It always marks a special day when colleagues from the beauty industry volunteer their time to enlighten students. On February 28th, 2023, Pratt's packaging students were given an exclusive learning opportunity from seasoned industry professionals. They generously shared their insights, focusing on sustainable packaging, turnkey design development, and prototyping.
Interacting with the graduate students from Pratt Institute's Master of Science packaging program, experts from Batallure Beauty and Apogee Development navigated a range of topics, from the nuances of packaging development and the significance of collaboration to the principles of sustainable package design, effectively illuminating the sophisticated realities of the industry.
- Rob Lynch, founder of Apogee Development (above, top left)
- Jessica Kolb, executive director of operations at Apogee Development (above, bottom left)
- Heidi Hubert, vice president of package development and engineering at Batallure Beauty (above, top right)
- Bina Brianca, vice president of marketing at Batallure Beauty (above, bottom right)
An Insightful Presentation for Pratt's Packaging Students
Apogee Development and Batallure Beauty executives emphasized three key components of the package development process and the packaging industry:
- Creativity
- Storytelling
- Collaboration
Here are some of the most memorable insights from the insightful presentation.
The Turnkey Process: Evaluating Methods and Materials
The packaging development process includes evaluating methods, selecting materials, considering sustainability and cost, and incorporating storytelling into product design. Sustainable packaging requires analyzing the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal.
Apogee Development and Batallure Beauty professionals highlighted the importance of using 3D printing and technical drawings to create models and finalize designs.Best Practices: Lower Environmental Impact and Collaboration
Prioritizing materials with a lower environmental impact and designing packaging to be refillable or reusable are essential best practices.
Collaboration and communication between designers, manufacturers, and consumers play a significant role in packaging design.Overcoming Technical Challenges: Lightweight Caps and Compatibility Issues
Packaging designers face technical challenges, such as creating lightweight metal-looking caps and addressing compatibility issues between materials.Innovative techniques like using ZAMAC (a cast metal) for the cap frame, vacuum metallization processes, and over-spraying the cap with gold can help overcome these challenges.
The Art of Glassmaking: Unique Challenges and Considerations
Glassmaking presents unique challenges and considerations in the packaging design process, requiring designers to consider factors like glass thickness, parting lines, and shaping during solidification.Case Study: Sam Edelman's Shoe Line Cap
A case study of the cap designed for Sam Edelman's shoe line demonstrates the technical beauty of a visually simple yet architecturally complex packaging component.Innovative Techniques: Hydrography and Material Exploration
Exploring different materials and processes, such as hydrography and mycelium through a 3D printer, using sugarcane and bamboo, and investigating regenerative processes for products like shoes, is essential for sustainable packaging design.Emphasizing Collaboration and Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork
Collaboration and cross-disciplinary teamwork play a significant role in the design process, as designers must work with engineers, manufacturers, and other experts to develop packaging.The Power of Storytelling in Product Design
Storytelling plays a critical role in creating a compelling product, as the emotional aspect of a product is essential for consumers.Balancing Sustainability, Quality, and Cost
Factors to consider in the packaging development process include feasibility, sustainability, cost- effectiveness, and launch time. Sustainability, quality, and cost must be part of the process from the beginning and cannot be added at the end.Case Study: Henry Rose's Sustainable Packaging
Michelle Pfeiffer's fragrance brand, Henry Rose, serves as an example of a company that invested in sustainable packaging despite higher costs and gained recognition and interest from other companies.The Role of Industry Organizations in Promoting Sustainability
Industry organizations, such as the Association for Plastic Recyclers, are critical in setting guidelines and standards for sustainable manufacturing and disposal practices.The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Opportunities & Challenges Ahead
As the packaging industry continues to evolve, sustainable packaging remains a critical area of focus. Companies like Apogee Development and Batallure Beauty have shown that creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable packaging through collaboration, innovation, and storytelling is possible.There are still many opportunities and challenges ahead, especially during the packaging development process, which is essential for a brand's success. By prioritizing sustainability and keeping up with industry developments, packaging professionals can create innovative, eco-friendly designs that cater to consumers' evolving needs and preferences.
Jeannie Joshi
