Let's design your packaging - / eveliomattos Download the tools to design your own packaging - https://idpdirect.com/design-guides/Can packaging made of 90% air actually outperform traditional plastic foams—and still be recyclable and compostable? Sustainable Development Packaging from Woamy should be on your list of trending packaging design materials for 2025.In this episode of Packaging Unboxd, host Evelio Mattos dives into the deceptively simple yet groundbreaking world of sustainable foams with the founders of Woamy. This isn’t your typical “green” material. Woamy has developed a foam that mimics the directional strength of wood, is crafted entirely from FSC-certified cellulose, and is held together with water. No glues. No plastic. Just air and pulp.We unpack how layering this material changes everything from load-bearing strength to flexibility, making it a top contender for replacing EPS, EVA, and other foams. And yes, it’s technically edible (don’t worry, Evelio didn’t eat it on air). The Woamy team shares how they’ve already started replacing protective packaging in luxury products and where they see the most impact for brands that actually care about circular design.3 Things You’ll Learn:1. Why directional strength matters in foam packaging—and how it mimics wood.2. How Woamy achieves high performance with zero plastic and 90% air.3. What to consider when switching from EPS or EVA to recyclable cellulose foam.Mentions & Links:Woamy – https://woamy.com/FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – https://fsc.org/IDP Direct – https://idpdirect.com/LinkedIn (Evelio Mattos) – / eveliomattos

Work with me:Let's design your packaging - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/Download the tools to design your own packaging - https://idpdirect.com/design-guides/Can you build a mass-market brand rooted in culture without crossing the line of appropriation?In this episode, Evelio Mattos talks with Victor Guardiola, co-founder and CEO of Bawi Agua Fresca, about launching a better-for-you beverage brand inspired by traditional Mexican flavors. We dive into the design decisions that made Bawi stand out on shelf, the importance of hiring diverse creative teams, and how to balance cultural authenticity with broad market appeal. This is a masterclass in packaging strategy, brand positioning, and knowing when consumer feedback trumps your gut—or when it doesn’t.

Struggling to make your packaging stand out on crowded shelves? In this episode of Packaging Unboxd, we break down two major redesigns by Chase Design Group—Dorot Gardens, a frozen garlic and herb brand that had to solve the problem of being invisible in the freezer aisle, and Tombstone Pizza, a refresh that modernized the brand while keeping its bold attitude intact. Learn how smart design choices, from color strategy to shelf visibility, can transform a product’s success. Whether you're a designer or launching a CPG brand, this episode delivers insights you can use today.

What will change in 2025 for packaging design and what concerns should brands have? Packaging design is evolving in 2025, listen to 20 top designers breakdown things you need to consider in 2025. Explore the evolving landscape of packaging in 2025 with industry experts like Al Gilbody, Anna Ison, and Dave from Print Design Academy. Discover themes including AI integration, cultural innovation in food packaging, and the rise of sustainable, regenerative, and soluble designs. Learn about the influence of Gen Z aesthetics from Fred Hart, evolving marketing strategies from Sarah Williams, and challenges posed by stringent regulations. With insights from voices like Guillermo Dufranc and Simon Forster, this episode delves into how packaging can transform consumer behavior and contribute positively to the environment, while maintaining creativity and brand storytelling. Designers in this episode include: Simon Forster of Robot-Food Anna Ison of Auros Design Gene Portnoy of Work & Company Al Gilbody of Slice Design Guillermo Dufranc of Tridimage Juan Campdera of Aktiva Fred Hart, Independent Design Consultant Chris Wilson of Stckmn Uwe Melichar of Touch Design Keenan Thompson of Phillip Morris International Matt Hanzly of Enlisted Design Dave Hopkins of Print Design Academy Sarah Williams of Beardwood & Co. Kirk Visola of Mind the Font Andy Kurts of Buttermilk Creative Chris Joscelyn of ButterflyCannon Lisa Cain of Surfit Westrock Vicki Strull, consultant and Evelio Mattos of IDP Direct

