Have a Nice Can: A Golden A' Packaging Design Award Winner

Kaoru Mizuno's Innovative Design for Handmade Craft Canning

The inspiration for this design came from the Japanese seafood restaurant that created the brand. The packaging features bright orange and blue colors, reminiscent of the sun and sea, and fish illustrations on both sides of the package sleeve. These can be connected endlessly, creating a pattern that can also serve as a store display, evoking the boundless sea.

What sets this design apart is its dual functionality. Not only does it serve as packaging, but it also doubles as a store display. This innovative approach to design is a testament to Mizuno's ability to think outside the box and create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The packaging is made from environmentally friendly paper as much as possible. The individual packaging sleeve and gift bag are made from FSC certified material, and the box paper is part of the "Green Aid Paper Series," a Japanese initiative aimed at reducing environmental burden. The cans themselves are unlabeled, making them easy to recycle and suitable for direct cooking.

The design process took about a year and was carried out in Japan. The project was a response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurant sales. The aim was to provide a new service in the form of canning that suits the new stay-at-home lifestyle. The packaging options range from a gift bag of three cans for customers who visit the store to a gift box of up to 12 cans for online purchase. This approach has helped maintain strong sales despite the challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, Kaoru Mizuno's packaging design for the handmade craft canning brand is a shining example of how design can be both beautiful and functional. It showcases the power of innovative thinking and a commitment to sustainability. The design's success, as evidenced by its Golden A' Packaging Design Award, is a testament to the power of good design.