7th Generation - Package Redesign Concepts & Proposal

 Seventh Generation markets products with the aim to have less of an impact on the environment, so I chose to redesign the packaging from 2 of their products. I also tried to come up with ideas to make the packaging more practical for the average consumer. For example: Toilet paper and paper towels come wrapped in plastic wrap, and while the package is waterproof, it's awkward to carry and may have you dropping it quite a bit. The plastic also presents a hazard to young children and pets, and it has no use after it's been unwrapped.

Dishwasher tabs marketed by Seventh Generation come in a plastic bag, though I'm not sure if it's resealable. In any case, open bags have a tendency to spill their contents if knocked or stored in a precarious place. Even if you don't knock them over, you can still spill them if you try to shake one out of the bag into your hand. The bag (like the plastic wrapping) serves no use and must be disposed of.

Some of the concepts I came up with led to ideas that could be used instead as a product design. As there were a few interesting ones that would solve household problems I'll share them for the sake of interest.

Toilet Paper Design #1

• Pentagon or Hexagonal shape.
• Rolls are arranged in a circle of 5 or 6 (7 would make the package too wide).
• Roll arrangements can be stacked to add length to the package, rather than width.
• Package may be carried under one arm more comfortably.
• Package is less waterproof but more resistant to squashing or warping.

 Toilet Paper Design #2

• Tubular package.
• Holds roughly 6 rolls.
• Lid and tube both have an opening that can dispense one roll if twisted.
• New rolls can be fed through the top of the tube.
• Design could be used as a roll dispenser (it's own product)
• Wall mountable? Could be used to store rolls within easy reach when replacement is needed.

Toilet Paper Design #3

• Hexagonal/Pentagonal box shape can be put together on their sides to create stylish shelving units.
• Boxes can be used later to store items or gifts.
• Boxes can be marketed as a storage solution in themselves.

Dishwasher tab design #1

•  Tubular design (much like toilet paper design #2)
• Small package could hold roughly 6-12 rolls (depending on length x width of package)
• One tab is dispensed at a time, to prevent spills.

Dishwasher tab design #2

• Roughly the size of a bucket (industrial sized/party pack?)
• Has a lid that rotates open on the top (similar to above concept #1), so that tabs can be pulled out.
• Can be stored under a counter or in a cupboard.
• Industrial size means less frequent trips to the supermarket.

Dishwasher tab design #3

• Functions similarly to a matchbox.
• Tab secures sliding compartment when not open.
• Tabs are set in their own compartments (dividers are made from folded cardboard.
• Box can be slid open just enough to remove one tab without spilling.
• If the box falls, only 1 or 2 tabs may fall out, rather than the whole bag.