Discover the ultimate guide to Costco packaging design in this must-watch episode! Whether you're a designer, brand manager, or entrepreneur, we break down the secrets to designing packaging that meets Costco packaging requirements and sells. Learn how to navigate the unique challenges of club store packaging, from maximizing pallet efficiency to the "5-second, 5-foot rule" for grabbing customer attention. Find out why Costco demands more than just great design—it requires strategic thinking. We'll dive into the essentials of three-side shoppable pallets, the journey of earning a spot on the Costco floor, and how to innovate with sustainable materials like plastic-free packaging. Stay until the end to uncover the biggest missed opportunity in Costco packaging that could transform your approach to how to design packaging for club stores and beyond. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is your go-to resource for mastering Costco packaging requirements.

Trump won, now what? How will his regulations change packaging? Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek dive deep into the implications of political changes on the packaging industry, especially following a significant political event. Their discussion pivots around how key legal and economic shifts are predicted to impact packaging regulations, sourcing, and sustainability practices globally. As the episode unfolds, Evelio and Adam dissect potential regulatory shifts in the United States, emphasizing changes like federal regulations on packaging (EPR) and tariffs. They also explore how such shifts might influence industry activities, from ingredient sourcing to packaging designs. Using comprehensive insights, they explore how increased tariffs and environmental policies could spur changes in the cost and composition of packaging materials. The duo reflects on the possible ramifications of a change in administration policies on sustainable practices and corporate tax rates, urging listeners to prepare for notable expansions and shifts in the industry landscape. About the Guest(s): Evelio is a renowned packaging design expert, with extensive experience in sustainable packaging trends and global manufacturing processes. He is currently Creative Director of IDP Direct, a company integrating innovation in the packaging and design industry worldwide. Adam is a knowledgeable figure in the packaging sector, associated with Myers, a company specializing in paper packaging solutions. Adam has ventured into discussions centering on the industry's evolution in line with political and economic changes. Key Takeaways: Political changes might slow down the federal adoption of packaging-related environmental regulations like EPR, keeping the field at a state level. Tariffs could escalate packaging costs significantly, affecting international corporations and their cost burden, ultimately trickling down to consumers. An increase in recycling and local sourcing might occur as industries adapt to tariff-induced raw material costs and import restrictions. Potential deregulation of health-related products could open new packaging opportunities for innovative markets like psychedelics and nutraceuticals. The packaging sector should anticipate and adapt to various regulatory and economic shifts influenced by new political landscapes. This episode provides deep insights into the intricacies of packaging policies amid political changes. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for a full exploration of how future tariffs and regulations might shape the industry's next chapter. Stay connected for more high-impact discussions on packaging and design dynamics.

Have a Packaging Question? DM here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ In this episode of Packaging Unboxed, host Evelio Mattos explores the transformative power of packaging with Base Design's Geoff Cook and Anthony Franklin. The discussion illuminates how packaging extends beyond mere product protection, serving as a vital component in shaping a brand's identity and engaging its audience on multiple levels. By examining Base Design's comprehensive and world-building approach, the episode provides valuable insights for brands seeking to create cohesive and impactful experiences. Throughout the conversation, Evelio Mattos, along with his guests, delve into the multi-faceted role of packaging in reinforcing brand storytelling and community engagement. They emphasize the importance of consistent visual identity across platforms, discussing how strategic design decisions, such as color and typography, forge memorable brand experiences. Highlighting Base Design's recent work with Bonjournie, the group illustrates how rebranding can renew an institution's image while maintaining its core values, ultimately strengthening its market presence and appeal. The dialogue also touches upon the evolving role of designers within branding agencies. Anthony Franklin reassures that there's a place for lifelong graphic designers who prefer to remain hands-on, emphasizing that career growth can be about honing one’s craft rather than rising up the corporate ladder. This episode serves as a thought-provoking resource for students, agency leaders, and designers seeking to deepen their understanding of brand storytelling and packaging's strategic impact. Guests: Evelio Mattos is the Creative Director at IDP Direct, specializing in high-end packaging for the fashion, tech, and luxury markets. He is also the host of Packaging Unboxed, sharing insights from top designers to provide a deeper look into the creative processes behind brand-defining packaging. Geoff Cook partner at Base Design, an international branding agency. He brings a strategic focus to identity and brand development, working with diverse sectors such as fashion, food, and luxury. His notable projects include rebranding efforts for giants like Apple and H&M. Anthony Franklin is a partner at Base Design, specializing in transforming the brand image for companies across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Anthony has played an instrumental role in rebranding prestigious institutions and aligning them with modern consumer expectations. Key Takeaways: Packaging is more than a protective layer; it is a strategic tool for storytelling and brand identity building. In branding, consistent use of color and design elements across all platforms creates a cohesive and memorable brand experience. Rebranding efforts require a balance between honoring a brand's history and modernizing its image to stay relevant to contemporary consumers. Designers can choose to focus on skill refinement and stay actively involved in creative processes rather than pursuing management roles. Successful brands foster engaged communities by using storytelling to build strong, emotional connections with their audiences. Connect and learn more about Base Design at: https://www.basedesign.com Learn more about IDP Direct at: https://www.IDPdirect.com

