"EcoWrap" was a project I worked on with my colleague, Stephanie Enriquez, to create a new approach to packaging materials. Crafted from 100% biodegradable materials, we hoped it would offer a greener alternative for wrapping and shipping goods. Our padded, modular components connect with magnets to provide several possibilities for creative configurations and are designed to mimic patterns found in the natural world. Unlike most alternatives, we created EcoWrap for long-term reuse, extending its lifecycle far beyond conventional packaging materials.
Ideation
Sketch I drew of initial design options:
When creating the initial idea for EcoWrap, we had to think through several factors.
What would survive the wear and tear of traveling in shipping containers?
What materials would be light enough to not add extra weight to the package and possibly make it more expensive to ship?
What would be the best way for the modular components to connect?
Are the materials waterproof?
Execution
We decided to use biodegradable Tencel fabric for the outside of the cushions, biodegradable PLA filling to give the cushions padding inside, magnets to connect the modular cushions, and natural dyes to give the cushions their color.
Measurements for each piece: Length: 7.3 inches, Width: 6.2 inches, Height: 1 inch
Weight: <0.1lbs
After answering the big questions, we got to building.
I was in charge of creating the physical products where I crafted each modular component by hand, cutting the fabric, inserting the filling, and sewing the magnets into each side of the cushions to connect. I also took the final photographs of the products.
Some photos of the process as I sewed each modular component together:
My colleague created 3D digital versions of the product in blender shown below:
