_PACKAGING
LOCATION: CANADA / UK
Kusk is a speculative concept that re-thinks cosmetic packaging by using food waste from the local chocolate industry, turning the material into a reusable packaging set for self-care products.
Co-created by material designer Paula Nerlich and industrial designer Thibault Lerailler, Kusk aims to empower consumers to reduce their environmental impact and to care for the planet while also supporting their self-care rituals.
Kusk´s story begins with the circular material COCOA, developed by Nerlich with the goal of eliminating food waste by using it as a resource to create circular biomaterials.
The material COCOA is made of 50 per cent cocoa bean shells, a main by-product of industrial chocolate production, separated from the bean during the roasting process.
(Image Credit: Punctuate Design Studio)
In the global chocolate industry, for every metric ton of dry cocoa beans produced, 10 tons of cocoa bean shells remain as a waste material. This leftover surplus is partly used for gardening, feedstock, and tea, but, in many cases, it is left to rot on the cocoa plantation, which can cause environmental problems such as greenhouse gases.
COCOA follows the concept of a circular economy by looping resources and giving waste further usage. All other ingredients are vegan, biodegradable and non harmful to the environment.
The great thing about COCOA is that the material reflects its origin through colour, texture, and even smells like cocoa beans, offering a multi-sensory experience.
The containers come in 3 sizes and are complemented with a tray (Image Credit: Punctuate Design Studio)
With the growing demand for more sustainability in the cosmetics industry, Kusk provides an alternative solution to help curb single-use plastic packaging waste. Designed to be reusable and refillable, Kusk embraces a sustainable system that revolves around a “refuse, reduce, re-use” philosophy.
The reusable container set comes in 3 sizes and are complemented with a tray.
The containers have lids, are washable, and stackable for easy carrying to take them to a re-fill shop.
Kusk was nominated for the Green Concept Award 2021 and while it is still a speculative concept and the material is still in development, it would be great to see this taken further and be developed into a product range.
It is an impactful new way of delivering products and is on par with the DIY beauty trends. By offering beauty products in attractive, refillable, and reusable packaging, brands can reduce their carbon footprint while giving customers the "keep forever" beauty products they want.
Easy to use and re-fill set of KUSK is perfect for the DIY natural cosmetics trend (Image Credit: Punctuate Design Studio)
Sustainability Advantages
Design for Reuse KUSK is a reusable packaging set for self-care products. It is easy to use and refill.
Design for Biodegradability / Compostability The material COCOA is made of 50 per cent cocoa bean shells, a main by-product of industrial chocolate production, separated from the bean during the roasting process. All other ingredients are vegan and biodegradable.
Repurposing Food Waste The material COCOA follows the concept of a circular economy by looping resources and turning what has previously been waste (leftover surplus from the chocolate industry) into tangible products.