We speak to Katie Kubrak, Materials and Insights Producer with Nirvana CPH. 

Learn how CMF and MDD drive innovation in packaging design, and create consumer connections. Dive into Coatings, Materials, and Finishes before we transition into the Material Driven Design to create a tangible experience for product and packaging. 

No matter if you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you rethink the way you consider packaging.

Listen, rate, review, and subscribe!

Connect with Katie Kubrak:

Katie Kubrak Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kubrak-33493591/

Katie Kubrak PhD Profile: https://www.rca.ac.uk/students/katie-kubrak/

Katie Kubrak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makedesignbetter/

Nirvana CPH website: https://nirvanacph.com/

Show Resources:

Yuval Noah Harari, 21 Lessons: https://www.ynharari.com/book/21-lessons-book/

Nirvana CPH Material Monday articles: https://nirvanacph.com/materials-insight/

Tu Delft University: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/

Politecnico di Milano: https://www.polimi.it/en/

Material Experience Lab : http://materialsexperiencelab.com

MIT Materials Research Lab : https://mrl.mit.edu

Materials Research Science Center : https://mrsec.org

Center for Circular Design: https://www.arts.ac.uk/research/research-centres/centre-for-circular-design

Connect with me, Evelio Mattos on Linked In:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Woolcool is a new packaging material that's been used for thermal insulation for over 13,000 years. Today it's replacing polystyrene foam insulation one box at a time. 

Learn what woolcool is and how this 100% natural material can keep food and pharmaceutical shipments below 40 degrees for days. We speak to  Josie Morris, Managing Director of Woolcool to find out  more about their sustainable mission to replace polystyrene insulation.

Learn more about Woolcool here:

https://www.woolcool.com

Connect with Josie Morris on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-morris-354b5b57/

Connect with me Evelio Mattos, on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak to Jess Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Communal Creative in NYC, a branding agency with a passion for storytelling. Learn how the team at Communal Creative immerses itself into each brand to unearth a resonating story that can be supported at every touch point  of the consumer journey. 

Jess's experience as Creative Director for Thrillist and early stage Birchbox give her the insight to build startups into brands. 

Be prepared to take notes!

Connect with Jess:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelewil/

Studio Site:

http://communalcreative.com

Or Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak with Valerie Hawks, Head of Production & Sustainability @ Interact Boulder to understand how production supports design in executing at the highest level. We discuss the importance of getting your hands dirty and learning the language of production and manufacturing. 

Learn where to begin a career in packaging production.

Keep up with Valerie online:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-hawks-137865/

Interact Boulder:

https://interactboulder.com

Sustainable Packaging Coalition:

https://sustainablepackaging.org

Lumi:

https://www.lumi.com/properties

Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak with Brandi Parker, Head of Realization @ Pearlfisher where she manages a team that converts designs and ideas into reality. Her extensive knowledge of packaging design and production allows her to know what questions to ask even before a project begins and how to provide designers the direction they need.

Learn how to begin your path into a career of production design and packaging as well as how to round out your design knowledge by leaning into packaging manufacturing.

Keep up with Brandi online:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-parker-6a6667b/

Pearlfisher:

https://www.pearlfisher.com

Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Everyone talks about sustainable packaging, but what exactly is it? Well, that depends, and our guest Tom Szaky agrees as sustainability depends on many factors.  

In this episode we discuss what is sustainability, the business of recycling, and most importantly what designers need to know in order to design sustainable packaging. Tom Szaky is globally recognized for his eco-entrepreneurial successes that allowed some of the world's largest brands to partner with him to reduce packaging waste.  

If you've ever considered sustainable packaging design, this is the place to start. He'll layout the exact materials you need to work with, minimum sizes, and what questions designers need to ask. I try to pack in as many questions as I can in the brief time with Tom and if you're interested it's also available on YouTube.  

To learn more about Tom Szaky here are the links: 

https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ 

https://loopstore.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomszaky/ 

And connect with me, Evelio Mattos 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Beau Peck Director of Marketing and Zero Waste at The Pro Recycling Group, breaks down the value for packaging designers to understand what happens to your packaging once it's discarded.  We talk about the benefits of pre-sorted recycling of packaging and the downsides to closed lid systems. We also touch on the confusion caused by mixed packaging materials, compostable packaging, and film laminates used in pouch packaging.

The rising use of mono material packaging is a key finding, and something to consider for packaging designers looking to move into more sustainable packaging. 

Recycling isn't a single system operating under a single protocol, depending on where you live you will experience differences in collection. Beau explains source separation recycling popular in rural areas and small towns. Just because you have curbside closed lid recycling in your area, doesn't mean you design for these commingled systems. Packaging designers need to consider the realities of a global recycling systems.

Learn more and contact Beau Peck here:

Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-peck-21a86713/

Interwest Paper:

http://www.interwestpaper.com

Connect with Evelio Mattos on Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

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Vincent Villeger, former Director of Packaging at Burberry  discusses what makes luxury packaging powerful, and how to follow your creative instincts to make the right decisions. We answer if primary packaging such as fragrance bottles are even to be considered packaging and discover a new point of view in how to design packaging. 

Joins us to discuss what packaging is and isn't, what makes package design elevate itself to be considered luxury packaging, and how you design packaging for the world's most prestigious brands.

If you are considering bespoke package design you'll want to know Vincent.

Resources:

Vincent Villeger Consultancy

Follow Vincent on LinkedIn

Follow Vincent on Instagram

Contact me, Evelio Mattos on Linked In