GDES3003: Final Edward Bulmer PoP Working Prototype Submissions - Wed PM Students - Jan 2014.

Here are reference images taken of the final weds pm group's working prototype Green Design work for the Edward Bulmer PoP Sustainable Packaging Project. Each person should have one or more reference images as well as a summary paragraph (if sent to me via e-mail).

Student comment: "The (Green Design) module was thoroughly enjoyed and it is safe to say that a new interest into green and sustainable design will be taken away with it."

Student comment: "... I have really engaged with GDES3003 (Greeen Design), it has made me more aware of my impact on the surrounding environment as I was naïve before the course of the module. I found the visit to the Centre For Alternative Technology particularly insightful… it is beyond me why companies aren’t doing everything they can to bring a more sustainable approach into their businesses."

Student Comment: "I feel that this has been a big learning experience for me. As a designer I have looked into something that I believe will be highly beneficial in the years to come… Looking into what companies are currently doing to help the environment has filled me with belief that its not all about profits, its also about the customers and the world."

BANES, Alex 

The main packaging container will be made from Ecovative’s Mushroom packaging - a high performance, cost effective biodegradable material that can be grown rather than manufactured (grown from agricultural waste & fungi) The inside of this packaging will have a thin liner of PLA plastic to contain the paint, this is also biodegradable and uses 65% less energy in production compared with conventional plastic. The mushroom packaging will provide strength and stability whilst the PLA plastic prevents the paint from leaking.

BELIUNAITE, Egle

The designed packaging would consist of an outer shell and an inner pouch, that could be easily disassembled and recycled or composted. The outer shell would be made out of 100% biodegradable or recyclable bamboo fibres, that grow fast and efficient. The latter would hold the inner pouch that would consist of bioplastic or #4LDPE plastic, that produces low volume waste, where the paint would be filled. The pouch would have an integrated cap on it, wide enough to easily manage the paint (however not wide enough to easily vaporise), also compatible with standard fillers.

The label would be double – on the front and back, holding information about the company, colour name, range, VOS‘s  and the label itself.  The latter would be printed onto hand-made seeded paper (that offers a second use to plant the label) with ideally 100% biodegradable inks.
Refills: the inner pouch could be refilled, put into the same outer shell and used again. 

The rack would hold the inner pouches by the neck below the cap, as well as giving the background for the product to stand on, this way securing the paint pots during the travel.  Considering that the products would be travelling from Sweden and Germany to the UK, as well as from the UK to the shops,  the rack would hold the pots during the whole journey.

The main idea derived from the issues and problems of currently used materials and evolved to one that would keep the company up to its standards, would use completely sustainable materials, and finally - would offer a perspective for clients to efficiently use up the paint and move on with the packaging depending on their wish. 

Issue	Comment
Appearance	Well considered shape, would look good on a shelf and should stand up well. Handle cut-outs are a very good idea
Materials	Good eco solutions, low impact and low waste. Is formed bamboo fibre readily available?
Filling container with paint	I am concerned that specialist filling equipment would be required to fill this container and a paint shaking machine would not usable making tinting difficult.
Getting the paint out	Removable pouch is a good solution to reduce wasted paint but a paint kettle is always required.
Practicalities	Good re-sealable container. What happens if the pouch is pierced? Re-use is probably unlikely
Transport solution	Neat solution to supporting the containers in transit and for lifting a number of paint containers. would definitely need additional outer packaging to make it durable enough to withstand shipping, but this may provide the opportunity to package another 2 containers in the same outer.
Other	Overall, well thought through approach with good potential.

BRADLEY, Laura 

1. My paint pot design is made form plywood, the box gives it a unique shape and design due to the natural texture of the wood.

Benefits of Using Marine Plywood 

- Waterproof
- Light
- Durable
- Cost effective
- Can come in 6mm thick ­­­­­
- Resistant to splitting and warping
- Can come from FSC certified resource
- Good strength to weight ratio

I also chose this material, as I believe it is more suitable for a secondary use, due to personal observations and experiences, people are more likely to reuse a wooden or cardboard box to a tin. The product being this shape makes the product more diverse for future use, as well as have corners that I think would make it easier to poor. This would also challenge the conventional paint pot design as once you move away from a tin can shaped can you are not restricted in forms of shape or material.

