

Packaging Unboxd with Evelio Mattos
The Packaging Design Podcast
Packaging Unboxd is a podcast for packaging design enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. Hosted by Evelio Mattos, the Creative Director of Packaging Design, this podcast features insights from global experts on topics such as sustainable packaging, materials, manufacturing, and recycling. Listeners can learn how to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally responsible. Whether you're a packaging designer, engineer, or interested in making sustainable packaging choices.
Learn more:
https://bit.ly/PUSubs
Learn more:
https://bit.ly/PUSubs
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 17, 2024 • 28min
How to Design Packaging in Ai Like a Pro | Ep 168
This is how professional designers using Ai to generate ideas and not get overwhelmed with the Ai hype cycle
and FOMO.
Evelio Mattos is esteemed in the design industry, particularly for his innovative outlook on packaging design. Evelio has achieved recognition for his approach to integrating storytelling into branding and product development, rejecting a race towards speed in favor of quality and connection. Known for his critical view on the recent wave of AI tools in design, Evelio serves as an insightful voice, guiding both established designers and newcomers in navigating the evolving digital landscape.
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Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, Evelio Mattos dives deep into the world of design, particularly focusing on packaging, in the face of the burgeoning AI revolution. Evelio offers an unfiltered perspective on the deluge of AI-assisted creative tools that are shaking up the industry. From OpenAI's text-to-video to AI-powered packaging creation, he addresses the anxieties and misconceptions surrounding the capabilities of AI within the design spectrum.
Evelio emphasizes the critical importance of narrative and conceptual depth in design over the allure of AI's slick, fast-generated images. He discusses his approach to using AI as a tool for aiding the design process rather than allowing it to dictate the creative direction. Through an illustrative example, Evelio outlines how to harness AI effectively—to build concepts, gather inspiration, and create a unique story for a product's branding.
Key Takeaways:
AI innovation in design has created buzz, but Evelio urges a focus on quality over speed in product development and branding.
A successful design strategy incorporates storytelling and conceptual depth, areas where AI is currently limited.
Using AI as a collaborator, rather than a replacement for creative work, can enhance the conceptualization phase.
Evelio believes that understanding the project's narrative is more crucial than producing quick visual prototypes with AI.
The episode showcases the practical application of AI in designing a unique packaging concept for salsa, emphasizing the tool's supportive role.
Notable Quotes:
"90% of the shit that's out there that people are using AI to create is useless. It's just fluff."
"Without a good story, a good concept, a strong strategy, storytelling, AI is not going to build you a brand, a product that's going to outsell anybody else."
"AI hallucinates. It comes up with makes up shit more than I do. So you can't really always trust it, but it's a good way to kind of speed up your process."
"Packaging and branding and messaging from… it's not about the quality of the image, it's about the quality of the idea."
"Focus on the one that matters to you. And this is the one that makes the biggest difference. In a designer's world. Everything else is a toy."
Resources:
Connect with Evelio on LInkedIn
Engage with the intricate nuance of design in the age of AI by listening to the full episode, and gain insights from Evelio Mattos on how to remain authentically creative in a rapidly evolving field. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire innovation.

Mar 15, 2024 • 26min
Beyonce's Cécred Packaging & Strategy Breakdown | Ep 167
Vannett Li, Principle at Comet Chaser strategic Branding agency co-hosts this episode of Packaging Unboxd providing insights into the beauty and hair care industry.
Connect with Vannett
Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, Evelio converses with Vannett Li about the intricacies of branding within the beauty industry, specifically focusing on Beyonce’s newly launched hair care brand, Cecred. Grabbing the attention of beauty enthusiasts and marketing strategists alike, this dialogue scrutinizes the impact of celebrity endorsements and the necessity for a brand to resonate with its target audience.
The conversation begins with an exploration of the challenges and skepticism surrounding the entrance of yet another celebrity into the saturated black hair care market, alongside established brands like Tracy Ellis Ross’s Pattern and Gabrielle Union’s brand. Vannett points out the lack of a compelling narrative or genuine connection between Beyonce and the hair care line, stressing the importance of founder credibility and product efficacy in the beauty sector.
The duo continues with a critique of Cecred's product packaging and branding, challenging its ability to stand out in a competitive retail landscape and questioning its alignment with Beyonce's dynamic persona.
Key Takeaways:
Beyonce's new hair care brand, Cecred, is discussed for its branding strategy and market positioning.
The brand's messaging and alignment with Beyonce's persona are questioned, citing a lack of substance and founder credibility.
The conversation touches on the complexities of branding within the beauty industry and the need for products to meet specific hair care needs effectively.
The importance of a well-defined target audience and the role of packaging design in conveying a brand's narrative and quality are emphasized.
There is a prediction about the brand's potential rebranding or redesign within a year due to its current shortcomings.
Notable Quotes:
"If you're for everyone, you're for no one."
"The way a woman's self esteem is affected by her hair is massive. So I need this to be credible. I need this product to work. We're not f--king around."
"It's a brand that's made of a house of cards at this point, from my point of view."
"There's such a different range of hair types from the basic foundation, and then our needs are different from there."
"It's our responsibility for all of us to create a new generation of brands, to kind of move society and culture forward and change that conversation."

