Bubble wrap or other cushioning materials for shipping packaging could soon be superfluous and replaced by simple inserts made from corrugated cardboard. The corresponding concept „Stretching Inner Part“ by Finnish packaging designer Iiro Numminen won the main prize in Metsä Board's „Better with Less - Design Challenge“ competition at the end of May.
The idea behind the Winning design is simple and obvious. A cardboard box is filled with a Pattern of triangles cut in such a way that the individual segments remain loosely connected to each other. This insert is inserted into a suitable folding box and the product to be packaged is placed on top. Another, similar insert is positioned on top so that the top and bottom parts wrap around the product like a cocoon. If the lid of the folding box is now closed, stable packaging is created that holds the product securely in place.
Waiting for the right application solution for triangles
„The triangular shape appears in many of my designs,“ says Iiro Numminen back to his design idea: „When I was experimenting with different triangular cut-outs, I knew there was something interesting here, but I didn't know how and where I could apply this idea.“ The competition brief for „Better with less“ then prompted him to develop the idea into an application solution. He has since pursued his idea further and the first promising Product samples for packaging sizes commonly used in e-commerce designed.
This is the winner of „Better with less“
Iiro Numminen is head of the packaging design team at Finnish packaging specialist Pa-Hu Oy. He studied digital art at the University of Turku and then worked as a construction designer for eight years. His fascination with cardboard eventually led him to the packaging industry, where he became an expert in the use of fibre-based materials. Numminen now lives and works in Helsinki[/infotext].
The „Better with less“ jury was impressed by the Versatility of the design concept enthusiastic. Iiro Numminen also emphasises this aspect: „The insert can be scaled to almost any carton size and any product without much effort.“ The quality, size and thickness of the cardboard or paperboard qualities used for the folding boxes and the inserts are decisive for the stability and safety of the packaging. The size of the Triangular cut-outs in the inserts influences the stability and accuracy of fit of the inserts.
There are virtually no limits to the size and weight of the packaging
In principle, there are hardly any limits to the size and weight of the objects to be shipped, the design expert believes. For small pieces of jewellery, of course, you need less strong qualities with smaller triangles than if you want to pack large, heavy objects securely.
„Stretching Inner Part“ is basically a good Alternative to bubble wrap, Iiro Numminen is convinced and emphasises another advantage: „The inserts can be printed to present the product in a visually appealing way when it is unpacked.“