2. The paint pot has many secondary uses. I didn’t want to limit it's application by giving a set secondary use but rather encourage customer to find more practical uses for the container. I would suggest inserting a leaflet into the transport container showing many of the secondary uses that could be achieved with a little imagination, such as a plant pot, bird box, or storage.

3. This is a unique design, which have a unique texture to it, will make the product stand out, and increase customer curiosity with the product, which increase awareness, this is vital.

FORD, Nathan

"Tetra-pack style packaging has been used. Essentially it is three layers, thin layer of plastic, paper, thin layer of plastic, used because it is 100% recyclable and waterproof so good at containing paint. Although there is no real second use to the container it can be used as a paint kettle during usage and it 100% recyclable. This design will be beneficial to Edward Bulmer PoP, as it is easy to fill, looks like a premium paint carton whilst standing out from the standard paint tins and finally it is a good eco friendly packaging solution."

HALL, Amelia 

The design packaging would consist of cylinder paint pots that would fit in an outer basket, that is easy to take apart to recycle or re-use. The outer basket would be made of willow to create a wicker basket, a strong and robust material that is sustainable and fast growing. The wicker basket would have a layer of eco-friendly cellophane, this would stop the paint from leaving the outer transportation packaging if there were to be any spillages. The paint pot would be a cylinder made from plastic; plastic is durable, easy to recycle equaling to be environmentally friendly than metal and has a lasting appearance. The labels would wrap round the paint pots and outer packaging, using tabs to connect the two ends together so that no clue is needed also making it them have easy removal for recycling. The labels would use 100% recycled materials and would be 100% recyclable, using eco-friendly soy ink.

Re-use: the outer basket would be used again by the customer, I have indicated for it to be re-used as a herb garden. However, the customer would not have to use it as a herb garden as there are many other personal reasons to use it as something else, such as a wicker log basket.

Recycle: all the material's used would be 100% recyclable. 

Re-fill: another option 'Pots of Paint' could consider is, that regular customers would swap their empty paints pots for new paint pots when delivered. That way 'Pots of Paint' could refill and re-use the paint pots to be used and delivered again. 

HALL, Sam 

For my pouch idea I have decided to use recycled plastic and for the label, seeded paper printed on using soya based inks. I have decided to use recycled plastic as it will be lighter saving money on fuel costs for transport, the pouches will be able to absorb any impacts while being transported minimizing the risk of breaking and the seeded paper label is the secondary use for the product and since it is printed on using soya based inks it is fully recyclable. This design will be beneficial to PoP because it is not only more environmentally friendly but will also save on oil for fuel and therefore save the company a lot of money.

HANDLEY, Ashley

My concept is based around cutting the carbon footprint of the delivery, also cutting the surface area. Two of the containers will make a cube, the most space saving shape. The decorator will decant from the nozzle of the side of the container then reseal to avoid spillage.

The material I have chosen for my container is tetra-pak, as its lightweight and strong, also it’s easily recycled. I feel this material is ideal for my container as the printing process for the container is very straightforward and easily applied to the material.

The corner protectors will be made from mycelium. These can be put on the compost heap and will degrade.. 

HAYES, Rachel 

1) The materials I felt were appropriate were recycled cardboard, bioplastics (for the nozzle), natural twine for the keen gardener (re-use for the garden). I wanted my packaging design to be 100% recyclable and these were eventually the best materials I found to use.

2) I chose a 'peg box' for customers to possibly keep in the garage. It would essentially be used to hold clothes pegs. Another use for this packaging would be to hold paint brushes.I wanted my product to look premium so I wanted to attract readers from the'House and Garden' magazine with both solutions.

3)I think my packaging would be beneficial to Edward Bulmer POP as it is something different from their current packaging, it has great reusable qualities and looks pretty on the shelf. It's also 100% recyclable.

HEFFERNAN, Andrew

The container consists of two elements, the outer container is made from a thick, ‘poster tube’ style cardboard material, the container is shaped like a kidney bean or misshapen semi-circle. 

The lid to the outer container will be made from a either the same cardboard (with added clips) or bio-plastic and will clip securely to the top of the cardboard tube. Inside the outer container, a pulp mesh bucket will slot pleasantly inside, the bucket is refillable, disposable and bio-degradable, it can be easily removed from the outer cardboard layer and replaced.

