Pendulum, a probiotic supplement company known for its FDA-approved products featuring proprietary ingredients, sought to align its packaging design with its innovative brand ethos. Partnering with Zenpack, they envisioned a complete reimagining of their packaging system, emphasizing sustainability, functionality, and premium aesthetics. The solution would introduce a permanent, reusable container alongside a refillable system tailored for their subscription-based business. This redesign replaced standard pill bottles with a thoughtful, elegant solution that elevated the customer experience while minimizing environmental impact. Pendulum faced several challenges with their existing packaging system. The reliance on traditional plastic pill bottles clashed with their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The design felt generic and lacked the premium qualities that matched the brand’s scientific precision and health-focused philosophy. Additionally, as a subscription-based company, Pendulum required a packaging system that was functional for recurring use while reducing waste. Their brief to Zenpack was clear: create a packaging solution that would stand out on shelves, offer a superior unboxing experience, and reflect Pendulum’s core values of science, sustainability, and wellness. The redesigned packaging brought a transformative approach to how Pendulum presented its products. The centerpiece of the system was a reusable, petri-dish-inspired container that blended functionality with elegance. Designed to be a permanent fixture in customers’ homes, this slim and durable container not only elevated the unboxing experience but also served as a travel-friendly accessory. To complement the reusable container, Zenpack developed compostable refill packs made from sustainable materials, drastically reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastic bottles. A cohesive visual identity was introduced through a curated color palette and minimalist graphics, reinforcing Pendulum’s premium branding. The new packaging system was delivered in eco-friendly shippers, ensuring the entire lifecycle aligned with Pendulum’s sustainability goals. Redesigning Pendulum’s packaging system presented several key challenges. First, Zenpack needed to balance sustainability with durability, creating a long-lasting container while using compostable materials for refills. The design also needed to reflect Pendulum’s scientific heritage and premium positioning, requiring a visual identity that was both sophisticated and approachable. Finally, achieving consistent Pantone color matching across various materials—such as ABS plastic, Kraft paper, and recycled corrugated board—demanded meticulous attention to production details. Zenpack approached the redesign by focusing on both form and function. After exploring various form factors, they chose a petri-dish-inspired design for the reusable container, evoking the scientific and delicate nature of Pendulum’s products. This elegant design was further enhanced with a soft-touch coating, providing a tactile experience akin to premium accessories. The refill packs were crafted from industrially compostable materials with a Kraft paper outer layer. Soft, neutral print colors were used to complement the container’s modern aesthetic while emphasizing natural simplicity. To streamline the product line, Zenpack developed a systematic graphic approach featuring a curated color palette of grey-blue-purple tones, giving each product a distinct identity while maintaining a cohesive look when displayed as a set. Every detail of the packaging system was meticulously considered, from the easy-tear refill pack openings to the organized stacking inserts in the shippers. The shipper system, made from 100% recycled corrugated board, provided durability and ensured a seamless unboxing experience, reinforcing Pendulum’s commitment to sustainability. The redesigned packaging elevated Pendulum’s brand and customer experience to new heights. The reusable container, designed to last over two years, became a key fixture in customers’ daily lives, offering a travel-friendly and visually appealing solution. The compostable refill packs significantly reduced plastic waste, aligning with Pendulum’s sustainability goals and resonating with eco-conscious consumers. The updated graphic system ensured a cohesive and premium visual identity, while meticulous production processes achieved perfect color consistency across materials and finishes. Customers praised the thoughtful design, with the tactile experience and seamless functionality creating a lasting impression. Pendulum’s packaging redesign exemplifies the power of innovative design to transform a product’s market presence. By combining sustainability, functionality, and premium aesthetics, Zenpack helped Pendulum solidify its position as a leader in the health and wellness industry. This success was further recognized with a Core77 Design Awards Notable in the Packaging Category, showcasing the project’s outstanding impact and creativity.
Pendulum
Reusable Probiotic Packaging: Where Sustainability Meets Elegance
The Problem
The Outcome
Challenges
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