

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.
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2023 • 36min
Sell more with Limited Edition Packaging, Chobani's Lauren Hodges | Ep 148
Lauren Hodges, a creative director at Chobani, brings a wealth of experience in design and a passion for food and beverage. She joined Chobani in 2019 and has been instrumental in pushing the brand in new and exciting directions. With Chobani Flip, a popular product line known for its delicious flavors and interactive packaging, Lauren has found the perfect canvas to unleash her creativity.
The recent Halloween packaging design is a testament to Chobani's commitment to surprise and delight consumers. Inspired by the fashion industry, Chobani wanted to create packaging that changed with the seasons, just like clothing styles. The goal was to create a billboard effect on the shelf, capturing the attention of shoppers and compelling them to pick up the product.
To achieve this, Chobani themed each flavor for Halloween, giving them playful and spooky names like "Ghost Story S'mores" and "Cookie Monsters and Cream." The colorful backgrounds added a touch of vibrancy to the natural packaging, making it stand out on the shelf. The illustrations for the Halloween packaging were created by the talented artist John McNair, whose spooky style perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
But Chobani didn't stop at just the packaging design. They also incorporated an augmented reality (AR) experience through scannable QR codes on the packaging. By scanning the code, consumers can play a virtual trick-or-treating game on their phones, knocking on doors to collect treats. This interactive experience adds an extra layer of fun and engagement to the product, making it even more appealing to consumers.
The limited edition nature of the Halloween packaging adds to its appeal. Limited edition products create a sense of exclusivity and urgency, driving sales and encouraging consumers to collect them all. However, Chobani recognizes that there is a limit to how many limited editions they can release without diluting the impact. They carefully select the moments and themes that align with their brand ethos and purpose.
Chobani's ability to reach different audiences with their packaging design is a result of their strong brand foundation. While they have various product lines targeting different consumer segments, they all ladder up to the same brand purpose. This consistency builds trust among consumers, allowing them to make the leap from one product to another with confidence.
Packaging plays a crucial role in conveying trust to consumers. It is the first point of contact between the brand and the consumer, and it must communicate the brand's integrity and quality. Chobani's packaging design achieves this by incorporating elements of craft and storytelling. The team draws inspiration from various sources, including art forms like painting and illustration, to infuse beauty and soulfulness into their designs.
In conclusion, Chobani's Halloween packaging design is a testament to their commitment to creativity and innovation. By incorporating playful themes, vibrant colors, and interactive elements, Chobani has created packaging that surprises and delights consumers. The limited edition nature of the packaging adds to its appeal, driving sales and encouraging consumers to collect them all. Chobani's ability to reach different audiences with their packaging design is a result of their strong brand foundation and consistent brand purpose. As Chobani continues to push the boundaries of packaging design, we can expect more exciting and innovative creations in the future.
Links:
Get packaging from the masters:
IDPDirect.com
Spec management for packaging:
Specright.com
Connect with:
Lauren
Evelio
Adam

Aug 30, 2023 • 45min
Packaging Automation Will Change Design / Why You Need to Attend PACK EXPO | Ep 145
Tom Egan, Vice President of Industry Services at PMMI, discusses the impact of automation on the packaging industry. He explains that automation is not about replacing jobs, but rather about increasing efficiency and meeting consumer demands. Tom emphasizes the importance of automation in addressing the labor shortage in manufacturing and highlights the need for a skilled workforce. He also discusses the role of automation in sustainability and reducing waste. Tom encourages designers to consider the practical implications of their designs and to collaborate with the entire supply chain to ensure manufacturability. He highlights the upcoming Pack Expo in Las Vegas as an opportunity for designers to learn about automation and see it in action.
Key Takeaways:
Automation helps meet consumer demands and increase efficiency in the packaging industry.
There is a severe labor shortage in manufacturing, and automation can help address this challenge.
Designers should consider the practical implications of their designs and collaborate with the entire supply chain.
Pack Expo provides an opportunity to learn about automation and see it in action.
Register here for PACK EXPO Las Vegas:
http://packexpolasvegas.com
Connect with Tom Egan:
Connect with Evelio Mattos:
Support our sponsors:
Need packaging manufactured: IDPdirect.com
Need to prepare for EPR or to manage all of your brand's packaging specifications: Specright.com
Want to make dielines in minutes: Pacdora.com

