Repurposed Marble: Nai’s Bold Olive Oil Packaging

Antonia Skaraki’s design transforms discarded marble into symbols of resilience.

The Nai project stands as a testament to transformation and resilience, echoing the story of Michelangelo’s David, where a once-rejected piece of marble became an iconic masterpiece. This philosophy is at the heart of Nai, which uses repurposed marble to create unique packaging for premium olive oil. The bold inscription “Nai”—meaning “Yes” in Greek—serves as a statement of optimism and defiance, challenging the negativity of rejection and celebrating the beauty found in second chances.

Each Nai case is crafted from discarded marble, ensuring that every piece is distinct. This approach not only highlights the individuality of the material but also reinforces the concept of sustainability. The marble’s journey from waste to functional art mirrors the olive oil’s value, with the packaging acting as both a protective vessel and a conversation starter about creativity, sustainability, and opportunity.

The production process involves selecting and shaping marble remnants into a cube measuring 200 x 200 x 200 mm. Advanced water jet engraving technology is used to inscribe the name Nai, achieving precision and clean lines while emphasizing the craftsmanship involved. The upper part of the case, sealed with magnets, opens to reveal a glass bottle safely nestled within the coarse marble, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.

Research for the project focused on sourcing marble destined for disposal, giving these materials a renewed purpose. This act of reclamation not only reduces waste but also showcases the inherent beauty of marble that might otherwise go unnoticed. The design’s technical challenges included shaping the heavy, rigid material without compromising its structural integrity and ensuring the engraved message remained sharp and clear.

Nai’s packaging has garnered recognition, winning the Silver A’ Packaging Design Award in 2025 for its remarkable blend of artistic skill, technical innovation, and social message. The design exemplifies how discarded materials can be transformed into extraordinary objects, inspiring optimism and underscoring the potential for reinvention in both design and life.

By redefining what is possible with repurposed materials, Nai encourages a broader conversation about sustainability, resilience, and the enduring value of giving second chances—both in design and beyond.