Revolutionizing Fast Food Packaging: The Little Pocket

Award-Winning Design Promotes Sanitation and Environmental Protection

The inspiration behind the Little Pocket came from a common fast-food eating habit. Many people squeeze ketchup directly onto the paper tray and dip their fries in it. However, the printing paper tray often contains organic pollutants and heavy metal oxides, which can pose serious health risks over time. The Little Pocket aims to change this habit by providing a safer alternative.

The Little Pocket's unique design includes a small pocket on the front of the box. This pocket serves as a guide for users to squeeze their ketchup into, rather than onto the paper plate. This simple yet effective solution promotes sanitation, environmental protection, and a healthier way to eat.

The Little Pocket is made of paper and measures L125mm*W55mm*H130mm. Its design was a collaborative effort by Dong Jiang, Jiongjiong Wang, Qihui Zhu, Jingyuan Zhan, and Ruqi Yu, under the mentorship of Chunhong Zhang and Yanxia Liu. The project was initiated in July 2016 and completed in January 2017 at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Zhongshan Institute.

The team faced several challenges during the design process, primarily changing a deeply ingrained eating habit. However, they were able to overcome this by focusing on the health risks associated with the traditional method and emphasizing the benefits of their design. The Little Pocket not only offers a healthier way to eat but also reduces the risk of cancer associated with long-term exposure to organic pollutants and heavy metal oxides.

The Little Pocket is a testament to the power of design in addressing everyday health and environmental issues. It is a prime example of how innovation can transform a simple object like a French fries box into a tool for promoting health and environmental sustainability. The design's recognition with the Silver A' Packaging Design Award further underscores its significance and potential impact on the fast-food industry.