Mar 15, 2024 • 39min
The Future of Smart Packaging: How Inuro is Making Packaging Reusable and Dynamic | EP 166
Start adding smart lighting to your packaging with INURU
Download the free sustainability guide HERE!
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About the Guest(s):
Marcin Ratajczak is an entrepreneur with a vision to transform the packaging industry through innovative technology. With a career that began in building cleaning services and later transitioned into technical solutions for the industry, Marcin's entrepreneurial journey has been diverse. He is the founder of Inuru, a company at the forefront of smart packaging solutions that integrate OLED technology to create dynamic and reusable packaging.
Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of technology and packaging with Marcin Ratajczak from Inuru. As an innovator in the field of smart packaging, Marcin shares his journey from starting his career in building cleaning services to revolutionizing the packaging industry with OLED technology. This episode provides a glimpse into the future of packaging, where light not only enhances visual appeal but also adds functional benefits like indicating product expiration.
Marcin reveals the challenges and milestones in creating sustainable, dynamic packaging solutions that can transform the customer experience. From the importance of reliable electronics in packaging to the potential applications in food safety and medical alerts, Marcin outlines the broad implications of integrating OLED lights into packages. He further discusses Inuru's mission to combine german engineering, American ingenuity, and Chinese scalability to create an unprecedented type of packaging material.
Key Takeaways:
Inuru creates smart packaging with OLED technology to make packages with dynamic and reusable surfaces, which can be reprogrammed for new products.
The integration of lighting in packaging not only transforms the aesthetic but also interacts with the environment, adding an emotional dimension to the user experience.
Current limitations include a pre-set color palette and the space requirements within the label design, with future potential for dynamic color change.
At present costs, single-digit dollar costs per label with potential to reduce to $0.05 in the future as the technology scales.
The applications for light-up labels range from luxury products enhancing the unboxing experience to critical medical packaging alerts, with a focus on reliability and recyclability.
Notable Quotes:
"A light source is not only transforming a feeling, but it is at the same time also altering the environment."
"We are currently the only company that's capable of [printing OLEDs]."
"It's all about being seen. It's all about being fun. Let's don't forget the fun aspect of packaging, right? And products."
Resources:
Website of Inuru: inuru.com
Tune in to the full episode to explore the innovative world of smart packaging and how Inuru is paving the way for a more interactive and sustainable future in the industry. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from this podcast series.

Mar 8, 2024 • 40min
ChatGPT is Better Than MidJourney for Packaging Design. with Adey Efrem | Ep 165
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Connect with Evelio Mattos
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Adey Efrem, a vanguard in the packaging design world, blends her rich experience in graphic design with groundbreaking AI technologies to redefine industry standards. With a foundational career that spans from crafting engaging social media content for eateries to leading packaging designs for behemoths like Frito-Lay and Impossible Foods, Adey has always been at the forefront of innovation. Her work, characterized by a seamless integration of creativity and technical acumen, has set new benchmarks in the use of AI for design, particularly with ChatGPT. Adey's journey is not just about designs that capture eyes but about pioneering a future where AI and human creativity create unparalleled user experiences.
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Episode Overview:
This episode unveils the transformative power of AI in packaging design through the eyes of Adey Efrem, a trailblazer who has dared to venture where few designers have. Starting with her initial foray into the world of design to her current role as a spearhead at Impossible Foods, Adey's story is a testament to the evolution of design ethos in the age of artificial intelligence.
Listeners will be captivated by how Adey harnesses ChatGPT to craft designs that are not only visually striking but deeply resonant with brand identities. This dialogue is more than just a narrative; it's a masterclass on the symbiosis between AI and traditional design methodologies. Adey shares her insights on how AI is reshaping the landscape, making it an essential toolkit for any designer aiming for the zenith of creativity and innovation.