Evelio & Adam breakdown the best and worst cereal packaging design so you can elevate your packaging easier.

Evelio Mattos: Evelio Mattos is a seasoned packaging designer with over 15 years of experience working with luxury brands to introduce innovative packaging solutions to the market. He is also recognized for his public speaking engagements worldwide, where he shares insights on improving packaging design.

Adam Peek: Adam Peek has been a prominent figure in the packaging industry for 17 years, engaging in packaging procurement, design, and sales. Adam hosts a podcast dedicated to packaging, conducted a TED talk on the subject, and authored a children's book about packaging, solidifying his role as an influencer in the packaging community.

Join Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek as they delve into the fascinating world of cereal packaging on this episode of Packaging Unboxed. From the supermarket aisles to the intricate design choices made by brands, they explore what makes cereal packaging effective and where there's room for improvement. The conversation transitions from the overwhelming conformity found in cereal aisles to innovative ideas that can break the traditional packaging mold.

Evelio and Adam discuss their recent visits to supermarkets like Kroger and AJ's, and the ubiquitous sea of yellow that dominates the cereal section. They analyze packaging designs of well-known brands, contemplating standout features and missed opportunities for differentiation. With a focus on SEO keywords such as "cereal packaging design," "supermarket aisle strategies," and "consumer engagement," they provide actionable insights for both established brands and new entrants in the cereal market.

• The current state of cereal packaging is largely uniform, with a dominant presence of yellow and similar design templates across brands.
• Innovative packaging ideas, such as more interactive labels or QR codes, can create a competitive edge by enhancing consumer engagement.
• Evaluating other aisles and products for packaging inspiration may reveal opportunities to stand out from the traditional cereal box approach.
• Sustainability and efficiency also play key roles, with a shift towards bulk buying and flexible bags offering potential benefits.
• While strong brand recognition can sometimes overshadow poor design choices, continuous packaging innovation remains crucial for market success.

• "There's a tremendous amount of conformity in the cereal aisle and not a lot of brands that were doing things to stand out." — Adam Peek
• "You really have to consider all these little details because this is what makes your packaging stand out." — Evelio Mattos
• "Why does the brand that's crappy for you have all the fun in the packaging?" — Evelio Mattos
• "Creating shareable moments, creating games, creating all that stuff is already happening." — Adam Peek
• "Getting on shelf isn't the goal. You got to move through a product." — Evelio Mattos

• Adam Peek on TED
• Magic Spoon Cereal
• For an in-depth understanding of sustainable packaging, check GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

Tune into the full episode to explore further insights into cereal packaging and discover how brands can harness creativity and innovation in this competitive space. Subscribe for more thought-provoking episodes from Packaging Unboxed.

Episode Summary:Key Takeaways:Notable Quotes:Resources: