Wagamama needed to improve the sustainability credentials of their takeaway packaging. The iconic black bowl's were feeling increasingly outdated as they were difficult to recycle and made from virgin plastic. At the same time, wagamama wanted to improve the customer experience of specific dishes that were being delivered via takeaway, and overhaul the graphics used on their packaging.
The outcome of this project successfully re-defined wagamama's takeaway packaging, utilising an innovative recycled material that removed over 300 tonnes of virgin plastic from their supply chain, drastically cut it's carbon footprint and improved the overall customer experience. The successful rollout was featured in The Times, Fast Company, Design Week, Design Wanted, and also picked up a Silver Pentaward in 2023.
Extensive exploration and experimentation with alternative materials led us to recommend a switch to CPET with a recycled content of 70% as the main material for the range. This was the first time CPET as a material had been used in a 'hot-fill' type application, which required careful consideration to the structure of the packaging itself. With many iterations and failed attempts, we landed on a structure that, combined with a carefully controlled material gauge and distribution, enabled us to use this material for the range.
This, alongside a full re-design of the packaging range, resulted in an improved experience for both customers, restaurant staff and delivery drivers. The successful rollout was featured in The Times, Fast Company, Design Week, Design Wanted and more.
I was project lead for this project whilst in the role of Senior Design Engineer at Morrama.
Research
Concept Design
Sustainable Material Innovation
Design for Manufacture
Engineering
Manufacture Liaison
Designed at Morrama