Task Three: Research

Earthborn Paints

The ingredients for Earthborn paints are carefully selected, with strict focus on the environmentally friendly. They are designed to be healthier to live with and safer for the environment. They even go as far as listing the ingredients that they use on the side of their tins.

On their website, I could find numerous examples of how their paint is eco-friendly, but could find no information about their packaging, apart from that they use 'tins', rather than plastic tubs. I emailed the company to ask if their packaging was also environmentally friendly and they replied: "Our tins are made from 100% recyclable steel and therefore go on to be used to make other things."

However, their strong brand definitely gives the appearance of being good for the environment. I have noticed a trend of labels displaying flowers or grass when the company wants to give the impression of their product being good for the environment, and I think this definitely works. When we think of the environment, we think of greenery, of trees, flowers and grass. And I particularly like how Earthborn turned a paint brush into a grassy garden, complete with flowers, as this really brings home their point. 

Nature paint

Nature Paint is presented in powder form, meaning that it weighs about 70% less than standard liquid emulsion paint. This means, because it is so light and presents no hazards to people and to the environment, you can actually receive Nature Paint through the post, something that would be unthinkable with liquid paints. This also saves transportation fuel, which goes a long way to help the environment.

Nature Paint is also the first paint brand to prove it has no VOC's. Absolutely none. It is made from non-toxic, natural and locally sourced ingredients. For example, they use china clays from Cornwall, where the company is based.

Their packaging is 100% recyclable. B&B Studio, the designers, explain, “We normalised the brand by introducing a classic paint tin shape, but crafting it from recyclable card. Unlike normal paint tins, which are difficult to dispose of, these cylinders can be safely composted.”

They also say of their design, "Our black and white identity is designed to disrupt the category with a pure, simple aesthetic that lets each colour chip shine from the pack. Its clarity of execution speaks of performance, while the brand mark communicates naturalness, cleverly combining a flower and a droplet – a hint that the product is mixed with water."


Plant Your Dreams and Let Them Grow

This packaging, for tulip bulbs, has a natural, simplistic, yet creative appearance. The illustrator, Sophia Georgopoulou, took inspiration from various names of the tulip flower (such as Red Emperor, Pink Diamond, Sweetheart, etc.) to create her quirky and humorous hand-drawn illustrations. Minimal colour has also been used, which saves ink. The packaging can be recycled and the added touch of straw, woven to hold the top of the package together, reinforces that natural, eco-friendly look and touch.

London Bio Packaging

This company develops and supplies a large range of sustainable packaging. Their packaging is made from renewable or recycled resources, has a lower carbon footprint and can be composted or recycled. London Bio Packaging works with over 1000 food businesses with the goal of supplying as much sustainable packaging as they can, to work toward a better future.

References:
http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2012/11/7/nature-paint.html
http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2011/06/plant-your-dreams-concept.html
http://earthbornpaints.co.uk/
http://www.dogoodbranding.com/work/earthborn/
http://www.londonbiopackaging.com/