In a brilliant communications campaign, one small brewery made a big impression with their functional packaging design. They introduced their packaging that holds together a six-pack and is created with biodegradable material that also feeds marine life.

It perfectly links sensitivity for the environment without modifying the usual commercialized format of this product.

Packaging Design

The artisanal brewery, Saltwater Brewery from Floria, replaces the traditional plastic rings for a product created with wheat and barley.

The rings represent a threat to the ecosystem because they alter marine life. In the last few years people have shared images of birds, turtles, birds and other wildlife that have suffered the consequences of encountering these packaging products in their environment, including poisoning and strangulation.

This new environmentally friendly packaging design seeks to save marine life. It is created "with bi-products from the fabrication of beer, which instead of killing the animals, feeds them. They are also 100% biodegradable and compostable", according to Saltwater's website.

The material is edible, biodegradable and resistant enough to support the transport of the cans, explained one of the engineers responsible for the new packaging.

Although the rings are just complimentary to the packaging (can) in the strict sense, its design meets two objectives: on one hand is functionality and on the other is communication. It facilitates transport and storage, and moreover it communicates, in this case the company's values and commitment to the ecosystem.

While other brands design reusable packaging clearly in line with the green movement, this concept saves lives. According to the origin of the fish we buy we can find more than vital nutrients, among them toxins, mercury and plastic.

The company indicates that it's a big investment for such a small brewery created for the fishermen, the surfers and those who love the sea. "We hope to influence the big players and inspire more to join".