Aug 28, 2023 • 12min
How to Design Packaging (Food & Beverage) | Ep 144
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/OrHkRxWjTl0?si=uF2DSW3WgBCiqC-G
Go through the process of supercharging the packaging for Pizza Cupcakes, a product featured on the show Shark Tank. They explain the importance of having a minimal viable product (MVP) and how packaging plays a crucial role in attracting customers in the competitive grocery aisle. The guest walks us through the steps they took to redesign the Pizza Cupcakes packaging, from recreating the logo to choosing fonts and colors that enhance the product's appeal. They also discuss the importance of copywriting in packaging design and share tips on how to effectively reduce the amount of copy while still conveying the key messages. The guest demonstrates their design process using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, and then shows how to use Packdoor.com for 3D work and templates. By the end of the episode, the guest presents a fully redesigned packaging that is ready to compete in the freezer section.
Key Takeaways:
Having a minimal viable product (MVP) is crucial for startups, and packaging plays a key role in attracting customers.
When redesigning packaging, it's important to eliminate elements that don't support the single message approach.
Packaging designers should be able to write copy to effectively reduce the amount of text and get to the point.
Fonts and colors play a crucial role in enhancing the appeal of packaging and making the product stand out.
Using 3D software and templates can help visualize the packaging design and create a portfolio-ready image.

Aug 10, 2023 • 47min
Sustainability in Cosmetics Packaging Design / Regulatory / Green Deal / Recycling | Ep 143
Judith Fiedler is a regulatory expert in the skincare industry, currently working as the head of the product development team at La Prairie in Switzerland. With a focus on formulation, packaging, regulatory registration, and safety, Judith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation about sustainability in the cosmetics industry.
**Summary:**
In this episode of Packaging Unboxed, host Matos interviews Judith Fielder, a regulatory expert in the skincare industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable packaging in cosmetics, including the need for reduced packaging, recyclability, and the use of alternative materials. They also explore the role of luxury codes in packaging and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable choices. Judith shares insights into the changing regulatory landscape and the impact of extended producer responsibility (EPR) on the cosmetics industry. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for brands to adapt and innovate in order to meet sustainability goals and consumer expectations.
**Key Takeaways:**
1. Sustainable packaging in cosmetics involves reducing packaging, reusing materials, using recyclable packaging, and establishing a recovery circle.
2. Luxury codes in packaging, such as adding weight for a perceived value, need to be reevaluated to align with sustainability goals.
3. Consumers are not necessarily willing to pay more for sustainable packaging in cosmetics, but brands can differentiate themselves by investing in innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
4. The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, and brands need to take action now to meet sustainability targets.
5. The recycling rate for cosmetic packaging is currently low, but brands are exploring alternatives and working towards higher rates.
6. Consumer education is crucial in promoting sustainable packaging practices, including proper recycling and separation of materials in the bathroom.
7. The regulatory landscape for packaging varies across countries, making it challenging for global brands to navigate. Working with advisory services and staying informed is essential.
Connect with Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn here.
Connect with Judith Fiedler on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about La Prairie here.
Learn how factory-direct sustainable retail packaging can benefit your brand with IDP Direct.com
Start managing your packaging specifications and get ahead of EPR regulations worldwide with Specright.com
Create custom packaging dielines, 3D renders, and presentation ready models on Pacdora.com
Get your videos turned into clips with Clipsninja.com

Jul 28, 2023 • 12min
Sustainable Packaging: 3 Essential Questions Unveiled | Ep 142
Evelio discusses the challenges and considerations involved in transitioning to sustainable packaging.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding what sustainability means to your brand and aligning your packaging choices with your company's environmental goals.
While consumers may demand sustainable packaging, they often lack knowledge about recycling and other sustainable practices. Valley Monster advises brands to educate consumers and make it as easy as possible for them to recycle or dispose of packaging.
He also highlights the need to assess the availability of sustainable packaging options, comply with regulatory requirements, and have the internal resources or access to third-party expertise to implement sustainable packaging effectively.
Connect with Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn
Key Takeaways:
Define what sustainability means to your brand and identify your company's environmental goals.
Educate consumers about sustainable packaging and make recycling as simple as possible for them.
Consider the availability of sustainable packaging options that meet your brand's needs and quantities.
Understand the regulatory environment and ensure your packaging materials comply with relevant laws.
Assess your internal resources or seek third-party expertise to evaluate and select sustainable packaging materials.
Quotes:
"Consumers are demanding sustainable packaging, but they often don't even know what sustainability means."
"You have to make it as simple as possible for that consumer to take it, bin it, forget it."
"Not every material is available at scale, and not every material has the MOQs that will help you if you're a startup."
"You have to be able to look at the data and make a decision. Are you going to be more sustainable with choosing A or with B?"
"There are challenges with every decision you make. There are trade-offs."