KIMBREY, Sarah

The whole concept of my innocent smoothie-like carton is 'less is more'. I found plenty of other products in my research that did not use harmful printing inks because there was no need too. So I decided to have the logo cut out of the carton in order to display the colour of the paint and the identity of Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint. Also, Peter Lawley mentioned that eventually the paint could be purchased from high end DIY stores too - so as a novelty for the small percentage of consumers that buy the paint for themselves the idea is to have the cartons tinted in store then shaken up like a smoothie to reveal the colour.

KNIGHT, Jodie

For my paint containers I chose to use recycled aluminium as it is strong enough to hold the paint and it takes only a tiny amount of energy to manufacture and doesn't diminish in quality. The transportation container is made from recycled plastic as it is easy to get hold of and is better to use than any other plastics and I thought it was the most suitable material due to price and durability.

The second use I decided on for my paint container was a plant pot that the customer can put in the garden and due to its shape it could be used like a hanging basket if attached to a wall. The label would be made from seed paper and would be printed on with veg ink (0-3% VOC levels). Having this label encourages the customer to reuse the container as a plant pot and plant their seed paper in there. The transportation carrier would be sent back to the company for them to re-use.

This design would be beneficial to Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint because it is very similar to the new design they are already using (metal pot with turquoise label and white bucket for transporting) but it takes space-saving into account and environmentally friendly materials and gives the customers a re-use for the pot and with most of the customers living in country homes I think they would like the idea of a unique plant pot for in their gardens.

KOYUM, Shahina 

LITVINOVA, Polina

I decided to use a traditional round metal paint container, reason being is by looking at the competition (Little Greene and Farrow& Ball)both companies use metallic tins to carry their paint. It is very vintage, going back to when painters and decorators used to carry metallic paint pots with no labels.  During the clients meeting it has been mentioned that premium high end paints use metallic pots for an extravagant look.  Based on research I have found that metal is a type of material that consumes a lot of energy to make but if recycled correctly it takes a lot less energy to remould than plastic or glass or paper. In a long run it will pay off. The container is made to be recycled because metal is very strong and durable It can be reused over and over again which makes it sustainable.

MANNING, James 

My approach to this brief was to keep the use of materials to a minimum without compromising packaging durability or aesthetics. I chose to use standard sized recycled aluminium tins for both the water and oil based paints, mainly because of the proven qualities a tin possesses. From research I found this method to be most effective in terms of the customers expectations, while maintaining a minimal environmental impact. Corrugated card was material of choice for transportation packaging. It’s an abundant material that’s available to buy recycled across the globe, environmental impact is low when the material is sourced responsibly and it works well as an absorbent and protective material during transport. 

All materials used in the construction of the box and tin are recyclable or biodegradable. Opposed to a single secondary use I included a leaflet within the box explaining how to recycled or re-use the packaging within the home. I thought this might increase the chances of a sustainable secondary use, opposed to just telling someone the tins could be used as planters.

The designs uphold the companies prestigious image, while offering environmentally friendly solutions to packaging without compromise for other elements of the design. 

MCGOUGH, Sophie 

The materials I used were aluminium and cardboard because they are recyclable, cheap, and easy to get hold of.  The secondary use is a watering can; I felt that this was appropriate because the paint is targeted at retired home owners that enjoy their gardening.  This design will be beneficial for Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint Ltd because you are able to refill the watering can container with paint.  You can reuse the container as a watering can or a plant pot.  Finally everything on the packaging is recyclable; aluminium packaging, cardboard transportation, biodegradable eco-flo, biodegradable string, tags, flyer, and water based inks.

TEALE, George 

My approach to this brief was to keep materials to a minimum in terms of design and transport protection. The idea of a bag in a box is used as this means there is no need for extra protection during transport. If the product is dropped, the bag inside wont split.

The look of the packaging was a key consideration as consumers are more interested in product quality and the brand name rather than its eco credentials. Because of this, I created a product that will stand out on the shelf as well as protect the paint inside.

