allbirds

DESIGN CHALLENGE

I had the opportunity to participate in a Green Redesign Competition through the 1819 Innovation Hub for sustainable footwear leader, Allbirds. Six teams of multidisciplinary students were asked two increasingly relevant questions:

1. By rethinking our current shoe box packaging based on current retail and e-commerce specifications, how can we improve our design given current limitations? Can we cut cost, materials, improve functionality and sustainability? 

2. Consider a fresh approach to shoe packaging, do we need boxes in retail? Are there more sustainable materials? How can we make the most sustainable shoe packaging in the world?

simple, but far from basic

A tube based approach designed to capture the surprise and delight of current packaging, with less.

+ Recycled Kraft paperboard tube packages shoes

+ Perforated pull tab allows for a surprise reveal moment

+ End caps are molded pulp or recycled plastic

+ Outer sleeve seals protects the tube and doubles as a souvenir after opening

+ Set depth and diameter increases to fit larger shoe sizes

ready to roam

A reusable approach allows you to house your birds,
no matter how far you wander. 

+ Canvas tote that doubles as a travel bag

+ Insert offers support for shipping and can be removed to create a soft sided, structureless tote

+ Billboard story opportunity along length of insert

+ Handle for easy carrying and labeling in-store

+ Soy-based ink prints

but how do we get to a waste free approach?

the elements of a reimagined system

A pair of Allbirds

Canvas Drawstring bag

Slotted Packaging

TRY-ON + PURCHASE

+ Consumers are handed pairs of shoes to try on in-store

+ Barcode in shoe is scanned for purchase

+ Pair is placed in an All-birds branded recycled paper bag

+ Handles of the bag are made with recycled All-birds laces

Distribution options