Rotten:

 Redefining Snack Packaging with Compostable Pouches and Sustainable Displays  

Background

  • Rotten, a daring healthy gummy worm brand, set out to challenge the status quo in the competitive snack industry. With a unique product offering that promotes healthier eating, they needed packaging that would capture attention on retail shelves and communicate a sustainability story distinct from others in the space. While many competing brands rely on superficial eco-friendly claims, Rotten aimed to back their brand with authentic sustainability efforts that aligned with their playful identity.  

Challenge

  • Rotten faced several challenges in developing the right packaging solution:  

  • 1.

    Standing out visually with bold, playful packaging in a crowded market of colorful snack products.

  • 2.

    Delivering a unique sustainability story that would appeal to eco-conscious consumers without compromising design.

  • 3.

    Ensuring the packaging had the right barrier properties to preserve product freshness while being compostable. 

  • 4.

    Achieving durability and vibrant colors using sustainable inks to align with their brand identity. 

  • 5.

    Designing a retail display made from FSC-certified recycled paperboard to reinforce their environmental commitment at the point of sale.

solution

  • We collaborated with Rotten to develop a compostable pouch and a point-of-purchase retail display that met both functional and aesthetic goals. The final packaging solution included:

    1. Compostable barrier properties to maintain product freshness without compromising eco-friendliness.  

    2. Sustainable inks that allowed the design to pop on retail shelves, maintaining the fun, lively vibe of the Rotten brand.  

    3. A custom retail display made from FSC-certified recycled paperboard, designed to showcase the product prominently and communicate the brand’s environmental values.  

Implementation

  • Material Selection and Testing

     Finding the right barrier properties was essential to keep the gummy worms fresh while ensuring the packaging could meet compostable standards. We worked closely with Rotten to balance functionality with sustainability.  

  • Design Optimization for Brand Impact

    We incorporated vibrant, sustainable inks to ensure the packaging stood out on shelves, enhancing Rotten’s brand identity while adhering to environmentally friendly standards.

  • Retail Display Development

    The FSC-certified recycled paperboard display was carefully crafted to showcase Rotten’s product in a way that engaged customers and highlighted their commitment to sustainability.

The final packaging and retail display solution provided Rotten with:  

  • A unique visual identity

    that captures attention in a crowded market. 

  • Enhanced sustainability

    setting them apart with authentic eco-friendly packaging.  

  • Improved retail presence

    through a custom display that reinforces their brand message.

  • Functional durability

    ensuring both product protection and compostable packaging

  • Conclusion

    Rotten successfully leveraged sustainable packaging to create a distinct presence in the snack industry. Their compostable pouches and eco-friendly retail displays not only reflect their brand’s playful identity but also demonstrate their commitment to authentic sustainability.  

    Through thoughtful collaboration and design, Rotten has established a new standard for healthy snack packaging—proving that sustainability can look good and function well. Their success positions them as leaders in eco-conscious snacking, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the food industry. 

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