Interview about Sorkhab Packaging, winner of the A' Packaging Design Award 2022
Sorkhab Brow Soaps are made out of vegan and animal cruelty-free ingredients. For that reason, they wanted to make sure that the packaging also resonates with the nature of its content and that is why they chose wood as their main material. The smooth outlines of the package may catch the buyers' attention, even more. The product inside (soap) is made out of 100 % vegan materials, its package also conveys the fact that it is eco-friendly. The whole package is built out of the wasted hardwoods found in the furniture industry. That is one of the reasons why wood has been chosen over other.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhen you choose to care deeply about animal lives and the environment, it transforms the way you connect with nature. Designing a product with this sense of compassion means that every element should reflect that commitment. By using reclaimed hardwoods, Sorkhab Packaging not only reduces waste but also respects life by avoiding materials that may involve harm or exploitation. This approach embodies a cruelty-free, vegan ethos, creating a product that resonates with ethical values in every part of its design.
Holding a stone between your fingers that you’ve found in a river, lifting it out of the water—this moment captures the feeling of connecting with something that truly belongs to nature. This experience inspired me to create a form with solid proportions, a natural bond, and a shape that rests comfortably in the hand. I aimed to recreate this sense of connection using a natural material like wood, allowing Sorkhab Packaging to resonate with the calm, grounded essence of nature.
Sorkhab is a small business, and this packaging marked its debut. From the beginning, the client was concerned about costs, so I had to find a balance between quality and affordability. With a limited production run, it was essential to choose methods that allowed for artisanal quality but were still semi-industrial. For this product, an 8-head CNC milling machine was used, optimizing efficiency while preserving artistic integrity.I collaborated with small workshops that specialize in crafting wooden furniture legs, as they often have reclaimed wood available. By using their wood waste, I reduced several costs—such as material transport and intermediary fees—to almost zero. This approach benefited both sides: the workshops could generate revenue from materials that would otherwise go to waste, and Sorkhab achieved a sustainable, cost-effective solution.
Sorkhab contains brow soap that needs to be stored in a closed space, though not airtight. Since wood is a breathable material, the cap naturally integrates with the form without requiring an external mechanism, enhancing the seamless, stone-like shape that fits comfortably in the hand. On the other hand, the magnetic closure adds a sensory layer to the experience. Each time it clicks shut, it produces a satisfying sound, and the feel of wood clicking into place creates a uniquely pleasing tactile and auditory interaction.
In architecture, I learned that understanding the client’s perspective is essential to designing a space they’ll feel at home in. It’s about guiding their way of living to harmonize with the solid walls and materials surrounding them. Anthropology, on the other hand, taught me to think from the viewpoint of a community—not by imposing a perspective, but by living with and empathizing with them to truly understand their needs.For Sorkhab Packaging, I approached the design with a similar mindset. I aimed to connect with individuals who care about their beauty but also prioritize natural materials that are gentle on both nature and their skin. The brow soap within holds brows in the desired position, and it’s easy to rinse off, preventing any potential damage to the brows. This thoughtful combination of form, function, and empathy brings a deeper emotional connection to the product, aligning with users’ values and desires.
For me, the ‘wow’ moment of Sorkhab lies in the continuous line that connects every element—from the initial concept to the form, material, and production method. This seamless integration reflects a clear commitment to sustainable luxury, aligning aesthetics with eco-conscious choices, which I believe strongly resonated with the jury’s evaluation criteria.
When we talk about environmental responsibility in a product, it’s essential to create something familiar, recognizable, and approachable. Traditional materials, with their long-standing history, naturally carry this sense of familiarity. By pairing them with modern manufacturing techniques, we can adapt these materials for contemporary users, addressing current packaging needs while honoring environmental values.
When aiming to evoke the feeling of a river stone in hand, the product’s proportions naturally revealed themselves. My role was simply to refine these dimensions to create a calm and coquettish form that would comfortably rest in the hands of beauty enthusiasts.
When we reach a core idea that truly embodies the design, the journey becomes about nurturing and guiding this idea to its fullest potential. With Sorkhab, I simply observed and supported its evolution, allowing it to shape itself into what it is today. In contemporary design, there’s a mutual respect for the presence of both the object and the creator, fostering a relationship that values sustainability as an integral part of the creative process. I hope Sorkhab serves as an example in the cosmetic packaging industry, showing how deep-rooted, meaningful concepts can inspire sustainable practices.
The research highlighting consumer interest in eco-friendly materials was a pivotal influence on Sorkhab Packaging’s design. Beyond simply choosing wood, I aimed to make each material decision resonate with sustainable values and enhance the product’s natural feel. I selected reclaimed hardwoods to reduce environmental impact, emphasizing a connection to nature that users could feel in the texture and weight of the packaging. I also incorporated modern production techniques, like CNC milling, to optimize efficiency and minimize waste, creating a piece that not only meets eco-friendly expectations but also embodies a timeless, organic aesthetic that aligns with users’ values.
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