product performance: Consider the durability and stress points of the packaging and construction, as well as how it will protect the clothing during transportation.
Consumer engagement: Reflect the brand DNA with a unique storytelling opportunity to connect and excite your customer in their ‘unboxing’ experience. How might your packaging influence consumers to keep the garment in use, and in love, for longer?
Circular System: Design for longevity and consider REUSE as well as end-of-life solutions for your packaging.
OUTCOME
Your packaging prototype will have the ability to safely contain your garment, and will be designed to enhance consumer longevity.
The prototype must use at least one low impact packaging material
There is no minimum or maximum size for the packaging solution. However, teams must consider warehousing and global logistics to send to the end consumer.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS
Delta Global is a packaging company headquartered in the United Kingdom, with office locations in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Their mission is to create less packaging for more brands through their four key pillars: luxury, sustainability, e-commerce and innovation. Delta Global partnered with the Redress Design Award for packaging challenges in 2023 and 2024 to educate Redress Design Award Finalists to solve a particular business challenge and foster collaboration.
Image credit: Delta Global Founder and COO, Robert Lockyer
Find out more about how Delta Global are disrupting the packaging industry by visiting their website and downloading their reports.
Find out more about the Redress Design Award 2024 Finalists and how your students can design for low waste through upcycling or reconstruction techniques:
Image credit: Redress