Mar 4, 2024 • 32min
PFAS/Cannabis Regulations/Greenwashing : Packaging Today Show | Ep164
This episode of "Packaging Unboxed" delves deep into the environmental and regulatory challenges of PFAS in packaging, with a special focus on the cannabis industry.
We uncover the complexities and misconceptions surrounding PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," and their impact on sustainability efforts within the packaging sector.
Additionally, we explore the shifting landscape of cannabis packaging regulations, highlighting the critical need for adaptability and innovation in response to changing legal requirements.
Join us as we navigate the intricate balance between environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance, offering insights and solutions for packaging professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Connect with our hosts:
Evelio Mattos - Packaging Unboxd Podcast
https://bit.ly/PUSubs
Adam Peek - People of Packaging Podcast
https://lnkd.in/ge68rwS6
Cory Connors - Sustainable Packaging Podcast
https://lnkd.in/gzm943Wa

Feb 28, 2024 • 58min
The Art of Unforgettable Packaging Design | Ep 163
Join Spencer from Taxi Studio as he discusses the journey of starting a design business, maintaining partnerships, and the importance of authenticity and sustainable growth in design. Explore the significance of creative briefs in packaging design projects and crafting impactful design work that resonates emotionally. Discover innovative packaging by brand Finister and the impact of awards in packaging design.

Feb 25, 2024 • 1h
Revolutionizing the Conference Experience: TDC's Impact on Personal and Professional Growth | Ep 162
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About the Guest(s):
Matthew Haynes is the visionary behind The Design Conference (TDC) based in Brisbane, Australia. As a former professional baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, Matthew transitioned into the world of design with a passion for fostering community and nurturing creativity. His focus on personal growth, spirituality, and the power of a supportive creative collective has allowed him to create a unique event that resonates deeply with the design community. With his experience, drive, and first-hand knowledge of the transformative power of positive networking, Matthew aims to reshape the traditional design conference into an empowering and life-changing experience.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, Evelio and Matthew Haynes dive deep into the transformative world of design conferences, exploring how these creative gatherings can extend far beyond the exchange of industry knowledge. Kicking things off with an outlook on the upcoming TDC event in Brisbane, the conversation quickly escalates to cover a wide array of thought-provoking topics.
Matthew shares his approach to shaking up the traditional conference design by introducing inclusive nomination processes and fostering genuine connections among attendees. Reminiscent of a spiritual journey, the discussion traverses the intimate relationship between personal growth and design prowess. Matthew's commitment to serving the design community shines through as he unveils plans to develop a digital platform aimed at revolutionizing how creatives connect and collaborate.
Key Takeaways:
The Design Conference focuses on community, personal growth, and authenticity, going beyond conventional conference formats by incorporating spirituality into the design discourse.
Free-flowing nominations and reverse engineering costs are part of making TDC a more inclusive and valuable experience for attendees.
A deep connection to personal experiences and overcoming adversity fuels Matthew's philosophy on leadership and the intrinsic value of helping others.
Simplifying the complexity of personal and professional growth into daily acts of passion and dedication is key to propelling forward in life and one's career.
Matthew teases an exciting digital platform project intended to amplify the possibilities for creatives worldwide to fulfill their ambitions.
Notable Quotes:
"At the heart of a really great designer is a really great person. I truly believe that."
"And if someone hopped up on stage at TDC and didn't talk about design at all… talking about an anecdote of a twelve month period in their life where they used to do this and then they made this shift, that's what TDC is about."
"The conference for me is about owning your mind and owning your life and taking charge of what you want to achieve while you're here."
"The first rule of curating a great experience is changing it every year… predictability is the killer of a conference."
"I just think a lot of people just got a lot of shit going on, man. They don't know how to process it and deal with it, and they've never had anyone truly go, hey, dude, it's okay."
Resources:
The Design Conference Instagram: @thedesignconference
The Design Careers Instagram: @thedesigncareers
Mention of the song "Sit Around the Fire" by John Hopkins as an inspirational piece
Dive into the full episode to absorb the uplifting tales and insightful thoughts Matthew Haynes shares on design, life, and the unwavering spirit of community growth. Keep an ear out for more episodes that promise to illuminate and captivate minds within the creative industry and beyond.