The materials used are Carton board for the box with a BOPP plastic bag inside. Although the Bag is not recyclable, it could be returned to Edward Bulmer for reuse. As its only a bag it will fit easily in an envelope. The Carton board is very easily recycled and is made from recycled material and not bleached. For transportation a simple cardboard handle with a glue less fastening allows for ease of use, minimal material and a good place for branding. Could be used in store and with couriers. To identify each pack I have designed a label to be stuck on to show colour.

THOMAS, Karla 

1. The  material I have chosen to make my prototype and the outer packaging is PLA-blend bio flex plastic because I wanted to steer away from using metal containers as steel resources are low and aluminium is only good when recycled properly. This type of plastic seems a popular choice for plastic tubs so I though it may work well for this product also.

2. Herb planter herbs are used by pretty much everyone in there every day life wen cooking so it seemed appropriate so they can plant their own herbs or spices rather than polluting the environment by traveling to a store to purchase them.

3. It has a secondary use that I feel would be used by a wide target audience. The shape and design stands out from convention paint tubs on the market in the world of paint tubs. It has Has a solution to keep the tubs secure in transportation  and features to prevent wastage of paint.


VALLANCE, Lizzie 

My paint pots interlock to save as much space and packaging as possible. They are made from 100% bamboo which is an 100% recyclable material and a fast growing timber. The pots have bio plastic inserts which you can recycle, so you can take them out ready to reuse your pot, therefore cleaning out your paint pot for reuse is no longer a worry. The user is encouraged to reuse their paint pots with the use of incentives and competitions which all link in with the eco theme and are outlined in the leaflet I have designed. The transport packaging is made from cardboard and is made to suit the shape of the interlocking packaging to again keep packaging minimal. There are two mushroom packaging inserts that slot on both the top and bottom of the paint pots to keep them secure within the transport packaging. I feel this design will be beneficial to Edward Bulmer as all the materials I have used are cost effective and easy to source whilst being recyclable and good for the environment as well. 

VASEY, Lauren 

Steel is the best choice for material. In the long term, steel has less CO2 emissions and energy conception than aluminium and bio plastics. The ease for recycling and usability also out performs Tetrapak. Recycling steel uses over 80% less energy to produce than from raw materials, therefor the best solution for empty containers is to send back to PoP for reuse (which would also save money) or to be recycled. Labels, leaflets and box wrappings will be printed on textured paper called 'Crush' which is made up of fruits and nuts, using soy based inks that improve the colour quality and have 0% VOC's. Using a separate label for the container makes recycling easier and uses less energy in the process.The design of the container is unique in its interlocking system, inner rim, pouring features and shape that will appeal to professional decorators as will as customers in shops. The container is protected on delivery by the interlocking base to box which is made from corrugated card. This is highly recyclable, strong and energy efficient. The box design will also encourage customers to reuse it around their homes as storage, alternatively it can be used to send the empty containers back to PoP. Popfil is a void fill that will surround containers in their box for extra protection and absorbency, made up of dried flowers, leaves and expanded maize. It has a striking, natural aesthetic that will leave customers overwhelmed by the unique and beautiful packaging and encourage them to reuse the Popfil as potpourri due to its stunning scent. It can also be used as wild bird feed or composted from home. From unboxing the product to finishing their decorating, the experience will be enjoyable and unique to Edward Bulmer customers. The concept promotes the natural, luxury brand by using only natural products that look, smell or feel exquisite and have a 'cradle to cradle' life cycle. 


WINKLES, Cat

The material I settled on for my paint pots is stainless steel, a recyclable and lasting material that will suit both the primary use of the pot for the transportation of Edward Bulmer paints but also for a lasting second use plant pot or the ability to withstand multiple trips back and forth between supplier and customer if they wish to refill it. The rest of the materials that make up the packaging are sourced recycled cardboard and paper, and printing is carried out using soy inks. The lid to the paint tin is a bio plastic and can be recycled sustainably should the customer choose to use the pot for planting. As mentioned my pots are decoratively designed to encourage the customer to use the pots as planters after painting use, they are designed within the Edward Bulmer theme and keep within their branding. Customers are provided with a seed paper leaflet and are therefore provided with the plants to grow in their paint pots. The pots can also be refilled and therefore take on several second uses. Finally, my design would be beneficial to  Edward Bulmer because it will appeal to their current market and it clearly encourages a reuse and reuse message.