The Chetan Jain Column: Packaging ideas inspired by nature

It is said that nothing in this world is new. Everything is inspired. The ultimate source of this ideation is Nature. From architecture to astrophysics, everyone is inspired by nature. In the packaging industry, both flexible and rigid packaging projects often are influenced by nature. This is called biomimicry. 

It is often noticed that the idea of recycling is complementary to all natural processes. The emulation of such a natural concept gives us the key to taking a leap in the packaging strategy. I am talking about the packaging adaptation in different structures, finishes and processes. 

After spending 17+ years in the flexible packaging industry, I have encountered various projects where the source seems to be influenced. On observing it closely, it is often confused with the concept of semantics. However, it is completely different from this ideology. My article on semantics received quite a readership and I will explain in this article how we have successfully integrated these concepts. I wish to speak on this topic in the coming year as this concept is revolutionary but yet to be assimilated into normal packaging practices.

Ideas that create distinction in packaging can be adopted in different ways. First, It can be implemented in the physical design (forms and function) of the rigid packaged product. You may have seen the bottom half of the beverage bottle which you may easily guess is inspired by the shape of the capsicum. There is a special reference in the capsicum design. It withholds the air pressure inside and offers stability. 

The second example is adopted in honeycomb boards. As we already know, honeycomb is hexagonal. The unique quality of honeycomb is that each hexagon block is covered by the neighbouring block and it provides security and protection. The honeycomb board is used in courier services to provide cushioning to objects. Snakeskin is another example of a buffer used in transportation. 

Third, which is my area of interest, is printing effects inspired by nature. The pearl finish on the shrink sleeve surface is an emulation of the real pearls. Wet finish printing is conceptualised from water on lotus leaves. Sand touch is easily relatable with the pricky leaves and velvety petals, and finally, gloss signifies shiny leaves. 

Apart from these three concepts, closing the loop is another thing sourced from nature. From the creation of a sapling out of seed to a fully grown fruit, the loop continues. We are trying to implement the same in sustainability, emphasising the circularity in packaging. 

Isn’t it exciting to know how our minutest packaging application is coming out of nature? Semantics, however, focuses on relating the product’s packaging with accessories. 

We must explore other scopes of packaging from nature and trust me, the sky would be the limit for this.