Feb 19, 2024 • 42min
Unboxing Ecommerce Cleaners on the Packaging Today Show | Ep 161
In this episode, we dive into an intriguing discussion that spans the casual and the technical spheres of packaging design. Evoking a sense of curiosity and critical thinking, the podcast explores various packaging concepts through an unboxing experience. Get ready for an engaging and educational journey as we dissect the subtleties of packaging constructions, materials, and sustainability considerations.
The conversation starts on a light note with chatter about personal lives and current events. It quickly transitions into an in-depth analysis of LED technology on basketball courts and its potential applications in packaging design. The hosts also speculate on the evolution of packaging mediums and digital media's influence on the industry. They express their honest opinions on an unboxing experience sent by Fred Richards, evaluating the construction, labeling, and sustainability implications of Pathosans' packaging. Their critique offers constructive feedback aimed at improving the packaging in question while fostering a larger discussion about innovations in packaging design.
Digital LED technology, as seen in modern sporting arenas, has potential applications in the future of packaging design, offering dynamic, immediate updates.
The unboxing of Pathosans showcases a thoughtful packaging design with areas for improvement, such as minimizing labeling to enhance recyclability.
Constructive feedback on real-world packaging is valuable for entrepreneurs and companies seeking to optimize their packaging efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Suggestions for improvement include the use of water-activated paper tape, direct printing on corrugated boxes, separating inserts from boxes, and considering more sustainable materials like water-soluble labels.
The significance of staying informed and adaptable in the fast-changing world of packaging technology is highlighted through discussions of AI and other innovations.

7 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 44min
How to Design Packaging for Accessibility | EP 160
Debbie Gokie, VP at Arthritis Foundation, discusses designing accessible packaging for those with arthritis. Topics include dispelling arthritis myths, importance of inclusive packaging design, enhancing quality of life for affected individuals, and challenges faced by adults and children with arthritis.

Feb 10, 2024 • 54min
Louis Vuitton Lunar New Year Packaging with Ai by Brian Sykes | Ep 159
About the Guest(s):
Brian Sykes is recognized as an AI master and a visionary in the realm of design and branding.
Order Brian's Classes.
Find him on LinkedIn
With a degree in communications and a focus on commercial art, Brian launched his own business shortly after college. Initially starting with Sykes Design, he quickly evolved the business into Ad Journey, a branding and marketing agency that he successfully ran for 23 years. In December 2022, Brian shifted his focus to exploring and understanding the possibilities of AI in the creative process, particularly after AI's capability to generate visuals from prompts deeply interested him. He now dedicates his time to educating others about generative AI, sharing his knowledge through daily posts, writing books like "AI Explore Prompt Fundamentals," which had over a thousand copies sold, and engaging in various platforms to show the practical uses of AI tools.
Support our Sponsors:
Order packaging for established brands direct from the factory with IDP Direct
Manage your packaging specifications and sustainability targets with SpecRight
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Brian Sykes, a former agency owner and an AI aficionado, delves deep into the world of creating design elements with the help of artificial intelligence. As the conversation unravels, Brian presents the intricate dance between existing brand identities, like that of luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton, and the burgeoning capabilities of generative AI into the design lifecycle.
Brian and Evelio discuss the transformative journey of integrating AI into the creative process, touching upon key concepts like brand sensitivity, creativity, and storytelling in design. The discussion navigates how AI like ChatGPT and MidJourney can be conversed with to yield precise results that honor both the brand's heritage and the cultural significance of themes like the Chinese Year of the Dragon and lunar new year packaging design.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing AI requires not just learning new tools but adapting the dialogue and process to fit creative goals.
Effective AI use in design involves understanding and communicating specific elements like brand identity, cultural relevance, and design style.
There is significant preparation and iteration behind the impressive visuals created by AI, revealing the depth of work AI-driven designs entail.
The transition to AI in design isn't about replacing traditional methods but augmenting them creatively and efficiently.
As the AI landscape evolves, learning to incorporate these tools into the workflow can greatly enhance a creative professional's output and capabilities.
Notable Quotes:
"Just because you can do it faster doesn't mean we're doing it better."
"If everybody's a great designer, then is there really great design?"
"The more head knowledge we have, the more impact we can have on that creative process to get the results that we're looking for."
"The more information that we're kind of feeding it is going to give us the results of what we're after and it's going to get much more on point."
"By the time you finish up with the course, you're surprised with all the things that you're doing different, where you've fully integrated generative AI into your workflow."
Resources:
AI master Brian Sykes can be connected with on LinkedIn.
The book "AI Explore Prompt Fundamentals" was mentioned as a significant resource for learning about generative AI.
Brian shared insights into his process via MidJourney and ChatGPT, two AI tools frequently used in the contemporary design landscape.
Stay tuned for the full episode to immerse yourself in the fascinating dialogue between Brian Sykes and Evelio, and to gain a deeper understanding of the role of AI in design and branding. Don't miss out on more enriching content that can revamp the way you approach creativity and innovation in the ever-evolving digital landscape.