Jul 21, 2023 • 39min
Social Media Playbook, How Packaging Answers got to $1 Million in 2 Years | Ep 141
Joe Purcell explains how social media grew his packaging company from $0 to $1,000,000 and how he's planning on taking it to $20 Million in the next few years.
Joe Purcell owns and tuns Packaging Answers a packaging company based in the UK, a country not known for its use of social media. Identifying this opportunity Joe's team is leaning into social media to grow Packaging Answers.
Learn more about Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepurcellpackaging/
Connect with Evelio Mattos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/
Support our Sponsors:
Packaging Specifications Management: https://specright.com/
Factory Direct Packaging:https://idpdirect.com/
Custom Packaging Dielines: https://www.pacdora.com/

Jul 12, 2023 • 7min
Illustrator's A.I. Tool Packaging Designers Need to Use NOW | Ep 140
Adobe Illustrator launched Beta and now has incorporated many new A.I. features, but there's one you need to start using now.
Evelio dives into what Adobe Illustrator's Beta offers for packaging designers with their mockup feature that makes it so fast for comps and early concept presentations for packaging.
Learn why A.I. will continue to make your workflow more efficient and handle the tasks that don't contribute to creativity but allow you to get your ideas out into the world faster.
Learn how to transform your packaging career with A.I. follow Packaging Unboxd on Youtube and connect with Evelio on LinkedIn.
Connect with Evelio on LinkedIn Here
Follow us on YOUTUBE Here
Get our FREE A.I. for Packaging Designers Guide to Midjourney book here!
If you're in packaging then you need to check out our Sponsors:
Need to produce retail packaging and want to avoid distributors and buy packaging direct from the manufacturer? Check out IDPdirect.com
Need to be prepared for EPR regulations and have all of your packaging specifications in one place? Check out Specright.com
Don't have time to create custom dielines? Use A.I. to make the most complex dielines in seconds using Pacdora.com

Jul 7, 2023 • 12min
Creative Papers For Packaging Designers from My Cordenons | Ep 139
My Cordenons is a paper mill that's been making paper for packaging designers in Italy since the 16th century. Today this innovative paper mill is pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging solutions with customized papers that use brand's production waste.
Evelio Mattos of Packaging Unboxd finds out what makes this paper so special and why packaging suppliers should be asking for My Cordenons the next time they have to make merchant boxes or gift packaging.
Learn more at My Cordenons
Connect with Evelio on LinkedIn
Connect with Katia Tedeschi on LinkedIn

Jul 4, 2023 • 6min
Balancing Design and Sustainability in Packaging | Ep 138
Evelio Mattos discusses the challenge of being a designer who appreciates design while also working in sustainability. He explores the tension between appreciating the aesthetics of a design and considering its sustainability. Using examples like ketchup-flavored cotton candy packaging, he highlights the conflict between creating unnecessary products for marketing purposes and the principles of sustainability. Mattos emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself as a designer and not worrying about others' opinions.
Key Takeaways:
Being a designer who appreciates design and works in sustainability can be challenging due to conflicting priorities.
Designers may appreciate the aesthetics and functionality of a design, even if it is not sustainable.
Sustainability designers need to consider the environmental impact and avoid creating unnecessary waste.
Designers have a role in selling products and concepts, which can sometimes conflict with sustainability goals.
It is important for designers to be true to themselves and not worry too much about others' opinions.
Quotes:
"You can't be a designer and appreciate design, but then also on the flip side, just only focus on sustainability."
"Don't create things that you don't need. Don't create more waste when it's not necessary."
"As a brand and as a designer, your job is to sell more product."
"You don't have to be just one thing to everybody. Just be true to yourself."
"It's an opportunity to educate other people and say, look, this is what I appreciate. This is what I enjoy. If you don't like it, don't worry about it."

Jun 22, 2023 • 20min
Package Design 3 Tips Unboxed / How to Specify Paper / What is Headspace / What are Offline Processes | Ep 137
Evelio is here with another breakdown of package design processes and what to consider when designing packaging.
In this episode he shares GSM, Headspace, and explains a variety of Post Production Processes.
Learn how to design packaging with Packaging Unboxd Podcast
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Packaging Unboxd podcast, previously known as the the Package Design Unboxed podcast and the Packaging Podcast is an original publication by Evelio Mattos, Unboxed © 2023